From Hairy Pints Come Big Ideas

As per usual, the new year brings lofty dreams and this year was no different. I met Colin on a Saturday early in January and he told me of a discussion that he had with Johnny the night before in The Hairy Canary over a few pints. Johnny had the brainwave of trying to get Mike McGurn over for a weekend.

For those of you not familiar with this man, I point you towards his impressive website (www.mcgurnelitesports.com), which when viewed, means no further introduction is required. The man is cutting edge. He has worked with Irish Rugby, Bernard Dunne, Ospreys, and numerous successful Rugby League teams. When Colin mentioned it to me, it’s fair to say my response politely questioned Johnny’s sanity.

No holding Johnny back though and within a week discussions on possible dates started with Mike. He lands tomorrow! It’s a great coup to pull off as Mike is as high profile a fitness guy as there is in Irish sports at the moment.

Of course such an event doesn’t come without a cost so we’ve sold tickets to pay for flights, hotel etc. In addition, our generous sponsors down in de Valera’s are also helping out. We should have about 49 for the talk tomorrow and Mike will then use the lads footballers as his guinea pigs for two field sessions over the weekend. It’s an unbelievable opportunity for us to learn from the best.

The event will be finished off with the first ‘official’ club night of the year on Saturday night. All the arrangements are in place now so the fingers are crossed everything goes well for the man who turned down the All Blacks but couldn’t turn down Belgium GAA!!