Hurling gladiators must prioritise rest over relaxation as relentless schedule leaves no time for craic
This certainly cannot be said of the Munster hurling championship, as once again last weekend it gave us all we hoped for and more. All boxes were ticked - atmosphere, intensity, drama and some brilliant hurling displays.
Are we seriously expecting more of the same again a week later? Yes, yes we are.
The Colosseum served as a powerful symbol of Roman power and entertainment, attracting vast crowds and offering a range of thrilling and often bloody spectacles.
Hurling fans attending matches this weekend at Walsh Park and Páirc Uí Chaoimh will have similar expectations, minus perhaps the lust for actual death. We're not at the point where we are literally calling for heads, but are we right to expect so much from these modern-day gladiators?
Recently I asked some inter-county players what their Monday after championship Sunday in the round-robin looks like. Recovery is the main thing. Recovery hubs and physio visits result in many taking the Monday off work, with some understanding bosses to allow them to do so.
I recall taking Mondays off after championship games during my own time, but the recovery back then was in the form of elbow stretches in a public house. We lived for those days out as a group. Even better if there was a cup for company, but it was all about the enjoyment of the group. Some of the best memories I have from my time with Tipp came from those bonding sessions.
Nowadays there simply isn't the time for this. There is barely the time for players to get a pizza or a greasy bag of chips afterwards and I'd be confident the majority would not want it in their system either just in case it jeopardised preparation for the following week.
This is where I really do feel for the modern player. Sure they get to play in front of packed stadiums and get all the plaudits that go with it, but those days represent a tiny percentage of the work and commitment they give to get to that 75 minutes on game day.
I was involved with the University of Limerick in their Fitzgibbon Cup campaign this year and I got a real flavour of the culture among elite young hurlers. They are great ambassadors for our game on and off the pitch, but I can't help but feel the craic away from the field of play is lacking.
Only one team gets to win each year and I think any players pictured having a few drinks gets blown out of all context. The GAA culture appears so anti-drink, especially compared to sports such as rugby.
All-Star trips are great at fostering that sense of community among opposing inter-county players, but only a select group of hurlers experience those getaways.
I would love to see the day where, similar to rugby, both teams come together post-match and share some form of beverage. Rivalries cast aside, it would allow players to meet the human inside the helmet, to share stories and shake hands. It would be a sign of respect.
It might seem crazy, but maybe referees could even pop down and have a chat with the players, talk about what they got right and maybe what they got wrong but in a safe environment, once again creating that human connection between all. It would also serve to benefit the on-field relations between officials and players alike.
The longevity of hurling careers will reduce due to the intensity of these games and the time between them.
Finally, I'm repeating myself here, but the championship simply must go back to a May start. It felt all wrong being down in Nowlan Park last week and looking down at the date reading 19 April.
Easter should not be for championship, it should be for egg and the resurrection of Jesus, not the comeback of Nickie Quaid!
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RTÉ News
24 minutes ago
- RTÉ News
FAI Cup preview: Big sides set for early FAI Cup exit ahead of quarter-finals
After all the excitement of the midweek European action, the focus turns to the FAI Cup last 16 with eight games taking place tonight, and over the weekend. And yet, there remains a continental theme to tonight's game as the competition offers a viable route into Europe, especially with the league proving so competitive once again this season. Four wins is all it will take for one of the remaining sides to secure that coveted place, and some big teams are set to tumble this weekend with eight top-flight sides drawn against each other, while at least two First Division teams will be in the draw for the quarter-finals. Two of those all-Premier Division ties take place this evening with Sligo Rovers and Bohemians going head-to-head, while Cork City take the short hop east to face neighbours Waterford. Contrasting seasons in the league for the Sligo and Bohs with the two teams sitting second from bottom and second from top respectively, however, the three games between the two sides have been competitive. Sligo have only taken one point from Bohs but they will bring a strong element of confidence into this one despite coming into