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So you are too old/fat/unfit/ *delete as appropriate* to play?

12467

Comments

  • #152
    TheCoolWay
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 454 ✭✭TheCoolWay


    Just joined a club this week, hadn't played in 7/8 years one of the best decisions I have made in my life to date! DO IT NOT IF YOU'RE THINKING ABOUT IT


  • #153
    Brian Shanahan
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,232 ✭✭✭Brian Shanahan


    TheCoolWay wrote: »
    Just joined a club this week, hadn't played in 7/8 years one of the best decisions I have made in my life to date! DO IT NOT IF YOU'RE THINKING ABOUT IT

    Last year I went back to Pallasgreen GAA after 13 years out. Had moved home and went up when training started. Early on I could only do one night a week, but from May I was at every session.

    Played some Junior B games, and got on as sub a couple of times in Intermediate/Senior league games, and was a named (but unused) sub for the championship. I'm collecting an Limerick Intermediate Football Championship medal this Friday as a result. No hurling though, as I have negative talent in the game (much as I love it).

    The club also made me PRO for my sins.


  • #154
    HartGAA
    Registered Users Posts: 1 ✭HartGAA


    Over in the U.S.A we have folks of all ages just starting to learn hurling (including myself at age 49). I played lacrosse in college, so some of those movement skills have come back to me, but I am amazed how much one can improve with some wall ball and perseverance. My club (Hartford GAA in Connecticut) has a long history of hurling going back to the 1920s, but the last team played in the 50s. Last year we had a dozen matches and even managed to win one!


  • #155
    bigdirtyjames
    Registered Users Posts: 9 ✭bigdirtyjames


    Sorry for the lack of reply. I'm in West Belfast - falls road area..
    GAAman wrote: »
    Where in belfast?


  • #156
    davegrohl48
    Registered Users Posts: 1,530 ✭✭✭davegrohl48


    HartGAA wrote: »
    Over in the U.S.A we have folks of all ages just starting to learn hurling (including myself at age 49). I played lacrosse in college, so some of those movement skills have come back to me, but I am amazed how much one can improve with some wall ball and perseverance. My club (Hartford GAA in Connecticut) has a long history of hurling going back to the 1920s, but the last team played in the 50s. Last year we had a dozen matches and even managed to win one!
    In some parts of Ireland the local handball alley is mainly used by hurlers working on their striking. Repetition after repetition great to ingrain the skill.


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  • #157
    Urfa
    Closed Accounts Posts: 50 ✭✭Urfa


    Hi everyone,

    Im CONSIDERING going back to play camogie after a 7 year break!! Would like to join a club that have beginners training or something along those lines. Moved to Dublin from Galway recently and am living around the phoenix park area so ideally would like something close by!

    Am still building up the courage to actually join something but am mainly turned off at the thoughts of joining a team that have already gelled and are way above my fitness and skill level. From playing with camogie clubs I know this would not be a pleasant experience for everyone!!

    If anyone has any suggestions I'd really appreciate it!!

    Thanks :)


  • #158
    Son
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 289 ✭✭Son


    Don't know if this is the right place for this,delete or move if needs be.

    I used to play hurling for over 10 years but that was going back a bit now,I have an injury to my hand so can't play competitively,just wondering does anyone puck a sliotar around in Dublin the odd evening as I still have an interest,im in dublin 22 but anywhere around south/west would do


  • #159
    deemul
    Registered Users Posts: 12 ✭deemul


    Urfa wrote: »
    Hi everyone,

    Im CONSIDERING going back to play camogie after a 7 year break!! Would like to join a club that have beginners training or something along those lines. Moved to Dublin from Galway recently and am living around the phoenix park area so ideally would like something close by!

    Am still building up the courage to actually join something but am mainly turned off at the thoughts of joining a team that have already gelled and are way above my fitness and skill level. From playing with camogie clubs I know this would not be a pleasant experience for everyone!!

    If anyone has any suggestions I'd really appreciate it!!

