DECLAN McCOY: The imitation game


GAELIC football is gradually moving towards a reset in the fundamental make up of teams. We have two points to consider in this regard. Firstly, the standard programme lays out the 15 players in the traditional structure. They consist of a ‘keeper, six defenders, two midfielders and six forwards. I can’t for the life of […]


STEVEN POACHER: The second half: it’s a new game


HOW many games can you recall where a team has struggled in the first half and after a half-time interval have come out a completely different side and you wonder to yourself, what went on in that changing room? We have all heard of famous inspirational half times in the past where medals and heads have […]


PAUDIE KISSANE: Consistency is key to coaching


By Paudie Kissane THE GAA season is already moving along at rapid pace and it’s a surreal feeling realising the inter county provincial campaigns are only a few weeks away with the very competitive National Leagues reaching an exciting conclusion. There has never been more exposure of our games on TV and there have been […]


PATRICK MORRISON: Playing away


By Patrick Morrison THE Havamal is the Book of Viking Wisdom and the word itself means “sayings of the high one.” It is written as one single poem from a collection of poems and offers advice for living, proper conduct, wisdom as well as having both practical and philosophical guidance. There is a phrase in […]


PAURIC GRIMES: Stop kicking the can down the road


I WAS at a careers fair in my old school during the week. It was a pleasure to be back roaming through the walls of a place that had such a big impact on my life. I enjoyed school. I enjoyed the craic. I enjoyed the opportunities it presented, the relationships it forged and the shared […]


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 […]


PAURIC GRIMES: An ideal period for a fitness reset


THE pancakes will have been ate, the forehead crossed and the Lenten period kicked off. Now I’ll hold my hands up and say I’m not the most religious of folk, wouldn’t be a great attendee of mass and truth be told it’s not something that’s really on my radar currently. But, and there’s always a […]


PAUDIE KISSANE: Something has to be done to ease burnout


CONSIDERING the time of year with third level competitions near completion, player welfare or burnout is to the forefront of much discussion. It’s interesting at inter county level we have some players who in January and February, will have their most congested games schedule. In contrast we have other panel players who were in pre-season […]


PATRICK MORRISON: Look after your gloves


EVERYWHERE I go whenever I am coaching goalkeepers; I am always asked about what gloves I think are the best to use. What is the best make, the best cut or what is the best fit. In reality there is no perfect pair of gloves that is best for everyone. Just like every goalkeeper is different, […]


PAURIC GRIMES: Reach out and unburden yourself yourself 


WE got a letter home in my little man’s school bag last Friday telling us that it would be mental health awareness this week coming in. That coincidentally synced up with a guest speaker on my podcast – ‘Are You Well?’ – who is a full-time councillor and currently doing a master in Wellness on […]