Neil Gallagher has retired from county football, but Pauric Grimes says players in their 30s can still be competitive

In his column in this week’s Gaelic Life, Pauric Grimes provides advice for the players on the wrong side of 30.

He says that there’s no reason for older player to fear losing their place to younger footballers or hurlers.

“As a coach the most important thing we can do for our players is to ensure they are fit selection when the ball is thrown in,” he said.

“So with that in mind it’s imperative we find the balance between work load and recovery for our older players.

“Asking a 20-year-old college student to do three weights sessions, two pitch sessions, and to play a game every week is no bother. He could do that in a day.

“Asking a 30-year-old with a young family, a full time job and a ham string injury from last year which hasn’t cleared up yet is as different proposition.”

Read Pauric Grimes’s advice for the older player in the current issue of Gaelic Life. Click here to buy the online edition.