    Thanks :)


    Hi Urfa,
    I'm considering the same. However, I'm away from camogie alot longer...try 20 years!!!! I'm 40 this year and would love to get back into training. I know my fitness level is way down so i'm working on that. I also coach U10's camogie so I frequently have the hurl in the hand, knocking it up against the wall. Our club in Kildare has an intermediate team only and all the girls are very younger, probably half my age or older which I find a bit scary!!! I think I will get to do it but i do really want to try and work on my fitness. How old are you if you don't mind me asking?? I would be really interested in getting more info on any club that would have a junior camogie team in west dublin/kildare area.
    Great thread by the way


  • #160
    betterman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 63 ✭✭betterman


    that is balla the only team you are welcome on is the bottom of the intermediats ive played football and quite successfull but found it to be v bias and full of nepotisim. and as for football all inclusive.... look up the north... if you want an all inclusive sport than rugbys your man


  • #161
    bigdirtyjames
    Registered Users Posts: 9 ✭bigdirtyjames


    Son wrote: »
    Don't know if this is the right place for this,delete or move if needs be.

    I used to play hurling for over 10 years but that was going back a bit now,I have an injury to my hand so can't play competitively,just wondering does anyone puck a sliotar around in Dublin the odd evening as I still have an interest,im in dublin 22 but anywhere around south/west would do

    Too bad you aren't in Belfast because I'd be up for that. Are you willing to travel? ;)


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  • #162
    Ohio1296
    Registered Users Posts: 6 ✭Ohio1296


    I'm 41 years age and still playing gaelic. Granted I am playing over in the US (I'm a Yank) and the level of play is obviously much lower than in Ireland. Still I love the game and really enjoy getting younger fellows hooked on the sport. In the winters I coach wrestling (the real stuff not the phony TV stuff) and that helps with keeping fit. As far as injuries I have found that with age staying fit and active is the best way to keep the aches and pains from gaining ground on me.


  • #163
    gufc909
    Registered Users Posts: 1 ✭gufc909


    Wudn mind getin back into playin football again, haven played in around 10 years in early twenties now. does any1 know of any galway based clubs dat wud be gud to get into for junior level and wud take on basically someone who hasn't played in years. Stil quite fit but woud be out of practice and mayb a bit light at the min (6ft 10.5-11stone )


  • #164
    TacAide
    Registered Users Posts: 47 ✭TacAide


    Hi lads,

    Love the tread, would love to get back into the GAA myself, loved football and hurling, at 24 thought that I was actually too old to go back glad to hear so many around my age have decided to go back after long such breaks away from the sport, I have a very good fitness level (do triathlons and karate now), played football and hurling up until I was 14/15, and am looking for a club in the Tipperary area go get back involved in if anyone has any info that would be great.

    Thanks


  • #165
    Brian Shanahan
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,232 ✭✭✭Brian Shanahan


    TacAide wrote: »
    Hi lads,

    Love the tread, would love to get back into the GAA myself, loved football and hurling, at 24 thought that I was actually too old to go back glad to hear so many around my age have decided to go back after long such breaks away from the sport, I have a very good fitness level (do triathlons and karate now), played football and hurling up until I was 14/15, and am looking for a club in the Tipperary area go get back involved in if anyone has any info that would be great.

    Thanks

    In Tipp, whichever parish you reside in should have a club, there's one in pretty much every parish. List of clubs here.

    Hurling will be very competitive throughout the county, while football is only played strongly in some areas. Note though that especially the senior championship is bloated by too many teams (32 senior hurling clubs!?!)


  • #166
    TacAide
    Registered Users Posts: 47 ✭TacAide


    Brian I would be looking for a football club basically to start back fresh with, where it wouldn't be too competitive, as I said earlier I've been out of practice for quiet a while, if you would know of any club like that, that would be great.

    Thanks for the reply.