the game off back-to-back defeats. John Russell's side looked to be really improving last month and will welcome the distraction of the cup to start to build momentum for a vital league run in. And the manager also sees a great opportunity for the side to remain in the competition going into the business end of the season. "It's a massive opportunity for both sides", said Russell. "You have four top-flight teams that are guaranteed to be knocked out this weekend and if you can make it through, with a bit of luck you might find yourself with a decent draw in a quarter-final. "We are yet to beat Bohs this season but all three games between us have been extremely tight. I expect Friday will be just as competitive. "We're looking for a more settled performance. We know we have more than enough in us to get through and of course Bohs will be very strong at home. "I don't like the old cliches and that anything can happen. You need to be properly prepared and you need to make happen, what you want to happen. "I have huge belief in this group and this a big opportunity for them. It's not a secret around Sligo that we would dearly love to go far in this competition this year." Jad Hakiki is Sligo's only injury concern, struggling with a hamstring injury, while defender Paddy McClean is available after his recent red card was rescinded. Cork City are another Premier Division side that will welcome the change of scene as they go on the road to the RSC to face Waterford. The relegation-threatened Turner's Cross outfit, like Sligo, have looked a lot stronger in recent weeks, and while league survival remains the main objective, they will also look to take confidence into tonight's game. Waterford will be buoyed by a recent victory over their Munster rivals, however, they have proved inconsistent this season and are unlikely to challenge for a top-three place in the league. The cup looks like their best route to success this season with defeat potentially making for a long, laborious, and fruitless, end to the campaign. Galway United are one of the two Premier Division sides to be handed lower league opponents, however, it should be a lively affair at Eamonn Deacy Park as a derby game awaits against one-time league side Salthill Devon. The Galway outfit, who currently ply their trade in the Galway & District League, have given up home advantage to take the tie to Terryland – they have won their respective title for the past four years. United showed promise early on in the league, however, they are in danger of getting dragged into a relegation battle, and anything other than a comfortable victory tonight could further damage confidence ahead of the run-in. The other two ties tonight sees four second-tier sides going head-to-head for attractive quarter-final action later in the competition. Bray Wanderers will be making the 530km round journey to Finn Park for the second time in 12 days to face Finn Harps, and are boosted by the news that defender Harvey Warren, midfielder Jamie Ryan and on-loan winger Matthew Britton have all resumed first-team training. But midfielder Sean Brennan and striker Danú Kinsella Bishop are both doubts. "It should be an exciting Cup tie with both sides fancying their chances to progress to a Quarter Final" said coach Paul Heffernan. "We know all about what Finn Harps are going to bring to the game. But we are more focused on ourselves, and we need to make sure we perform to our level." Cobh Ramblers' season is still very much alive as they look to rein in Dundalk at the top of the First Division, and it could get even better by securing a quarter-final berth. However, they face a much-improved Kerry side and it should be a competitive affair as the Mounthawk Park outfit will have a real go as they look to make it through to the last eight for the first time in their history. Kerry knocked Cobh out of the cup last season away from home and will be looking to repeat the feat on their home turf tonight. Colin Healy's side will be without Sean McGrath, Ryan Kelliher and Nathan Gleeson through injury, while Daniel Okwute is suspended, and Ewan Lee is cup-tied, having played for UCC in the first round. Tim-Oliver Hiemer is nearer to a return after a broken finger, and Luke Palmer has returned to training after an ankle injury. "I'm sure there will be a buzz in Mounthawk Park," said Healy. "The fans will be in full voice, and we are all looking forward to it. "It's a special cup. You have a chance to go to the Aviva, which is amazing. The players are looking forward to it, I'm looking forward to it, and hopefully it will be a good night for everybody." There is one game up for decision on Saturday as Derry City host Drogheda United at the Ryan McBride Brandywell. One of the cup favourites will bow out at the holders take on the Premier Division's third-placed team, and another will follow on Sunday as outgoing league champions Shelbourne face off in a Dublin derby against St Patrick's Athletic. Shamrock Rovers Longford on Sunday evening.
