Babs Keating: The GAA are divorcing themselves from the older generation

Michael 'Babs' Keating's passion for hurling is undimmed, but he doesn't recognise lots about the association he gave his life to

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT: Cliona's foundation CEO Brendan Ring, patron Miriam O'Callaghan and former Tipperary hurler Michael 'Babs' Keating pictured at the launch of the GPA Legends Lunch in association with Cliona's foundation at Croke Park in Dublin. Four legends of the game will be honoured on 26th August. Pic: Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

These days, Babs Keating’s routine is easily defined and clearly mapped out. He has spent the last three months at his mobile home in Burrow Park in Rosslare, just 150 yards from the sea. Every morning at 8.30am, Keating will stroll through the Rosslare golf club before going for a swim during the high tide, repeating the ritual again every evening, staying in the Irish Sea for close to an hour each time.

The cool water is like a soothing balm to an aching body and creaking limbs. In the last few years, Keating has had nine operations on his shoulder, which he wrecked in a fall, but his body has taken a pounding from some of life’s hardest punches. During his first visit to Dr Pat O’Neill to assess his shoulder, O’Neill noticed a black ring in the middle of Keating’s back, which proved to be a cancerous melanoma.