  • #167
    Brian Shanahan
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,232 ✭✭✭Brian Shanahan


    TacAide wrote: »
    Brian I would be looking for a football club basically to start back fresh with, where it wouldn't be too competitive, as I said earlier I've been out of practice for quiet a while, if you would know of any club like that, that would be great.

    Thanks for the reply.

    If you're in or around Tipp town, Arravale Rovers are mostly football at the moment, Lattin/Cullen have joined with Aherlow ("where dinosaurs still roam") to make a fairly serious team (both Senior grade). Rockwell Rovers out of New Inn are a good Intermediate side (we played them earlier this year).

    Outside of the west clubs I'm not too au-fait with what's available, but most Tipp clubs play football in some shape or form, albeit often after the hurling is done.


  • #168
    TacAide
    Registered Users Posts: 47 ✭TacAide


    Brian Shanahan wrote: »
    If you're in or around Tipp town, Arravale Rovers are mostly football at the moment, Lattin/Cullen have joined with Aherlow ("where dinosaurs still roam") to make a fairly serious team (both Senior grade). Rockwell Rovers out of New Inn are a good Intermediate side (we played them earlier this year).

    Outside of the west clubs I'm not too au-fait with what's available, but most Tipp clubs play football in some shape or form, albeit often after the hurling is done.

    I'd be in the South of TIpp, but would travel if necessary, would love to get back involved in Gaelic Football, I wouldn't be able to get involved till the new year due to recent knee surgery.

    Thanks very much for the information Brian.


  • #169
    El Viz
    Registered Users Posts: 53 ✭✭El Viz


    I never gave up playing cause I never actually started. I was more content watching, even back in my school days.

    I'm actually a fit person and workout a lot, so I'm wondering if there is any hope for this 30 year old to finally start soloing with any amount of respect?

    Dublin city centre area and will to travel.


  • #170
    kilnamanagh
    Registered Users Posts: 20 ✭kilnamanagh


    Just to add to what Brian said there are a good few clubs around the south that play the big ball game TacAide, here is a map of the clubs that might give you an idea of where to go: http://www.friendsoftipperaryfootball.com/clubs/

    Any club would be delighted to get a fit, enthusiastic person involved and I've no doubt you'll be made most welcome.


  • #171
    TacAide
    Registered Users Posts: 47 ✭TacAide


    kilnamanagh wrote: »
    Just to add to what Brian said there are a good few clubs around the south that play the big ball game TacAide, here is a map of the clubs that might give you an idea of where to go: http://www.friendsoftipperaryfootball.com/clubs/

    Any club would be delighted to get a fit, enthusiastic person involved and I've no doubt you'll be made most welcome.

    Thanks for the information Kilnamanagh, I might have found a club yet my physiotherapist, knows of a newly formed club thats looking for players, he didnt say the name of the club but hes going to look into it and get back to me.

    In case his efforts dont work out, who would you recommend.

    Thanks again Kilnamanagh


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  • #172
    kilnamanagh
    Registered Users Posts: 20 ✭kilnamanagh


    I guess it depends on what you're looking for, the bigger football clubs like Moyle Rovers would have a few teams of varying ability, in fact Moyle Rovers have Senior, Intermediate and Junior B teams. On the other hand some of the smaller clubs would struggle more with numbers and would really love to have a new face around.

    Honestly all I can say is that there is a great choice of football clubs in the South, from Ballyporeen right over to Mullinahone. If your physio can put you in contact with someone that would be fantastic. It really helps to know even just one person when you're joining a team.

    El Viz, I wish I could be of more help to you but all I can say is that one of my friends from down the country is working in Dublin now and joined Raheny GAA club and he absolutely loves it. I was told it's very well organised and they were very open to welcoming in a new man as they have a wide range of junior teams in the Dublin football leagues.

    I'd imagine that all the Dublin clubs would be similar so have a look around and see if any particular club takes your fancy. Here's a map that might be of use to you: http://maps.dublinbynumbers.com/sport-and-fitness-map-gaa-clubs.html

    I gave up playing GAA at U16 and only went back two years ago with a different club. It was one of the best decisions I ever made, I can only wish ye the same good fortune. It becomes an addiction, enjoy it!


