Not right for GAA to demand such effort at exam time

While attending a prize-giving at an all girls’ grammar school in Belfast recently, I was astonished at the exam results.

Girls who had received three Grade As in their A-levels were just about scraping a prize. The top of the list was dominated by pupils who had received a plethora of A stars (whatever they are).

When one of the award winners received her trophy, the man-with-the-mike noted she also played soccer for Northern Ireland. Evidently, she was one of the few top achievers who combined studies with sport. Think now of your average county minor. He will spend September to February training with his school team. When that competition is over, he’ll hook up with the county minors.