The root cause of these can be one of two things. One is if a session goes particularly badly. I’ll be rolling around in bed for hours, frustrated at why it wasn’t up to scratch. The other is if it goes particularly well. In that case I’ll come home buzzing and won’t be able to relax sufficiently to drift off to sleep.
The last two nights of training have left me sleepless for the right reasons. As I mentioned already, Diarmuid Laffan has joined myself and Conan in leading training. With each passing session we are beginning to gel and land on the same wavelength. That combined with the lads’ application has contributed to a very positive start.
Mainly due to our work commitments, we have yet to sit together to lay out the plan. Instead, we have been relying on text, emails and phone calls for planning purposes. It has meant there have been a few bumps but nothing that the players would have picked up on.
In terms of our manner at training, I would normally be more on the grumpy side. It takes a bit more to push Conan over the edge but his frustration has come out from time to time too. That’s why getting Laffan on board is so important as it brings enthusiasm and a fresh voice.
Coming mainly from a rugby background, I’m hoping he can bring guys out of their shells. The group is the quietest team I have ever been involved with but that’s not to say the lads don’t work hard or have a lot to offer. I’ve always been impressed with how in rugby, they are very good at creating a supportive environment for the players. We’re looking to Laffan to try and bring a bit of that.
So far, Conan and himself have put together some excellent sessions. I’m involved in the planning but more on the periphery and that’s ideal for me as I can focus on my fitness.
We’ve tried different approaches to pre-season in previous years. 2008 and 2011 would have heavily focused on ball/skill work whilst 2009 and 2010 would have been more running. This year, we want to get a tough five or six weeks under our belt to lay solid foundations for the year. We need to train at a higher tempo and to do that the roadwork needs doing.
Everyone has access to a google spreadsheet where they can log their own attendance and also times for some of the runs we are doing. This is optional but I’d like to see everyone buy into it.
One of the things we have been doing at training is a 1.6km run at the start. It’s been good to see lads logging their times afterwards. Sometimes there may be a tendency not to bother if your time wasn’t impressive but that hasn’t been the case. No-one is being judged at this stage but I think by putting your time against everyone else’s, it says you are challenging yourself. I certainly feel that way and was pissed off when I had to put down a time on Monday which was six seconds slower than Thursday. I don’t want to have to do that again.
So far the attitude of everyone has been top notch. That will give us something extra this year but I’m under no illusions that we have to improve our football if we are to bridge the gap in quality that existed last year.
On Saturday we go to The Hague to play in their annual invitational and that will give us a good indication where we are at. It will also allow us try out different players and tactics which we would be too cautious to do in a competitive tournament. We will then have a month to improve the fitness and tune the football before returning to The Hague for the first Benelux round.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Barntown Win Shoot-Out
Belgium 3-18 Glynn Barntown 7-15
Things have fallen well for us this preseason with a challenge game against Glynn Barntown and a trip Den Hague for their invitational slotting nicely into our schedule.
First up were the Wexford men of Glynn Barntown in the Liam Kehoe Memorial Cup. Liam was a former member of their club who passed away in recent years. The lads chose their annual tour to honour him and it gave both teams a greater incentive to win.
We picked a panel of 16 and it consisted of a mix of what would be our Championship and Shield team. We resisted the temptation to add any additional players as they became available and also the soccer lads who had their games cancelled on Saturday. After last year, I’m content as long as we have guys who understand how we want to play and buy into it. In that sense, I was comfortable with the 16 for Saturday.
However, I did have some concern about where the scores would come from. No Giller, O’Dowd, Cillian, Laffan etc. We had Timmy in his usual post and opted for Paddy as his foil. I expected to be heavily reliant on them.
As it turned out, our display threw up the unexpected. Our defending was way below par while our attacking play was some of the best I have seen from us in recent times. The lads joked afterwards that we scored more in this one game (3-18) than we did in most Pan-Euro tournaments last year. There was a good spread too with Johnny O, Johnny P, Pierce, Paddy, Timmy, Griff and myself all raising a flag. One or two more may have done likewise but my memory fails me.
At the other end, we conceded 7-15. I reckon six of the seven goals came from blatant errors in our defence. There were a couple of contributing factors; our line across half back was very flat leaving us exposed to ball over the top, communication could always be better, choosing more complicated options over the simple one, general rustiness. In defence of the defence though, the amount of switches we made was very disruptive and I expected some consequence before the game.
