Donncha O’Callaghan believes the demands on professional sportspeople are considerably less than on inter-county GAA players.

The former Munster and Ireland rugby star was part of Davy Fitzgerald’s Waterford hurling backroom team last year, and was taken aback by the commitment players give on top of their lives outside of the GAA.

“One thing I'll say about being around the Waterford lads, I cannot believe the commitment level,” O’Callaghan told the Chadwicks Under Construction podcast.

“People have no idea, they really don't. The windows to make sure you're fuelled, the other things that are going on in your life, be it studies (or whatever).

“Lads I'll be honest with you, being a professional player is so much easier.

“I think we actually have to protect hurling and football from it going away from that.

“I was lucky enough to be at the All-Ireland final against Galway when Limerick won. With the exception of a few games for me, like that Munster-Glasgow one the day after Anthony Foley (passed), you know those ones where you feel an emotion or an outpouring, there is something that connects between the pitch and the supporters.”

 

This pod obout Limerick hurling was a good time.
Donnacha O'Callaghan suggests inter-county hurling is more demanding of a players time than pro-rugby.

Clip with Tom Morrissey, Séamus Hickey & Shane Dowling: pic.twitter.com/67b7RGB5VU

— Craic Of The Ash (@CraicOfTheAsh) February 13, 2024

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