GAA President disputes Davy's claims
March 05, 2014
GAA President Liam O'Neill
GAA President Liam O'Neill doesn't believe there is a drink and drug problem amongst inter-county players.
Giving his reaction to Davy Fitzgerald's revealing speech at a mental and physical health seminar yesterday, O'Neill - who travelled to Shanghai with the Clare team last year as part of their All Stars trip - told the Irish Independent: "I asked them about their lifestyle and they said that there was no room for drink or any other substances in their lives.
"Once they commit to that, they're top-class athletes. They value the opportunity they are getting, so there's no question of them ever putting their chance of playing at the top level at risk for drink or any other substance.
"I was terribly impressed by them and I think the modern young hurler now just doesn't take the chance. I don't think any young man serious about sport would take any substances.
"Among those who have committed themselves and made the effort to get to that level of prowess, I don't think it's a problem with them."
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