THE impact of Gaelic football’s new rules are more far reaching than what transpires on the field – and an upcoming seminar will examine those wide-ranging effects.
The Physio Group has pulled together some leading speakers in their respective fields for a free event that will be hosted at Newry’s Canal Court Hotel on Wednesday, January 29.
Shane Malone is a lecturer at TU Dublin and head of sports science with Dublin GAA, Paul Talty is head of athletic performance for the Monaghan’s men’s football team, Dr Martin McConaghy is a consultant in sport and exercise medicine, while Steven Poacher has a wealth of coaching experience at all levels, and is preparing to lead Leitrim into their National League campaign.
It promises to be an informative evening, and respected physio Frank Quinn – who has worked with a host of GAA teams at club and county level through the years – hopes the event will provide give an insight into some of the workings of backroom teams within the elite end of GAA teams.
“Hopefully this will be a good opportunity for people across to board to get a full picture of what impact the new rules will have in terms of team preparation, and everything that goes with it,” said the Hilltown man.
“Twenty years ago backroom teams in GAA were smaller than they are now – you would have had a physio dipping into management conversations, but the fitness approach has evolved so much and really pushed on the elite end of the game.
“Now, thanks to the likes of StatSports and Output Sports, we have data, which is absolutely invaluable. The way teams train and prepare will change, to some degree, as a consequence of the new rules and what they are asking of players.
“And while so much of the focus at the minute is on the inter-county side of things, with the League about to start, these are things clubs and club management will also have turned their attention to for the season ahead.
“The panel are all experts in their field, so there will be plenty for people to take away from then evening.”
The seminar is open to players, coaches, managers, medics, physios, fitness trainers and anyone else involved with GAA teams at any level. Attendees can show up on the night, register on The Physio Group Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/thephysiogroupni) or email info@thephysio-group.com to inform organisers of an intention to attend.
