THIS week’s title stokes memories of that famous 1990 number one single of the same name, from Irish singer Sinead O’Connor. The song, originally written and sung by Prince, depicts the emotions of a heartbroken lover going through a difficult break-up and for the purpose of this week’s article it is a very fitting analogy […]
SHANE RICE: Keeping players fit without burning them out
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May 4, 2026
WHEN the season kicks in, everything changes in Gaelic football. Games come thick and fast, recovery becomes the priority, and training time is limited. But one challenge always remains: how do you maintain fitness levels without overloading players? This is where smart in-season conditioning comes into play and one of the most effective tools coaches can use […]
Patrick Morrison: Fear is not real
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April 27, 2026
With the football season in full swing at all levels of the game, goalkeepers the length and breadth of the country will be training hard trying to improve their competitive performance. Another part of their game they will be looking at, or should be at this stage, is their mindset and in particular how to deal […]
PATRICK MORRISON: Steps to becoming a two footed goalkeeper
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April 20, 2026
By Patrick Morrison WATCHING the provincial games over the weekend, I cannot help but notice how many kick-out options goalkeepers would have if they were truly able to kick with both feet comfortably. Those goalkeepers who can kick equally with both feet are at a definitive advantage as they are extremely hard to read and […]
Shane Rice: Safe psychology in team sports
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April 6, 2026
IN a sport that demands high intensity, resilience, and consistency, the mental side of performance can be just as important as strength, speed or fitness. At the core of this is something called psychological safety. In simple terms, this means creating an environment where players feel comfortable speaking up, asking questions and even making mistakes without […]
Patrick Morrison: Goalkeepers should not neglect the basics
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March 30, 2026
By Patrick Morrison NOW that the round robin phases of the National Football Leagues have finished, we can concentrate on some fantastic finals in all four divisions. On Saturday, Carlow will play Longford in the Division Four final followed by Down v Wexford in the Division Three final. Then, on Sunday, we will be treated […]
Patrick Morrison: The importance of nurturing young goalkeepers
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March 17, 2026
By Patrick Morrison CHILDREN are curious and insightful individuals who explore and learn through the process of trial and error just as nature intended. Their world is loaded with all kinds of imaginary, games and toys. All a child wants to do is explore their world through the medium of play. And what child has […]
John McMahon: A week inside the life of a ‘modern’ GAA player
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March 16, 2026
EVER wondered how much time a ‘modern’ GAA player dictates to their sport? The time they invest to be at the top of their game? Below I have outlined some of these demands our GAA players face and the time they invest. I believe it’s worth reminding ourselves and be mindful of the commitment and sacrifice […]
Ulster GAA column: The GAA’s code of behaviour
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March 15, 2026
THE ‘Code’ (GAA Child Safeguarding Policy) is a policy document developed and agreed by the Gaelic Athletic Association, the Camogie Association, the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, GAA Handball Ireland and the Rounders Council of Ireland to assist all units of the Associations to create and maintain an enjoyable and the safest possible environment in which […]
SHANE RICE: The secret to getting everyone fit
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March 7, 2026
MODERN Gaelic football is faster, more physical and more demanding than ever. Between league, championship, travel, work and training, players need a strong engine just to cope with the season. And from a coaching point of view, nothing matters more than availability. A team only has real options on match day when the best players are healthy, fit and […]