  • #173
    TacAide
    Registered Users Posts: 47 ✭TacAide


    kilnamanagh wrote: »
    I guess it depends on what you're looking for, the bigger football clubs like Moyle Rovers would have a few teams of varying ability, in fact Moyle Rovers have Senior, Intermediate and Junior B teams. On the other hand some of the smaller clubs would struggle more with numbers and would really love to have a new face around.

    Honestly all I can say is that there is a great choice of football clubs in the South, from Ballyporeen right over to Mullinahone. If your physio can put you in contact with someone that would be fantastic. It really helps to know even just one person when you're joining a team.

    Ya my physio spoke to me about Moyle Rovers and Mullinahone and what a reputable clubs they and I know a few people on both teams too, it really does help to break the ice with other members of the team; it would be something to look into anyway if my physio comes back with no news for me.

    Thanks for the info again Kilnamanagh


  • #174
    deadybai
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,474 ✭✭✭deadybai


    Hey I'm just wondering how to go about getting gear to play hurling? I'm looking to go back playing but the only thing I have is a Hurley and sliothar. Would ye recommend buying a second hand helmet and other second hand equipment? I don't want to spend too much in-case I go back and decide this isn't for me. Also where would I get boots for big sized feet? I wear size 13 runner and all the boots in shops are only up to size 12.


  • #175
    deadybai
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,474 ✭✭✭deadybai


    how do you go about starting? do you just show up at training or should you ring and ask first?


  • #176
    The man in red and black
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 668 ✭✭✭The man in red and black


    deadybai wrote: »
    Hey I'm just wondering how to go about getting gear to play hurling? I'm looking to go back playing but the only thing I have is a Hurley and sliothar. Would ye recommend buying a second hand helmet and other second hand equipment? I don't want to spend too much in-case I go back and decide this isn't for me. Also where would I get boots for big sized feet? I wear size 13 runner and all the boots in shops are only up to size 12.

    http://bigshoes.ie/collections/sport It is an awful challenge, I take a 13 or 14 depending on the fit and these lads on Arran key were the best I could find. Even then the selection is incredibly limited. Occasionally I found a bargain in Arnotts that they had for a while and couldn't sell the bigger sizes, a pair of Puma Kings for 27e once! Must have been on the shelf a while but they were a perfect fit!


  • #177
    deadybai
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,474 ✭✭✭deadybai


    The man in red and black wrote: »
    http://bigshoes.ie/collections/sport It is an awful challenge, I take a 13 or 14 depending on the fit and these lads on Arran key were the best I could find. Even then the selection is incredibly limited. Occasionally I found a bargain in Arnotts that they had for a while and couldn't sell the bigger sizes, a pair of Puma Kings for 27e once! Must have been on the shelf a while but they were a perfect fit!

    Yeah it is really a pain. You would think by this stage shops would be selling big sized shoes. thanks


  • #178
    SeaFields
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,551 ✭✭✭SeaFields


    For large sizes online try Elverys or Amazon. I got boots from both in the past and they do have a fairly decent selection.


  • #179
    Brian Shanahan
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,232 ✭✭✭Brian Shanahan


    deadybai wrote: »
    how do you go about starting? do you just show up at training or should you ring and ask first?

    Best bet would be to contact an official of the club before turning up, especially if you've never played with the club before. The website of the relevant county board should have contact info for at least each club secretary, if the club itself doesn't have any internet prescence. But as far as I know most clubs use the GAA's own email service, where the email would be secretary.<club>.<county>@gaa.ie, replacing the club name and county name as appropriate.


