Brian Neeson said there is greater pride when playing for Antrim, but the training/game-time balance is better in soccer

IN an eye-opening interview in this week’s Gaelic Life, Brian ‘Bam’ Neeson reveals why he became another casuality to the pressurised intercounty game.

Neeson juggled soccer and gaelic commitments in 2016 when playing with Carrick Rangers, but at the moment he is fully focused on his career at Cliftonville, although he still lines out for his club St John’s.

While he doesn’t rule out a possible return to Antrim, he says that overtraining has become a serious issue in Gaelic Football, particularly for counties playing in the lower leagues.

“It’s over-worked. With soccer you know that every Saturday you have got a match, whether a league or cup match. You have a got a chance to win four trophies, and you play 50 games depending on how many cup competitions you’re in.

“Whereas in Gaelic, you are playing for a longer season and for a team like Antrim you are only playing around 12 matches. I think it is weird that way.”

Neeson also talks about how kids in north Belfast don’t dream about being Antrim stars, but idolise the likes of Cliftonville’s Joe Gormley, as well as reduced sectarianism in the Irish League and the pressure of paying the bills.

The full interview with Brian Neeson is available in store today or online here.