Since last year, we use our full ‘rotation’ to keep freshness on the pitch and it has worked well. However, this would focus on midfield and half forward in particular whilst we would tinker a lot less at the back. They say 90% of successful teams win because they have the best defence. You will rarely see those teams tinker much with these players in the course of a game, no matter what sport. Of all areas on the pitch, you need consistency in those positions.
I’m not overly concerned at this point as this was the strongest aspect of our play last year. It was the forward display that leaves me buzzing this morning. As Crusher said of the football on show at training Thursday, ‘it was utter sh1te’. I didn’t have high expectations. It was a different story yesterday though and we showed great composure in attack, waiting for the right shot and moving well off the ball.
It’s surprisingly easy to get into my good books and there are a few lads who have laid down an early marker. Griff continues to strengthen his position as a key man in the team. Pearce is showing a good appetite (he even had the right gear!). Up front, Ger fits our play perfectly; selfless and dogged running and he rarely coughs up possession. Timmy is bossing the forwards now and we need such leadership up front.
Paddy Cassidy was the star of the show yesterday in my book though. We’ve asked him to play many unfamiliar roles but he has never shirked the challenge. He empties it every day, whether at training or in matches. I thought he was magnificent yesterday and capped his display with a healthy return on the scorers list, both from play and dead balls.
My excitement is mainly linked to our efficiency in front of goal but we still have lots to work on. There are plenty of aspects of our defence that needs working on. Our fielding and contesting of breaking ball was poor also. With all that said, after just one proper training (which lads were still struggling to shake off), the attitude and application was spot on.
The mood in the camp is as good as I’ve seen in a while and it will need to be as we face into some tough grind in the coming weeks.
Finally, thanks to Willie Cashin who did an excellent job with the whistle.
Panel: S Ryan, C Mescall, K Keary, D Barrett, D Lynch, P Quinn, P Cushen, P O’Caoimh, S Griffen, J O’Riordan, J Phelan, G McMahon, A Rowan, D Keohane, P Cassidy, T Donovan
Things have fallen well for us this preseason with a challenge game against Glynn Barntown and a trip Den Hague for their invitational slotting nicely into our schedule.
First up were the Wexford men of Glynn Barntown in the Liam Kehoe Memorial Cup. Liam was a former member of their club who passed away in recent years. The lads chose their annual tour to honour him and it gave both teams a greater incentive to win.
We picked a panel of 16 and it consisted of a mix of what would be our Championship and Shield team. We resisted the temptation to add any additional players as they became available and also the soccer lads who had their games cancelled on Saturday. After last year, I’m content as long as we have guys who understand how we want to play and buy into it. In that sense, I was comfortable with the 16 for Saturday.
However, I did have some concern about where the scores would come from. No Giller, O’Dowd, Cillian, Laffan etc. We had Timmy in his usual post and opted for Paddy as his foil. I expected to be heavily reliant on them.
As it turned out, our display threw up the unexpected. Our defending was way below par while our attacking play was some of the best I have seen from us in recent times. The lads joked afterwards that we scored more in this one game (3-18) than we did in most Pan-Euro tournaments last year. There was a good spread too with Johnny O, Johnny P, Pierce, Paddy, Timmy, Griff and myself all raising a flag. One or two more may have done likewise but my memory fails me.
At the other end, we conceded 7-15. I reckon six of the seven goals came from blatant errors in our defence. There were a couple of contributing factors; our line across half back was very flat leaving us exposed to ball over the top, communication could always be better, choosing more complicated options over the simple one, general rustiness. In defence of the defence though, the amount of switches we made was very disruptive and I expected some consequence before the game.
Since last year, we use our full ‘rotation’ to keep freshness on the pitch and it has worked well. However, this would focus on midfield and half forward in particular whilst we would tinker a lot less at the back. They say 90% of successful teams win because they have the best defence. You will rarely see those teams tinker much with these players in the course of a game, no matter what sport. Of all areas on the pitch, you need consistency in those positions.
I’m not overly concerned at this point as this was the strongest aspect of our play last year. It was the forward display that leaves me buzzing this morning. As Crusher said of the football on show at training Thursday, ‘it was utter sh1te’. I didn’t have high expectations. It was a different story yesterday though and we showed great composure in attack, waiting for the right shot and moving well off the ball.
