"Players are putting their lives on hold"
June 05, 2018
Westmeath manager Michael Ryan.
©INPHO/Tommy Grealy.
Westmeath hurling manager Michael Ryan feels that the majority of players playing at inter-county level don't enjoy the game anymore.
The Lake County currently sit top of the Joe McDonagh Cup with four wins from as many games and has been in favour of the GAA's decision to radically change the entire hurling championship format.
However, he feels that the huge demands being put on inter-county players these days means that the enjoyment "gone out of the game" for them.
"Most inter-county players don't enjoy the game anymore. The amount of training and preparation that goes into it is beyond belief," Ryan told RTE Sport.
"Training five nights a week in some cases and most teams haven't a hope of winning the All-Ireland. The fun is gone out of the game, for the most part.
"It's such a sacrifice now. I know Brian Cody wouldn't agree with me, but it is. Players are putting their lives on hold. The clubs are dying on their feet, and I'm amazed no-one has seen through this.
"I would love to see a survey done, where players answered honestly whether they enjoy the game anymore."
