“You need to save the energy because there will be plenty of running to come.”
Right sock on before left, spray a full tin of Deep Heat, do 10 toe-taps with each foot – every player has a different ritual before a big game.
It’s no different when you get to Croke Park, whether you want to chill, get pumped up or whatever it may be, player rituals are as old as the game itself.
Speaking on the GAA Hour, Colm Parkinson talks us through his pre-match Croke Park preparations, from his playing days.
“The routine at Croke Park would be that you watch the first half of the match before you, and at half-time you would be shepherd in.
“Then you might watch the second half, there would be a television in the room, and then there’s a warm-up room and a physio room.
“They are grand big luxurious dressing rooms, I liked to sit down and read the programme for a little while.
“You would see other fellas and they’re in the warm-up, kicking a ball against the wall, they’re in the zone and you’re just like – relax.”
Former Cork forward Paul Kerrigan, is no stranger to Croke Park, having played in some of the best Cork sides in recent years.
He also discussed on the show, how he killed time before the match began, in the capital.
“I used to go and watch the game, always, I used to go and watch the minors if they were playing beforehand, to see how the young lads are getting on.
“Then I would try and get a corner in the dressing room where there was a little bit of extra space.
You would see the young lads, because the fridges were stocked, stealing all the Powerade and throwing it into their bags.
“Then I would go in for a small bit of a kick, nothing major, but that new warm-up area is handy now, for the new fellas to get warmed up before the game.
“I would never be going too mad now, you need to save the energy because there will be plenty of running to come.
You can listen to the full discussion on the GAA Hour now!