It’s surprisingly easy to get into my good books and there are a few lads who have laid down an early marker. Griff continues to strengthen his position as a key man in the team. Pearce is showing a good appetite (he even had the right gear!). Up front, Ger fits our play perfectly; selfless and dogged running and he rarely coughs up possession. Timmy is bossing the forwards now and we need such leadership up front.
Paddy Cassidy was the star of the show yesterday in my book though. We’ve asked him to play many unfamiliar roles but he has never shirked the challenge. He empties it every day, whether at training or in matches. I thought he was magnificent yesterday and capped his display with a healthy return on the scorers list, both from play and dead balls.
My excitement is mainly linked to our efficiency in front of goal but we still have lots to work on. There are plenty of aspects of our defence that needs working on. Our fielding and contesting of breaking ball was poor also. With all that said, after just one proper training (which lads were still struggling to shake off), the attitude and application was spot on.
The mood in the camp is as good as I’ve seen in a while and it will need to be as we face into some tough grind in the coming weeks.
Finally, thanks to Willie Cashin who did an excellent job with the whistle.
Panel: S Ryan, C Mescall, K Keary, D Barrett, D Lynch, P Quinn, P Cushen, P O’Caoimh, S Griffen, J O’Riordan, J Phelan, G McMahon, A Rowan, D Keohane, P Cassidy, T Donovan
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Method To The Dubs Madness?
It is well known, that at different stages of the season, the Dubs opt for training sessions at the crack of dawn. At exam time, this is seen as a better plan for the students who can then go and focus on their studies for the day. It also cuts their panel's travel time as they do not have to deal with Dublin's rush hour traffic.
Of course, I have no delusions that Belgium's hurlers or footballers are going to be taking up such a programme a few of us are tempted to sample its delights. Since January, the gym we use has been rammed with the new years resolution crew and they have yet to lose their enthusiasm.
I usually head with Crusher and Ger but since Christmas we've all been busy at work so it has been hard to beat the evening rush. To have any kind of satisfactory session, you'd need to wait until after 8 which kills your evening. On a more pitiful point, I find the recovery from a tough session takes longer now and can impact how you feel at football/hurling training the following day.
To counter this, myself and Ger hit it early this morning, arriving shortly after 7am. The place was deserted and we could rattle through our session in 37 minutes. The quality was good and I left the place buzzing and it carried me through the day without hassle. The early morning doesn't bother me as I would normally be at work between half seven and a quarter to eight anyway. This morning I was still able to make it in before nine.
What I found must interesting was the impact it had on my behaviour. Last night I realised how important it would be to eat properly as I would need to have sufficient energy for the session. Biscuits etc were off the menu. The impact of what I ate today was even greater though. Normally, I’d have a fair bit of rubbish over the course of the day, consoling myself that I'd burn it of that evening. However, having had a good session this morning and feeling the positive benefit on the body, I couldn't look at anything sweet thing all day. Essentially, it created some badly needed self-regulation of my eating habits.
The other benefit is that it gives us around twelve hours more recovery time before tomorrow night’s session. Of course if we went tonight we would be able for the session tomorrow but I'm sure our performance would be inhibited.
It also gives a welcome free evening. With hurling and football occupying three nights a week from the end of February, it becomes difficult to fit three gym sessions in and still manage to have some free evenings to yourself. By throwing one early morning session into the mix, you can change the whole dynamic of your week.
I’m a believer. The future is bright, the future is blue!!!
Of course, I have no delusions that Belgium's hurlers or footballers are going to be taking up such a programme a few of us are tempted to sample its delights. Since January, the gym we use has been rammed with the new years resolution crew and they have yet to lose their enthusiasm.
I usually head with Crusher and Ger but since Christmas we've all been busy at work so it has been hard to beat the evening rush. To have any kind of satisfactory session, you'd need to wait until after 8 which kills your evening. On a more pitiful point, I find the recovery from a tough session takes longer now and can impact how you feel at football/hurling training the following day.
To counter this, myself and Ger hit it early this morning, arriving shortly after 7am. The place was deserted and we could rattle through our session in 37 minutes. The quality was good and I left the place buzzing and it carried me through the day without hassle. The early morning doesn't bother me as I would normally be at work between half seven and a quarter to eight anyway. This morning I was still able to make it in before nine.
What I found must interesting was the impact it had on my behaviour. Last night I realised how important it would be to eat properly as I would need to have sufficient energy for the session. Biscuits etc were off the menu. The impact of what I ate today was even greater though. Normally, I’d have a fair bit of rubbish over the course of the day, consoling myself that I'd burn it of that evening. However, having had a good session this morning and feeling the positive benefit on the body, I couldn't look at anything sweet thing all day. Essentially, it created some badly needed self-regulation of my eating habits.
