RONAN FAGAN
The modern life of a prominent intercounty senior gaelic footballer is one laden with rhythm and routine.
As the foreseeable absence of competitive action from the nation’s GAA playing fields abounds, Athlone and Westmeath senior footballer, Ray Connellan, spoke to the Athlone Advertiser, as he noted the affect of the present sporting impasse pertaining to preparation for a championship campaign which may not throw-in as the country remains in the grip of a public health crisis.
“We are in the middle of a public health crisis which has impacted upon all strands of society, with our GAA season coming to a sudden halt in March. Personally, there is a sense of frustration as I had been striving to reach the form which I was showing for Westmeath prior to my departure to Australia in 2016,” Ray noted.
Such progression was gathering momentum, Connellan was named on the Electric Ireland GAA Higher Education Rising Star Team of the Year, for his Sigerson Cup exploits for UCD, as the Athlone native continued to readapt to life as an intercounty footballer.
“Obviously, our last competitive league game was a heavy loss to Roscommon and we were determined to atone in our next fixture against Laois and finish towards the top of the division table, but the COVID-19 outbreak put paid to our playing ambitions,” Ray commented.
Unable to train as a squad at present, the group have each been afforded personal training programmes and with team spirit being a vital core in achieving future success, messaging service platforms have been established to maintain and enhance that sense of unity.
“The players maintain that connection with each other and management through the various communication channels now available on social media. For the moment with no return to competitive action in sight it is all about sustaining motivation levels and setting short term goals,” Ray remarked.
With study assignments continuing, Ray is unsure as to if a GAA championship will proceed this summer.
“We have to accept that the current situation is uncontrollable and there may come a time when the senior football championship is not completed in its current format, it may happen on a straight knock basis, or it may not even proceed this year, such is the situation at this time,” Ray added.
If a return to competitive championship action materialises, Ray noted that an immediate return to the playing fray is not possible with intercounty squads needing at least two weeks to regain a sense of cohesiveness as a group before action can commence.
“Injuries will become more prevalent if players, performing at high intensity levels, are not afforded the adequate preparation before competitive fixtures recommence,” Ray stressed.
Off field, Ray and his brother John, achieved a personal target in recent times, raising in excess of €6,000 for the Pieta House charity, following the culmination of their Freezebrury challenge during the month of February.
“During this particular time in our lives, maintaining a positive mental health is essential. Pieta House provides numerous mental health related support measures but like so many charities, are solely reliant on funds raised by volunteers to maintain a service.
“With the cancellation, due to COVID-19, of ‘Darkness Into Light’, the main annual fundraiser for Pieta House, it was rewarding to contribute to the important service which the charity provides on an ongoing basis,” Ray concluded.