  • #180
    Gael85
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,379 ✭✭✭Gael85


    St James Gaels GAA 2014
    St James Gaels 2014
    Club Name:St James Gaels
    Location:Iveagh Grounds,Crumlin Rd,Dublin12.Areas recruit from:Walkinstown,Drimnagh,Crumlin,Dollphins Barn,Kimmage,Harold Cross,The Liberties,Kilmainham,Bluebell
    Code (football): Gaelic Football
    Level played:Junior A(Junior A Championship/Division 6 League),Junior B(Junior D Championship/Division 10 South League),Minor,U16,U14,U12,U10,U8
    Contact details:stjamesgaels.com or axelf82@hotmail.com
    Any other info: St James Gaels will commence pre season training for next season in January and we are inviting new members(playing and non playing) to join our club.We have 2 progressing adult men football teams, a Junior A team and Junior B team. We are based southside in Iveagh Grounds on Crumlin Road about 15-20 minutes from city centre.http://www.stjamesgaels.com/contact 27,56a,77a,151 buses pass the pitch,17,18,121,122,123,150 buses go near the pitch as well.
    We have excellent floodlight training facilities,astro pitch training pitch and floodlite pitch.

    Both Junior teams are looking to progress a step further next year,first team won Junior B championship last year and are looking to get promoted in league next year. The second team won cup this season and will also seeking to gain promotion next season.

    We will be starting training in early January and train every Monday and Wednesday nights in Iveagh Grounds Crumlin Road at 7.30pm,we have a mix of players from all over the country Kerry, Laois,Cork,Mayo,Galway,Clare,Donegal ,Sligo,Down and even a couple of Austrailians.We also enjoy and organise many social events/fundraisers throughout the year(including end of season trip) so all welcome to play or even train.For more info please contact email: info@stjamesgaels.com

    http://www.stjamesgaels.com/contact
    https://www.facebook.com/StJamesGaels
    http://www.stjamesgaels.com/home/club-shop


    Junior A contact
    aaronirl@hotmail.com
    Junior B contact
    axelf82@hotmail.com


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  • #181
    Peace
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,758 ✭✭✭Peace


    If you’re passionate about hurling…
    If the 2013 championship was one of the best things you’ve ever seen…
    If you want to be a part of a club that welcomes new members at every turn…
    If you want to be a part of a club that makes sure lads that love hurling get to play hurling…

    Click below

    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=87638581&postcount=337

    www.realtdearg.ie
    realtdearg.hurlingclub@gmail.com


  • #182
    Gael85
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,379 ✭✭✭Gael85


    St James Gaels 2014
    Club Name:St James Gaels[/B]
    Location:Iveagh Grounds,Crumlin Rd,Dublin12.Areas recruit from:Walkinstown,Drimnagh,Crumlin,Dollphins Barn,Kimmage,Harold Cross,The Liberties,Kilmainham,Bluebell
    Code (football): Gaelic Football
    Level played:Junior A(Junior A Championship/Division 6 League),Junior B(Junior D Championship/Division 10 South League),Minor,U16,U14,U12,U10,U8
    Contact details:stjamesgaels.com or axelf82@hotmail.com
    Any other info: St James Gaels will commence pre season training for next season in January and we are inviting new members(playing and non playing) to join our club.We have 2 progressing adult men football teams, a Junior A team and Junior B team. We are based southside in Iveagh Grounds on Crumlin Road about 15-20 minutes from city centre.http://www.stjamesgaels.com/contact 27,56a,77a,151 buses pass the pitch,17,18,121,122,123,150 buses go near the pitch as well.
    We have excellent floodlight training facilities,astro pitch training pitch and floodlite pitch.

    Both Junior teams are looking to progress a step further next year,first team won Junior B championship last year and are looking to get promoted in league next year. The second team won cup this season and will also seeking to gain promotion next season.

