Noel McGrath to undergo cancer surgery

It is not unusual for club and inter-county players diagnosed with chronic illnesses to first approach the GAA in seeking help, a leading official revealed.

It emerged yesterday Tipperary hurler Noel McGrath is to undergo surgery for testicular cancer tomorrow and the GAA’s health and community manager Colin Regan says players suffering from serious illnesses often feel more comfortable contacting the organisation than visiting their local GP. Regan referenced the ‘Cork Beats Stress’ programme rolled out in 2014 as proof positive of the stigma that still exists in attaining help through the traditional channels.

“We would regularly receive communication from individuals who have been diagnosed with serious illnesses or often from their family members or loved ones who are just looking for support, advice and guidance,” Regan disclosed.