Over the past decade, gym access has increased enormously for players, athletes and keep-fit enthusiasts. It has been a welcome development in the lifestyle of footballer...
Over the past decade, gym access has increased enormously for players, athletes and keep-fit enthusiasts. It has been a welcome development in the lifestyle of footballer...

DR liam hennessey gives a quick checklist on how to get the best from time spent in the Gym
DOS
Always follow a plan
Best if this is put together in conjunction with a knowl...
When people talk about footballers and hurlers, pace is often one of the key traits associated with good players. However, the ability to slow down or stop can be just as...
By Dr Liam Hennessey. TAPERING: Reducing training in the run-up to big games
One of the major problems in field sports is that athletes are conditioned in such a way that is counterproductive to what is actually required on the field of play. Wh...
This guide is presented as a service to athletes, coaches, parents and exercise physiologists, who wish to evaluate their own or someone else's fitness level, or to gain ...
Professor Aidan Moran of UCD, author of Pure Sport, Practical Sports Psychology, looks at practical ways of preparing for the big day. Colm Ó Riagáin talks to Prof of Psychology Aidan Moran about the application of sports psychology in Gaelic games and discovers that success comes in ‘cans’ and not ‘can’ts’.

Q. Applying sport psychology in a group context is a difficult concept. How does it work?
Working with teams is definitely different from working ‘one-to-one’ with players but the basic psycholgical principles remain the same. I’ve advised lots of GAA teams, including Mayo in 2004, and the main message I try to get across to them is that the purpose of psychological training is to help players to do their best when it matters most.
Here’s an example. Anyone can kick a ball over the bar from 20 metres in training. But can they do it in Croke Park in front of 70,000 people when their heart is pounding and their team is a point behind with seconds to go?
Read more...MENTAL WEALTH: The Player is conscious of these recessionary times and our responsibility to encourage pe ople to spend and save wisely. So we've decided that instead of dangling the latest piece of expensive kit and equipment in front of you, COLM O'RIAGAIN is going to contribute to the smart economy by getting you to invest in the most powerful piece of kit - your Brain! Read more...
The Player's Colm Ó Riagáin looks at the captain's role in giving the team talk and how to inspire the troops properly. "A Leader is a dealer in hope. " Napoleon. You've just landed the captaincy - yeesss ! Next thought: Jaysus what do I say to the lads on Sunday afternoon. Maybe you've watched Robin Williams in Dead Poets' Society and fantasised about you're inspirational powers or maybe you remember the yawns when you did the best man speech last year!
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