    We will be starting training in early January and train every Monday and Wednesday nights in Iveagh Grounds Crumlin Road at 7.30pm,we have a mix of players from all over the country Kerry, Laois,Cork,Mayo,Galway,Clare,Donegal ,Sligo,Down and even a couple of Austrailians.We also enjoy and organise many social events/fundraisers throughout the year(including end of season trip) so all welcome to play or even train.For more info please contact email: info@stjamesgaels.com

    http://www.stjamesgaels.com/contact
    https://www.facebook.com/StJamesGaels
    http://www.stjamesgaels.com/home/club-shop

    Pre -Season will commence on 6th January

    Junior A contact
    aaronirl@hotmail.com
    Junior B contact
    axelf82@hotmail.com


  • #183
    wanderers ballyboden
    Registered Users Posts: 7 ✭wanderers ballyboden


    Wanderers GAA Club Ballyboben
    Location South Dublin
    Contact markthompson79@hotmail.com
    Code Football

    We are a Football club based in South Dublin. We have 2 mens teams who are always looking for new players. We have a good mix of country lads and Dubs. We are starting training on Sunday the 5/1/2014 in our home ground
    Frank Kelly Park. We also have a top astro pitch rented for the preseason. If you are interested please contact me on the above email address or reply here.


  • #184
    Futurock
    Registered Users Posts: 1 ✭Futurock


    Hi Guys,

    Recently I've been interested in taking up football in a local club.

    I'm 16 and when I was younger I did not have an interest in sport what-so-ever (Didn't get started in it, Family wasn't in local Parish/team etc.) but about 2-3 years ago I started martial arts and that changed. I started watching more GAA, Rugby whatever. But lets scrap the sob story.

    I guess the main reason I'm here is to ask what do GAA clubs think when you go to join, is it a joyful response or more of a "here comes a boy who hasn't touched a ball in his life"?

    It also feels strange as when a lot of the people I know are leaving I'm thinking of joining.

    I think it's just more intimidation than anything.

    Although this forum had given me hope.

    My real question is just what is the response?


  • #185
    Brian Shanahan
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,232 ✭✭✭Brian Shanahan


    Futurock wrote: »
    Hi Guys,

    Recently I've been interested in taking up football in a local club.

    I'm 16 and when I was younger I did not have an interest in sport what-so-ever (Didn't get started in it, Family wasn't in local Parish/team etc.) but about 2-3 years ago I started martial arts and that changed. I started watching more GAA, Rugby whatever. But lets scrap the sob story.

    I guess the main reason I'm here is to ask what do GAA clubs think when you go to join, is it a joyful response or more of a "here comes a boy who hasn't touched a ball in his life"?

    It also feels strange as when a lot of the people I know are leaving I'm thinking of joining.

    I think it's just more intimidation than anything.

    Although this forum had given me hope.

    My real question is just what is the response?


    Generally at your age you play for the local parish club. Most counties are strict on who can play for which club at underage level, at adult its a bit less restrictive as long as you've never played in the county before. The website of your county should have a list of clubs, with their respective parishes. So I'd contact your local club, the secretary will be able to direct you to the team management, at 16 you'll be u-17 & minor grade, and maybe u-21 (you can't yet play for an adult team).

    As regards never having played before, one of our better senior players never kicked a ball until the age of 14, being, like yourself, a martial arts man. If you train regularly in the martial arts, you're already fit enough, and with enough practise with the ball it'll come (hurling skills are a lot more involved than football). And for inspiration you can always look to John Hayes, the rugby international, who famously didn't start playing until he was 18.


  • #186
    BKWDR
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,175 ✭✭✭BKWDR


    Having never played / trained before i have an interest in maybe joining or at least training with my local team. At 31 im not that out of shape but not super fit either.
    I've played a small bit of rugby but it just wasn't for me, i had a bout of injury, main one was concussion which i couldn't risk again with work so wanted to give another team sport a try and have loved Gaelic football since i was a kid and even more so love watching and following the Dubs.

    How physical could you expect a game, i know its rough and tumble some times on telly and from the club games i've watched but is it do able for someone my age who's never kicked a ball in his life?

    Thoughts and esp from anyone in my situation or similar :)

    Thanks


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  • #187
    Brian Shanahan
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,232 ✭✭✭Brian Shanahan


    BKWDR wrote: »
    How physical could you expect a game, i know its rough and tumble some times on telly and from the club games i've watched but is it do able for someone my age who's never kicked a ball in his life?

