Top GAA stars at risk from binge drinking, study finds

The survey found 96% of footballers and hurlers admitted to being current drinkers, of which 93% engaged in binge drinking – consuming six or more standard drinks in one sitting. Picture: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Top GAA stars are in danger of consuming harmful levels of alcohol, as a new medical study shows inter-county players are more prone to binge drinking than their peers, while a third feel there is a harmful alcohol culture within the GAA.

Researchers found three-quarters of GAA players, who were regular drinkers, showed signs of “adverse alcohol use” while two-thirds had experienced alcohol-related harm within the previous 12 months.