JOHN McMAHON: The life of a modern GAA player


EVER wondered how much time a ‘modern’ GAA player dictates to their sport? The time they invest to be at the top of their game? Below I have outlined some of these demands our GAA players face and the time they invest. I believe it’s worth reminding ourselves & be mindful of the commitment & sacrifice our […]


SHANE RICE: Maximising performance: recovery techniques


RECOVERY is a crucial aspect of athletic performance, especially for Gaelic footballers who endure intense physical demands on the field. In the modern era, there isn’t much between the intensity of high level club teams and inter-county setup. Implementing effective recovery techniques can not only accelerate post-match or post-training recovery but also enhance overall performance and […]


PATRICK MORRISON: Should I stay or should I go?


By Patrick Morrison THIS week, I was invited onto the Gaelic Life podcast ‘Gaelic Lives.’ The show was hosted by Michael McMullan and also involved ex-Derry player Gerard O’Kane, both of this stable. We mainly discussed the NFL finals that involved Ulster teams while also discussing the phenomenon of warm weather training camps and their […]


DECLAN McCOY: Breaking down the low block


WE are currently slap-bang in the middle of the GAA jargon evolution. Terms like ‘move the ball quickly,’ ‘keep your width’ and ‘get men behind the ball’ have been replaced by ‘transitions,’ ‘tips’ and ‘low block.’ I have even found myself using such terminology and I die a little inside each time I do. The […]


PATRICK MORRISON: Rethink your restarts


By Patrick Morrison “IF you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a 100 battles. If you know yourself but not your enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.” This is […]


STEVEN POACHER: Kicking is the key to success


IF you go to a coaching course looking for ideas on developing the punt pass you will be extremely disappointed as there is very limited material or ideas for coaches regarding the punt pass. If you go to a coaching course or witness a sample session you will see multiple games and drills that use the […]


JOHN McMAHON: Putting it all together


IN the last 10 years the evolution of sports science and information in Gaelic games and how teams prepare and recover has improved greatly. However, with all this information available for coaches and players on this can in fact be sometimes very overwhelming. The consultation work I do with clubs and organisations helping them to fit the […]


PATRICK MORRISON: Deepening the well


By Patrick Morrison WE all know the importance of the goalkeeper position and how it has become one of, if not the most important positions on the field of play. With that said, the goalkeeping position should then also be one of, if not the most, important position to develop for your club and county. […]


STEVEN POACHER: Planning is everything


I HAVE been asked the same question on numerous occasions recently by people who are getting into coaching for the very first time, particularly at underage level, and it is very simply ‘have you any advice for me?’ Well, apart from buying yourself some very thick skin and a crash helmet, I always reiterate the […]


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. […]