    At Junior level (having no experience, at 31 I'm assuming that's what you're aiming for) you shouldn't need to be too fit to be able to compete (at my club we've a couple of late 40 year olds still able to play, due to them maintaining fitness). The game will probably be a bit more physical than at higher levels, but if you're of relatively good physique and not prone to injuries you should be ok.

    I came back after ten years out at 31 too, and after the acclimitisation period of the first six months (that ten year period saw little to no exercise on my part) I was well able for Junior football, and if a fat slob like me can manage it anyone can.


  • #188
    BKWDR
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,175 ✭✭✭BKWDR


    Just an update, have a couple weeks training under the belt now and 100% glad i decided to turn up! A lot of the lads i went to school with are on the team, which helped but the intensity was something i wasn't used to. Although i would class * myself * as fit (run up to 10k and had done bootcamp classes all last year up 3x week) but playing football is a different kind of fit. I found myself gassed very quickly from the sprints but decided i will stick with it. Will work on the basics myself like moving with the ball / picking up the ball on my own time but the 1.5 hours sessions fly by and it's great craic and some work out!


  • #189
    GAAman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,370 ✭✭✭GAAman


    BKWDR wrote: »
    Just an update, have a couple weeks training under the belt now and 100% glad i decided to turn up! A lot of the lads i went to school with are on the team, which helped but the intensity was something i wasn't used to. Although i would class * myself * as fit (run up to 10k and had done bootcamp classes all last year up 3x week) but playing football is a different kind of fit. I found myself gassed very quickly from the sprints but decided i will stick with it. Will work on the basics myself like moving with the ball / picking up the ball on my own time but the 1.5 hours sessions fly by and it's great craic and some work out!

    The absolute best thing you can do is train on your own in tandem with the club sessions. Get a gaelic ball (Soccer balls are much lighter so no good) so you can get used to the weight of it and through time and effort get your skills up with pickin it up (ALWAYS bend the back ;) ) and kicking accuracy.

    Using the ball you can practice sprints with it and work on the solo as well. Couple of months hard work and you be flyin!


  • #190
    DKmac
    Registered Users Posts: 119 ✭✭DKmac


    Went back this year after 16 years away and it's been the best decision I ever made. Making basic skills improvements with each session but one thing I really struggle with is positioning and movement. The games tend to pass me by at times, I'm running but I know I'm not making the right runs if that makes sense.

    Being played wing forward mainly, can anyone offer advice?


  • #191
    The man in red and black
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 668 ✭✭✭The man in red and black


    Watch more matches, of any standard, you'll often learn from watching junior games and seeing on the side line where the player SHOULD have run to instead and that can help you. And try get in as much game time as you can, friendlies, league, cup games are all match practice and you'll get the hang of it. I had the same problem a few years back when started with Realt Dearg, you need game time to get it back. Well done on going back after 16 years!


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  • #192
    Brian Shanahan
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,232 ✭✭✭Brian Shanahan


    DKmac wrote: »
    Went back this year after 16 years away and it's been the best decision I ever made. Making basic skills improvements with each session but one thing I really struggle with is positioning and movement. The games tend to pass me by at times, I'm running but I know I'm not making the right runs if that makes sense.

    Being played wing forward mainly, can anyone offer advice?

    Stay wide first of all, at wing forward you need to keep the field wide open if possible. Secondly you're there to support the midfield with their fielding, either by going up to break down ball for them and the centre forward, or by picking up broken ball, keep chatting with the players beside and in front of you so that ye all know what is happening for balls.

    If you have regular training talk to the selectors and trainers about doing drills centred around the type of game they want the team playing if they're not doing that. It won't be at the same level as in matches, but you'll get the idea of where you're wanted and what kind of game you'll need to play. And training matches (either full field or backs and forwards) are invaluable for picking up the skills needed to read a game. In these try to play in as many positions as possible, sometimes playing out of position will give you insights into what you could do when playing in your preferred position, and you may even find you're a better player elsewhere on the pitch.


