Kane backs Hughes for All-Star


By Michael McMullan KILCOO goalkeeper Niall Kane has backed Armagh number one Blaine Hughes to pick up an All-Star after his performances on the Orchard County’s march to Sam Maguire. Speaking on the Gaelic Lives podcast this week, Kane hailed Hughes’ consistency. Alongside Gaelic Life columnist Patrick Morrison, he discussed how the Armagh ’keeper played […]


PATRICK MORRISON: Levelled progression – part two


By Patrick Morrison IT is the role of the goalkeeping coach to ensure that the goalkeeper is developing in a positive fashion. They must be able to understand the abilities of the goalkeepers they work with as well as being able to recognise their limitations. Once the coach understands these then they can decide what […]


PATRICK MORRISON: Go for the gap


By Patrick Morrison ALL goalkeepers want to improve. It doesn’t matter what age, level or reason for playing as a goalkeeper, we all want to feel as if we are becoming better ‘keepers on a weekly basis. Any goalkeeper that is serious about their position will always strive to reach the pinnacle of their ability. […]


PATRICK MORRISON: Adopt your viking mindset


By Patrick Morrison LAST year, I read an article by fellow Gaelic Life columnist Gareth Fox. The content of the article was focused on character and how a person can develop the character they wish to have. Gareth explained that those people who are seen to have a strong character are usually the people that consistently […]


PATRICK MORRISON: Stop shot stopping


By Patrick Morrison WHENEVER I am coaching goalkeepers around the country, there are six main goalkeeping areas that I will coach them in. These six areas are, in my opinion, the main areas involved within the goalkeeping position and incorporate every possibility that a goalkeeper may face during competitive games. My six goalkeeping areas are […]


PATRICK MORRISON: Don’t chase – incentivise


By Patrick Morrison IN the 1968 Olympics Games in Mexico City, the final of the men’s high jump event took place on Sunday 20th October. As the athletes competed and vied for their ultimate Olympic goal by the end of the event only three competitors remained. Valertin Gavrilov of the Soviet Union, Ed Caruthers from […]


PATRICK MORRISON: Make sure you deliver


By Patrick Morrison SUNDAY, June 1 1997, the Chicago Bulls are hosting the Utah Jazz in Game One of the NBA Finals. The Jazz are appearing in their first ever NBA finals whereas the Bulls are going for their fifth title in seven years. Game one is a pivotal game especially for the team that […]


PATRICK MORRISON: Get your feet right


WHENEVER I am coaching, one of the most common questions I am asked is ‘what is the most important aspect of being a goalkeeper?’ My answer is always the same. There is no one aspect that is more significant than any other as mastery of the position needs a competent level of ability in all goalkeeping […]


IN FOCUS: Ethan Rafferty – the evolution of the fly goalkeeper


Two former net-minders examine Ethan Rafferty’s role as Armagh’s fly-goalkeeper. Shaun Casey writes… THE role of the goalkeeper is constantly evolving and in the modern game of tactical innovation, systems and patterns of play, Ethan Rafferty has taken the netminder’s job to another level. The sharpshooter turned shot stopper has been a huge asset for […]


Patrick Morrison – Growth season, not off-season


WE are now on the mouth of Christmas and with the majority of teams now on their extended rest period, it means that for the majority of players, the season has ended and their so called ‘off-season’ begins. This sees players going from training three to five sessions per week down to one to two […]