The hardest thing in Irish sport: Dave Matthews on the transition from underage to senior set-up

'Going from a good junior or minor - depending on the sport - to adult ranks is huge because no matter how talented you are as a kid, ultimately we’re judged on how we perform as an adult'

Former Cork hurling team physical trainer Dave Matthews: 'I’ve been blessed to be able to see some of the great sports stars up close and in person but my admiration for jockeys is huge'. Picture: Dan Linehan

In his running days Dave Matthews faced the ultimate test, lining up in the Olympic Games, and as a coach he was involved when Cork reached the All-Ireland hurling final in 2013.

Drawing from those varied experiences, Matthews sees the “biggest challenge” in Irish sport as one common to several codes.