Managers ‘more in tune with players’ needs’

IMPROVING communications between team managers is one of the keys to avoiding player burnout, agrees young Tipperary hurler Shane McGrath.

Facing into his second season and hoping to consolidate his position, he is one of many who in recent months have been juggling commitments to third-level colleges — in his case Limerick IT — and inter-county teams.

Factor in an involvement at U21 level (although not in his case any longer) and it’s easy to understand how hurlers and footballers in this age bracket face huge physical demands, between training, playing and travel. And, there’s also the small matter of attending to their studies!