Wish you were here...

Collective training existed before in the GAA, but it was never like this. The Cork and Tipperary hurlers went to warm-weather camps in Spain and Portugal, Kerry the same. Michael Moynihan put on the sunscreen and investigated

ALAN BROWN’S 20 years in Italy didn’t prepare him for the Irish invasion. When the affable Englishman set up Browns Club in Villamoura, Portugal, he envisaged rugby clubs and soccer teams availing of the lavish pitches and gymnasium. He’s used to the O’Neill’s balls and flying sliotars now.

“Sometimes it’s as if we should put the Irish flag out,” says Brown. “Kerry have come for three years, Waterford, Tipperary, Roscommon, Meath, Mayo... a couple of years ago both All-Ireland finalists, Kerry and Mayo, had been to Browns. That showed how helpful it was.”