In hurling, the ‘weak’ are getting stronger

ONE of the great coaching tips to young fellas is “no talking to the fella you’re marking”.

To an eight or nine-year-old this seems peculiarly out of sync with the “enjoy the game, you’ll make great friends out of it” type of spiel. But you get used to it.

You get used to not talking to your opponent and you just get on with the game and talk away when the game is over. You come to the realisation that by talking you’re taking your eye off the ball (metaphorically).