“The players need to trust each other and enjoy each other’s company. They’re not going to fight on their backs for each other if they don’t have that.”
Liam Kearns has studied sport science.
He knows the craic about recovery and he’s aware of the treacheries of drink.
He’s also more aware of the importance of enjoying the game.
Liam Kearns' non-dictatorship attitude is working. Take note!https://t.co/rLa4tn5y4Q
— GAA JOE (@GAA__JOE) July 31, 2016
After Ireland exited Euro 2016, beaten by France, some talk shows decided to take exception with the fact Martin O’Neill had allowed his players a beer after a historic results against Italy – five days before the second round.
If Ireland couldn’t celebrate that, then really what is the point of playing this game? There’s always something else to get ready for but you’re getting ready so you can get the results – and, Jesus, when you get them, should you not savour them?
Liam Kearns spoke with SportsJOE’s GAA Hour football podcast on Monday as the Tipperary bus made its way back from Dublin. Drink was on board, merriment was in the air and the manager was overseeing it all. Happy at the bonds that were going to be made along the way.
They can worry about getting the drink out of their systems on Wednesday.
“There’s a little bit of a sing-song – those that are with us,” the Tipp manager laughed with approval.
“Look, it’s organic. It’s about celebrating – they’re putting in a huge effort and they’re entitled to celebrate. After the Derry match we just concentrated on recovery and we’ve had two big wins in a week now and I want them to celebrate because, if they don’t, it’s not worth doing.
“We’ve had this conversation before [on The GAA Hour football podcast]. You have to enjoy it. If you don’t, it’s not worth doing.
“I’ve studied the science of it and I’ve done the degree but, at the end of the day, you cannot really quantify what a win like that does and what celebrating a win like that does.
“I always try to engender that in any team – club or county – I’m involved with.”
The GAA needs more men like this.
Listen to his full chat from a lively Tipp bus with Colm Parkinson on The GAA Hour below (drink chat starts at 23:50).
