Is too much being asked of our GAA players?

Finally one of the GAA’s core issues — teenage player burnout — is getting a proper airing. Is the organisation ready to address a problem that’s literally eating away its future? Writes Eoghan Cormican.

Tony Browne’s advice to a greenhorn Noel Connors was straightforward. Unless the body is 100% right, don’t bother turning in the gate to training. Connors paid no heed. The 18-year old had just been called onto the Waterford senior panel. Whatever it took to get and remain centre-stage, he was willing.

Kevin Reilly sought out his deputy principal. Sean Boylan had phoned to request the 18-year old link up with the Meath senior football squad for the 2005 campaign. The dream. Colm O’Rourke didn’t provide the congratulatory response Reilly was expecting. The two-time All-Ireland medal winner was adamant his student wasn’t ready for life at the top-table. Reilly paid no heed.