Ryan: Podge has to be accommodated
July 04, 2014
Former Limerick and Westmeath manager Tom Ryan
©INPHO/Andrew Paton
Tom Ryan says Clare hurling manager Davy Fitzgerald must do everything he can to accommodate Podge Collins' dual mandate.
The All Star hurler has been juggling both codes this year, despite Fitzgerald having serious reservations about whether it's possible to play both at the highest level.
"Personally, I don't think you can mix hurling with either Gaelic football or soccer. On a general basis, I would be opposed to it," the former Limerick and Westmeath manager is quoted in the Clare Champion.
"Hurling is a game based on movement and speed where everything has to be done at pace. When I was manager, I found the players who played football or soccer in the winter were waiting for the ball to come to them when they played hurling. Their movement and reaction tended to be slower.
"However, Podge Collins is in a unique situation as his father, Colm, is the manager of the Clare football team. I think Podge has to be accommodated if he wants to play both codes.
"He is one of the best hurlers I have seen in terms of his speed, skill and work-rate. I would hate to see the blame game creeping in if any player wants to play both codes."
Most Read Stories