Superstars of any training camp are the medical team

Though it’s not very scientific, boisterous daytime banter is the best measurement of any successful training camp, writes Edward Coughlan

The decision to go on a training camp is not one to be taken lightly. Athletes the world over are currently away from their regular training base preparing for the ‘Greatest Show on Earth’. With Rio 2016 commencing in a little over two months, top quality training camps are in high demand. The decisions where to go are determined by the high performance facilities available that will allow for the environment to be tailored as a place of optimal training adaptation while away from home. The quality of the social amenities on offer are the added bonus to ensure there is a balance between high- performance and high-times.

Ireland may not have the altitude of Font-Romeu in France or the reliable warm-weather of the Algarve, but what we lack in environmental conditions, we make up for in facilities, hospitality and no air travel! For instance, this week Michael O’Neill is in Carton House and Martin O’Neill is in Fota Island, both putting the finishing touches to their Euro preparations.