Christy O'Connor: Nobody has played through the pain barrier more than Stephen Bennett

A decade ago, hip problems became an epidemic among GAA players

PAIN GAME: Waterford hurler Stephen Bennett underwent hip surgery twice before he turned 21. Pic: Daire Brennan/Sportsfile

By the time that Donegal were getting ready to throw in against Tyrone in last year’s opening round robin game in Ballybofey, Luke Keaney wasn’t in the state for much more than throwing himself in front of a TV and trying to keep his eyes open. Keaney was broken up from the gruelling ordeal of having just finished stage four of the Rás Tailteann, from Ennis to Mountrath.

He was well detached from the action but Keaney still had as much emotional investment as any Donegal supporter. He shared countless journeys from Dublin to Donegal training with Michael Murphy. Keaney used to share a house with Hugh McFadden and Eoghan Ban Gallagher. He's good friends with the Kilcar crew, Paddy McBrearty, Ryan and Eoin McHugh.