Christy O'Connor

Journalist, author, All-Ireland club winning goalkeeper with Doora Barefield and coach

"In a society so heavily defined and dominated by technology, any amount of texts, or emoji's, can't get that message across"

Smartphone distraction restricting natural ability

The average attention span of a human is decreasing and many players are not able to take in massive amounts of information, writes Christy O'Connor.

GAA • 20 Aug 18

"Those ground battles have become an intrinsic part of hurling now"

Hurling's 'mullicking' issue is a challenge for coaches

Repeated rucks around the ball results in hurling losing some of its aesthetic beauty, writes Christy O'Connor.

GAA • 14 Aug 18

'Goals have never been harder to come by but there are still times when forwards need to adopt more of an assassin mindset.'

The art of the 'assassin' & the lust for green flags

In his latest column, Christy O'Connor discusses the importance of goalscorers using an 'assassin mindset' to find the net in the modern game.

GAA • 06 Aug 18

'Limerick gave an exhibition of brilliant point taking on the greatest 24 hours of scoring in the GAA's history'

Limerick hold nerve as scoring stats hit new heights

There was just over one shot per minute at Croke Park this weekend, as hurling's recent transformation into a shootout game of accuracy took another quantum leap forward.

GAA • 30 Jul 18

'Intricate tactics and gameplans, many of which had their origins rooted more in football than hurling, have also become a key part of the new hurling template'

Hurling coaches have embraced a new culture

Christy O'Connor examines the influence football coaching is having on hurling.

Hurling • 23 Jul 18

'In hurling now, the goalkeeper is the main quarter-back but much of the modern game is now heavily defined by American football principles'

Limerick's space creation project is serving them well

Limerick's style is designed to give their forwards the best advantage possible but it places a high premium on space creation, and the quality of delivery into that space, writes Christy O'Connor.

GAA • 16 Jul 18

'Increased strength and conditioning levels, along with a lighter sliotar, has further expanded the striking range, but with players aggressively running at defenders a lot more now, there are more frees conceded. And scored'

Elite free-taker essential for success in modern game

Hurling's marksmen have become even more vital thanks to the introduction of free-taking competitions and a greater number of fouls being awarded, writes Christy O'Connor.

GAA • 09 Jul 18

'Conlon's move to full-forward has given Clare a massive focal point and scoring threat'

Fancy drills have a place, but high ball is still key

Hurling as a game has changed, but the team that dominates the air still gives themselves and advantage.

Hurling • 02 Jul 18

'Similar to football, much of modern hurling has been bound up by talk of tactics and systems but there is still always that greater scope for expression with hurling'

Always room for individuality in hurling's hothouse

Tactics and gameplans should be reducing hurlers' opportunities for free expression, but the speed of the game is forcing individuals to experiment and improvise.

GAA • 25 Jun 18

"That absolute honesty and unwavering commitment to the cause framed everything about the essence of Walsh's character"

'Brick Flick' - another addition to the skill amalgam

Having a skilled called after you is no doubt fitting to Michael 'Brick' Walsh after reaching a career milestone against Cork

GAA • 18 Jun 18