Fr Tom envisages bigger role for club chaplains

A leading GAA figure has called for chaplains to become part of the make-up of the inter-county backroom team. Former Offaly and Tipperary hurling boss, Fr Tom Fogarty, believes chaplains can play a key role in dealing with “crisis situations” within a squad.

He also believes Ireland lags behind both England and America in recognising the link between sport and spirituality. Fr Fogarty said inter-county players are often weighed down by personal matters outside the field of play but have no one to turn to for guidance or comfort.

“If you look at what Tyrone football manager Mickey Harte went through in the last number of years, losing key players such as Paul McGirr and Cormac McAnallen.