Maurice Brosnan: Eight observations from the National Football League

Hands above your head as Mayo make fascinating moves while cranky managers fill the void when we should surely be hearing from the players  

PRODUCT OF HIS ENVIRONMENT: Galway’s Cein D'Arcy is tackled by Conor O’Donnell of Donegal. Pic: INPHO/Ben Brady

Nature versus nurture. What matters more? The sports science industry has invested endless hours into understanding what it takes to develop top talent. What makes top talent.

Céin D’Arcy was a decent player for Pádraic Joyce when the Galway legend first took over. He played in nine games across the 2020 FBD League, National Football League and championship. He scored two points, he was a decent kickout option, he started the Connacht final against Mayo before being taken off after 23 minutes. That was it. Until January 2024, he didn’t play again.