  • #193
    deadybai
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,474 ✭✭✭deadybai


    Is there a guide online on tips on how to play each position? Particularly wing back and wing foward ? Just gone back recently enough and seem to put in these positions the most. But I'd love to see a complete guide for each position.


  • #194
    deadybai
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,474 ✭✭✭deadybai


    Or does anyone have any advice themselves ?


  • #195
    SeaFields
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,551 ✭✭✭SeaFields


    I bought "Hurling. The Warrior Game" by Diarmuid O Flynn a few months back in an airport bookshop to get me thru a long haul flight. Actually turned out interesting enough. He interviews several well known players for every position on the pitch. They give tips on how to play the position, tricks and other insights. Might be worth purchasing for what you're asking.


  • #196
    deadybai
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,474 ✭✭✭deadybai


    Lovely thanks for that


  • #197
    mcmoustache
    Registered Users Posts: 7,237 ✭✭✭mcmoustache


    I took up football a few years ago after never having played in my life. I was 30 when I had my first start. Taking up the sport was one of the best decisions I made in my life.

    To everyone thinking of taking up the sport for the first time, just accept that you'll be useless in the beginning. You'll also probably strain your quads, hamstrings, ankles and you might get clattered in the ribs. None of these things are too serious but they might stop you training which

    If you train and get through a few months of regular training, you'll be fit and strong and that alone is enough to be of use on the pitch. I didn't solo a ball even once in my first season as a corner-back - all I had to do was mark the forward and get to any loose balls before he did and then lay the ball off to a runner. If you can outpace, outrun and out-muscle your opponent, all you need to do after that is be able to catch and kick a ball.


    I'm in my third season now and I'm still fairly shíte but I'm in the best physical shape that I've ever been in. Sure, I'm always bruised and there's always some part of my body in a bit of pain, but that's to be expected.

    The craic with the lads is also great - I think that the bond between team-mates is one of the strongest things in the world. I'd imagine that it's like that in most clubs. You meet friends that you'll have for life

    tl;dr

    If you're thinking about starting to play, just go and do it. You won't be disappointed.



    Also, if it's OK to pimp my club here, Na Gaeil Óga are always looking for players. All levels welcome (We have a football team in div 8 and in 10 and we also have a hurling team and a women's football team). Training is through Irish and we're based in Dublin. We train on Tuesdays and Thursday's in the Phoenix Park near the Magazine Fort at 7:15 and on Sunday morning at 11. If anyone needs any more details, feel free to PM me.


  • #198
    JoeCole26
    Registered Users Posts: 413 ✭✭JoeCole26


    Living in South Dublin (Dundrum/Sandyford) - would be interested in playing Junior Football if there are any teams in the locality looking for players. Played Intermediate for years in Sligo, winning the championship in 2004. 31 now, but interested in training as still playing for club at home from time to time.


  • #199
    Peace
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,758 ✭✭✭Peace


    JoeCole26 wrote: »
    Living in South Dublin (Dundrum/Sandyford) - would be interested in playing Junior GAA if there are any teams in the locality looking for players. Played Intermediate for years in Sligo, winning the championship in 2004. 31 now, but interested in training as still playing for club at home from time to time.

    Hurling or football?


  • #200
    JoeCole26
    Registered Users Posts: 413 ✭✭JoeCole26


    Peace wrote: »
    Hurling or football?

    Football


  • #201
    changepartners
    Closed Accounts Posts: 148 ✭✭changepartners


    mcmoustache wrote: »
    Also, if it's OK to pimp my club here, Na Gaeil Óga are always looking for players. All levels welcome (We have a football team in div 8 and in 10 and we also have a hurling team and a women's football team). Training is through Irish and we're based in Dublin. We train on Tuesdays and Thursday's in the Phoenix Park near the Magazine Fort at 7:15 and on Sunday morning at 11. If anyone needs any more details, feel free to PM me.

    Are you an Irish language club?


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