Hip operations are a growing problem for GAA players 

The GAA has reported a large spike in the number of claims for hip operations among minor football and hurlers. A total of 77 teenage footballers and hurler last year made applications via the players insurance scheme compared to 19 in 2013, 20 in 2012, five in 2011 and 10 in 2010.

In that five-year span, claims in total have increased dramatically by almost 230%.

In 2013, the GAA’s risk and insurance manager Sinead Leavy said the rise in the number of players in their early to mid 20s seeking operations on two hips was “concerning”. That number wasn’t as high last year.