The other benefit is that it gives us around twelve hours more recovery time before tomorrow night’s session. Of course if we went tonight we would be able for the session tomorrow but I'm sure our performance would be inhibited.
It also gives a welcome free evening. With hurling and football occupying three nights a week from the end of February, it becomes difficult to fit three gym sessions in and still manage to have some free evenings to yourself. By throwing one early morning session into the mix, you can change the whole dynamic of your week.
I’m a believer. The future is bright, the future is blue!!!
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Stuttering Start
Only once in February have I seen the temperature reach as high as 0 degrees Celsius. Brussels has been Baltic.
The last night we were able to train was February 2nd. It was minus 5 at the start of the session, with the wind chill factor making it feel minus 15. The following day it snowed and with temperatures not rising, it has remained on the pitch since then. The VUB has closed up shop and we are left to twiddle our thumbs.
We had two well attended sessions our first week back and the purpose was just to stretch the legs and handle a bit of ball. It was good to see certain faces out so early in the year and on the Thursday, I even received a text from Pierce explaining his non-attendance. I nearly crashed the car.
Once we get clearance to return to training, we will embark on a six week pre-season programme under the guidance of Conan and Diarmuid Laffan. Last year things were freshened up with Eoin and Conan taking charge. Recognising the benefit a few new or different voices bring, Laffan’s addition to the ‘backroom’ (sorry for the lingo) team is a big boost.
He can call on an upbringing in the Leinster Rugby Academy as well as the experience of captaining the Ireland U-20s. With that we can expect some new ideas – within the boundaries of the physical needs of G.A.A. players of course. I say G.A.A. and not football because the training should be as of much benefit to our hurlers so hopefully we will see all the lads out.
My role in pre-season will be minimal, helping out only when the two lads can’t make it. I missed virtually all of the early training last year and felt I was only beginning to get the legs moving when we got to Limerick. Two instances of frustration stick out from that point of view. I can remember Giller roaring at me to take the ball forward up in The Hague in July but the tank was empty – and that was in the first game of the day!
After the first round of the Pan-Euros in Belgium, Hudson commented that I looked very flat. He was right and it was a case of not having enough done. After the last few years, I have no expectation of an injury free season but having solid foundations laid will certainly help us all.
Looking out my window now, there is still a layer of snow on my balcony. I’ll be surprised if we are let loose tomorrow but hopefully the lungs will pound before the week is out.
The last night we were able to train was February 2nd. It was minus 5 at the start of the session, with the wind chill factor making it feel minus 15. The following day it snowed and with temperatures not rising, it has remained on the pitch since then. The VUB has closed up shop and we are left to twiddle our thumbs.
We had two well attended sessions our first week back and the purpose was just to stretch the legs and handle a bit of ball. It was good to see certain faces out so early in the year and on the Thursday, I even received a text from Pierce explaining his non-attendance. I nearly crashed the car.
Once we get clearance to return to training, we will embark on a six week pre-season programme under the guidance of Conan and Diarmuid Laffan. Last year things were freshened up with Eoin and Conan taking charge. Recognising the benefit a few new or different voices bring, Laffan’s addition to the ‘backroom’ (sorry for the lingo) team is a big boost.
He can call on an upbringing in the Leinster Rugby Academy as well as the experience of captaining the Ireland U-20s. With that we can expect some new ideas – within the boundaries of the physical needs of G.A.A. players of course. I say G.A.A. and not football because the training should be as of much benefit to our hurlers so hopefully we will see all the lads out.
My role in pre-season will be minimal, helping out only when the two lads can’t make it. I missed virtually all of the early training last year and felt I was only beginning to get the legs moving when we got to Limerick. Two instances of frustration stick out from that point of view. I can remember Giller roaring at me to take the ball forward up in The Hague in July but the tank was empty – and that was in the first game of the day!
After the first round of the Pan-Euros in Belgium, Hudson commented that I looked very flat. He was right and it was a case of not having enough done. After the last few years, I have no expectation of an injury free season but having solid foundations laid will certainly help us all.
Looking out my window now, there is still a layer of snow on my balcony. I’ll be surprised if we are let loose tomorrow but hopefully the lungs will pound before the week is out.
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