The GAA Social Podcast
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Author: Steven McDonnell
Steven McDonnell: GAA will lose out by trying to quell competitive spirt
The year was 1988, the game was in Forkhill and our opponents were Cullyhanna. I was eight years old and this was the first ever football final that I participated in. I was also left half back in those days. I’m now 43 years old and I still have a vivid memory of playing in Read more about Steven McDonnell: GAA will lose out by trying to quell competitive spirt[…]
The Free-Kick Revival
A huge debt of gratitude will be owed to Seán O’Shea and Rian O’Neill in years to come. Both of these guys have demonstrated to the whole country in high-octane moments the importance of having a reliable free-taker capable of putting the ball over the bar when everything is at stake.I have long been an Read more about The Free-Kick Revival[…]
Ulster newcomers reaping major rewards from minor success
BACK in my minor playing days, when the age grade was under 18 – which should never have changed – I was very lucky to be involved in a successful Killeavy team that won two championships in a row. We had a great crop of players that played together from U10 level, up through all Read more about Ulster newcomers reaping major rewards from minor success[…]
Championship defeat can be devastating but we must tread carefully as many are facing bigger internal battles
Sport can sometimes be cruel and the feeling of hurt and emptiness you experience at the hands of defeat is one of the worst feelings ever. I know this, because right now I am feeling that pain. I’m not alone though as the length and breadth of the country, there are teams being eliminated from their Read more about Championship defeat can be devastating but we must tread carefully as many are facing bigger internal battles[…]
Mayo will have plenty to fear from Tyrone’s ‘Mentality Monsters’
Jürgen Klopp once labelled his Liverpool team “Mentality Monsters”. On the evidence of what we witnessed in Croke Park on Saturday evening, the exact same could be said of Tyrone. They took the mother of all beatings against Kerry just 10 weeks ago in a National League match, and in the build-up to this game, Read more about Mayo will have plenty to fear from Tyrone’s ‘Mentality Monsters’[…]
What do forwards need to do to get proper protection?
I’ve seen it often enough as a spectator and manager and have been on the receiving end of it numerous times as a player. But how many times do we see a forward getting sent off for lashing out at his opponent, having not received any type of protection from officials, which include umpires, linesmen Read more about What do forwards need to do to get proper protection?[…]
More big game experience will only benefit current Orchard crop
About two miles outside of Clones you start to notice the cars parked alongside the road. That feeling of excitement and nervous tension starts to creep in. You try to keep the journey from the Westenra Hotel in Monaghan to Clones as light-hearted as possible, but this is the moment when things start to get Read more about More big game experience will only benefit current Orchard crop[…]
Playing the game and not the occasion is key to replicating training ground performance on the big day
I have often seen it with teams I have been involved in, both as a player and as a manager, the guy that is exceptional in training but for some reason finds it difficult to replicate it on match day. There are many reasons why we train but the main one has to be geared Read more about Playing the game and not the occasion is key to replicating training ground performance on the big day[…]
Training ground battles made me sharper for challenge of the Championship
As a player, you are always trying to find that edge that adds something different to your game. Being a forward all my career and particularly an inside forward, I found that working on your speed work in the summer months always gave me that platform to play and think a bit sharper. I’m a Read more about Training ground battles made me sharper for challenge of the Championship[…]