Ciarán Whelan has praised the efforts of a number of inter-county players who have endeavoured to keep young players, and indeed GAA enthusiasts in general, entertained during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The likes of Ciarán Kilkenny, Mickey Quinn, Shane Walsh, TJ Reid and Parick Horgan are among the top-level footballers and hurlers who have been posting skills challenges and training drills online as social islolation measures remain in place to combat the global pandemic.
Speaking on RTÉ Radio 1's Sunday Sport, former Dublin footballer Whelan says the mental health of young kids is at risk due to social isolation and these videos are a great help during a difficult time for all.
Whelan says that while team sport engenders camaraderie and a bond for all groups and ages, it is particularly important for kids and teenagers in their development.
"Team sports bring people along, but you now have a cohort of kids at home that are struggling to find that motivation to train on their own," he said.
Great idea by @DGNHurlingclub and Cormac Joe. 30 in 30 to beat. Next up will be @shanekingston8 @robbied124 @alison_coughlan @DavidDooling #30secondstrikingchallenge https://t.co/2Hk9unREeW pic.twitter.com/OXVYGuP9Ev
— Patrick Horgan (@Hoggie088) March 18, 2020
"Great credit to people like Ciarán Kilkenny and Shane Walsh, and the other inter-county players who have invested a hell of a lot of time to keep kids entertained online...there has been some fantastic stuff done over the past few weeks."
Today's skill
— Ciarán Kilkenny (@CKKilkenny93) April 13, 2020
See how many times you can put ball through legs right hand left hand right hand pass then put ball through legs left hand right hand left hand pass in that order in 30 seconds look at coaching point video to be clear 👌
Post and tag to enter hope you enjoy 🙏 pic.twitter.com/XUM5OjNpU2
While the restrictions will last at least until 5 May, it is thought that they will extend far beyond that, but Whelan is hoping that a lifting of some measures could have a significant impact.
"I do think ultimately it will be about small steps. Minister for Health Simon Harris' comment to say that they hope to get people back into groups of four and five, that would be a huge step.
Great to see loads of GAA Skill Challenges out there at the moment 👌 Get creative and try invent a new skill! Worth a try in a game??😏 Lots more coming in the next few days with a some prices up for grabs too! @niallmorgan01 @Pa_Collum1 pic.twitter.com/q50Oywhi9V
— Mickey Quinn (@mickeyq06) March 19, 2020
"That would be a huge positive and a boost to everybody.
"Even if teams could train in smaller groups. How the GAA can show leadership is by how to manage that environment. Coaches may have to innovate to evolve and how to do sessions and maintain social distancing.
"We want to get the kids back out on the GAA pitches. There are a lot of parents out there who would appreciate if their kid could get back out on a pitch with three or four mates and kick a ball. That has to be the hope for step one.
"It is hugely important for kids' mental health. Some kids are introverts, some are extroverts, some really rely on social gatherings and social interaction with their mates. This has been a really tough few weeks for them."
