Tackle player burn-out issue, but not at expense of clubs

I WAS at the Tipperary SHC final on Sunday, where 16-year-old Noel McGrath played a starring role in Loughmore-Castleiney’s first success since 1988, only their second in all.

While Noel was doing damage in Semple Stadium, up in Galway young Joe Canning, just out of minor, was notching 3-4 in Portumna’s romp to their second county title in three years.

According to reports, Joe wasn’t even the star of the show, but two years ago in Portumna’s breakthrough year he was, form he maintained all the way to Portumna’s All-Ireland title. His age then? Just a few months older than Noel McGrath.