Category: Desire

Championship defeat can be devastating but we must tread carefully as many are facing bigger internal battles

Posted on by Steven McDonnell

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[…]

Playing the game and not the occasion is key to replicating training ground performance on the big day

Posted on by Steven McDonnell

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

Posted on by Steven McDonnell

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[…]

When it comes to improving skills, players should be jumping in with both feet

Posted on by Steven McDonnell

MOST aspects of our game are coached to us from a very young age and when I say this, I mean the basic skills of the game. We are taught how to toe-tap a ball, how to catch a ball, how to control a ball, how to solo and how to deliver a pass using Read more about When it comes to improving skills, players should be jumping in with both feet[…]

PART 2. From darkness into light: Allstar Ronan McNamee opens up on his battle with depression – CREDIT – Cahir O’Kane, The Irish News

Posted on by Steven McDonnell

“The club was blown up twice in the troubles, they went through a s***load of aches and pains to get out the right side of it. It’s good for a lot more people than me” Ronan McNamee is one of the most interesting and colourful characters on the current playing circuit. In the second part Read more about PART 2. From darkness into light: Allstar Ronan McNamee opens up on his battle with depression – CREDIT – Cahir O’Kane, The Irish News[…]

PART 1. From darkness into light: Allstar Ronan McNamee opens up on his battle with depression – CREDIT – Cahir O’Kane, The Irish News

Posted on by Steven McDonnell

Three weeks ago, Ronan McNamee became Aghyaran’s first ever Allstar. In the first part of an incredibly candid interview, he talks about his journey from the depths of depression and his recovery and the pinnacle of sporting excellence. Cahair O’Kane writes… “Not all those who wander are lost”JRR Tolkien YOU will find that quote tattooed Read more about PART 1. From darkness into light: Allstar Ronan McNamee opens up on his battle with depression – CREDIT – Cahir O’Kane, The Irish News[…]

3 Reasons Why Failure Is The Greatest Skill To Learn From Athletes – Credit – Malcolm Lemmons

Posted on by Steven McDonnell

Athletes who fail over and over, only to eventually succeed, are the ones who resonate the most in our hearts. Athletes have long been known to embody specific traits that can be very useful in various aspects of life. Some of these traits include persistence, grit, confidence and competitiveness. The different skills that athletes naturally Read more about 3 Reasons Why Failure Is The Greatest Skill To Learn From Athletes – Credit – Malcolm Lemmons[…]

The Clash of the Ash – Kilkenny v Tipperary

Posted on by Steven McDonnell

While I played hurling in my underage days, I wont pretend to know a huge amount about the game. What I do appreciate though is the sheer pace and intensity of the games at this particular level. I enjoy watching the games from the semi-final stage on because this is when we witness the elite Read more about The Clash of the Ash – Kilkenny v Tipperary[…]

Mental tips from the man who just made sport’s most incredible comeback – CREDIT – Katie Campbell Spyrka

Posted on by Steven McDonnell

Tim Don was the world’s fastest Ironman athlete when he broke his neck and had four titanium bolts screwed into his skull. Six months later he ran a 2:49 marathon. Here he reveals what it took. It’s October 2017. Tim Don, the fastest Ironman athlete on the planet, is in Kona, Hawaii, ahead of the Ironman Read more about Mental tips from the man who just made sport’s most incredible comeback – CREDIT – Katie Campbell Spyrka[…]

How to become a mentally strong athlete – CREDIT – Julie Blackwood

Posted on by Steven McDonnell

“Get comfortable being uncomfortable” – Jillian Michaels Seek out challenging situations that push you to your limits more often. Spending more time attempting to overcome difficult conditions or opponents in your sport will help you to find a way to come out on top when the odds are against you and when it really matters. “We Read more about How to become a mentally strong athlete – CREDIT – Julie Blackwood[…]