RTÉ News
25 minutes ago
- RTÉ News
Shels star Gargan: Rovers rematch feels like Cup final
Women's FAI Cup holders Shelbourne continue the defence of their title this weekend, and their date with rivals Shamrock Rovers is easily the plum tie of the round. Shels knocked out the Tallaght side in dramatic circumstances at the same stage last season and Reds' midfielder Jess Gargan has no problem acknowledging this Friday night kick-off represents the latest round of a brooding Dublin rivalry. "It feels massive and I think it probably stems from last year," Gargan told RTÉ Sport earlier this week. "It was a midweek game, nearly went to extra time, but we got a late goal at the end. We were down to 10 players, Pearl [Slattery] got sent off. It almost felt like a cup final – that's our memories from last year going into this week." Shelbourne have been to four straight WFAI Cup finals and are currently sitting on a 50-50 return for that run with two wins in 2022 and 2024 entwined with a pair of defeats, first in 2021 to Wexford Youths, and a 2023 loss to Athlone on penalties. However, there's something about a Shels-Rovers rematch that provokes that unique Cup feeling. Straight knockout situation. Win or go home. No grey areas here. "Even though it's a quarter final, we're probably treating it like a final. I think you have to treat every game like a final at this stage," Gargan added. "At the start of the season they have one up on us, they beat us in the league so I think we have a point to prove this week. "It's always been a tough game against Rovers, whether it's League, whether it's Cup, even the All-Island Cup last year as well, they beat us in. So, we know it's going to be a tough game, but we're really looking forward to it." Shelbourne are currently looking down at the rest from atop the league table with European heroes – and finalists in three straight Cup deciders – Athlone Town hot on their heels. That leaves some of the expected heavyweights of the Women's League Of Ireland languishing somewhat in mid-table obscurity. Peamount United, league winners in the inaugural 2011-12 season and four times overall (most recently just two season ago), currently sit in eighth position. Rovers – late to the WLOI party, but not short of financial clout – are in sixth spot. That might suggest Friday's meeting means more to the Tallaght women in terms of opportunities for silverware. But either way, it's seems increasingly clear that Shels-Rovers is becoming one of the most interesting rivalries in the women's game. Gargan, having worn the colours of both, is perfectly placed to pinpoint the rivalry's origins. "It probably stems from the fact that, when when Rovers came into the league, a good few of us went to Rovers. So that created that rivalry," Gargan explained. "Obviously, we're two Dublin teams as well, but the rivalry was created pretty soon when they came into the league. So from the get go, it was there. "To be fair, a lot of teams that play against us, for one reason or another, always want to beat us. Which is a compliment to us. Teams always show up against us as well. "We're looking forward to it. You want to be playing in these big games, games that are tight and that are going to be back and forth. "They're more exciting for us. It's better than playing against a team that sits back for 70, 80 minutes. When two teams are going at it, it's good for people to watch."
Irish Daily Mirror
8 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Pat Spillane blasts major GAA decision as an 'embarrassment' and an 'insult'
Pat Spillane, in his thoughts on the 2025 season, has called the GAA's decision to host the jubilee team celebrations before the All-Ireland finals an 'embarrassment' and an 'insult'. The Kerry legend is still involved in the media . He wrote a typically entertaining column in the Sunday World and voiced his opinion on several issues. Among them was the jubilee team celebration. Each year, the winning All-Ireland team from 25 years ago is invited to Croke Park to celebrate their achievement. However, the GAA has changed the running order in recent years, with the jubilee team now presented to the crowd before the game rather than at half-time. "Having the presentation of the jubilee team in front of a couple of thousand people is an embarrassment and an insult," Spillane wrote in his column. He also criticised the organisation for their pre-final entertainment, saying the NFL will pull out all the stops for their game in Dublin this September. "America's NFL will be here in a couple of months. They're going to take over Dublin for the week. They're going to have street parties. They're going to have fan zones. They're going to have marching bands. They're going to have a festival of American football in Dublin for the week," he wrote. "Surely to God, when it comes to the All-Ireland senior football final and the All-Ireland senior hurling final, the GAA could up its game? Instead, it's a box-ticking exercise. They're going through the motions." The decision to change the jubilee presentation pre-match has drawn criticism in some quarters, with Offaly requesting that their 1998 team be presented at half-time. Kilkenny were honoured before this year's final, and the ceremony made headlines after DJ Carey's name was booed pre-match. Carey's name was met with jeers and boos from the crowd as it was read out under an hour before throw-in. The Croke Park stadium announcer said of the nine-time All-Star winner: "Full forward DJ Carey from the Young Irelands. He scored 1-4 on the day, claiming his third All-Ireland of five in total and he would end the year with the eighth of his nine All-Star awards. DJ is not with us today." The five-time All-Ireland winner recently pleaded guilty to 10 counts of defrauding a number of people out of money while pretending he had cancer.
