When I bumped into an old friend last Friday evening, he recounted a story which will be depressingly familiar to many readers.

Exactly a decade ago, I was in Ballinascreen on the day Eoin Bradley broke his leg playing for Derry in the Dr McKenna Cup.

A few years ago I read a column by a sports journalist who recalled the night he got locked into a GAA ground.

“Until the countdown to an event we are obliged to adhere to social conditioning even to the extent of chatting to the timekeeper, officials or other riders.

Ghost-writing a Gaelic footballer’s autobiography can be a daunting task and the horrific experience suffered by one journalist a few years ago provides a lasting reminder of how it can all go horribly wrong.

I was at a function recently with a few people and we bumped into Anthony Tohill, the four-time All Star and All-Ireland medallist. Tohill stands 6ft 4ins tall.

It’s not well known, but hurling and football are two of the most potent aphrodisiacs on the planet.

I was talking to a man last Friday and he said something that brings a smile to my face every time I’ve thought about it since.

Sky Sports. Maybe it’s just me, but whenever I see those two words, a large, neon-lit ‘£40’ immediately flashes inside my head.

In response to the AFL sending an aboriginal International Rules squad to Ireland, the GAA has been presented with a wonderful opportunity to respond in kind.