Leitrim GAA star Ronan Kennedy discusses his daily routine with John O'Brien.

Morning

What time do you get up at?

During college, usually around 9.30 or a bit later. If I'm working I would get up at 7.

How long do you sleep for?

Try and get at least 7 hours every night.

What do you eat for breakfast?

Porridge with strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, honey and some linseed. Some multivitamins and a banana after.

Do you train/exercise in the mornings?

Generally not, the body takes a while to wake up.

Are you in college/work? What are you studying/working at?

I have just finished my law degree in Maynooth University. I will be starting my masters there in September. I work for my uncle with Driveway Cleaning Dublin when my college timetable allows it and for a good part of the summer.

Do you have a long commute to college/work?

Two-minute drive to College. Ten minutes if I'm working.

Is it hard to balance life between college/work and being an intercounty footballer?

The hardest part is trying to find time for family and friends, especially when you live nearer to Dublin. Generally it's not a problem with college/work. Exam time coincides with championship so it can be difficult to make all the training sessions at that time of year. If I'm working it can be hard to get the gym sessions done. Most of our lads with Leitrim have it tougher with their work schedules and the commute to training so I can't complain.

Mid-morning/afternoon

Do you go to the gym in the morning/afternoon?

No I do evening sessions in the gym.

How many times a week do you go to the gym?

Twice a week, between training and games that's all there is time for. I like to have a rest day at some stage of the week.

What do you do in a typical gym session?

Whatever is assigned in our programme. Usually start with mobility work and a good stretch. Different variations of leg, chest, shoulder and core exercises. Heavy lifting with lower reps during the winter and lighter weights with more reps for maintenance in season. More focus on explosive work.

Where do you work out?

Gym in Maynooth during college or club gym in Mohill when I'm at home in Leitrim.

What would you eat for your lunch?

During college either a chicken wrap or a salmon omelette. Both would have peppers and some cheese. At work I'd bring a lunch of 2 chicken fillets, portion of vegetables and brown/basmati rice.

What does your diet consist of? Do you have to be very careful with what you eat?

Lots of fruit with breakfast. Meals are mostly chicken, steak or burgers coupled with veg and sweet potato. I try and be as healthy as possible but I have a sweet tooth. I can't go a day without having some type of a chocolate bar, dark chocolate if I can.

Do you drink much water? How much?

Three - four litres a day
 

Afternoon/Evening

What time do you get home from college/work at?

With college it varies, work is usually around six.

What do you usually have for dinner?

Usually some type of meat with vegetables and sweet potato or rice. I'd have a stir fry just to have something different every couple of days.

What time do you have County training at?

Usually 8 PM.

Where do you train?

Our new centre of excellence facility in Annaduff.

Is there anything in particular you would focus on in training yourself?

First touch is an area I'm trying to improve all the time. Shooting and passing with weaker foot/hand and finishing goal opportunities.

How often do you train a week?

Twice during the week and again and again at the weekends if there are no club games on.

How long would a typical training session last?

1 hour and 15/20 minutes.

Do you find it hard to motivate yourself for training sometimes?

It can be hard to motivate yourself if you're working hard and not getting results in games. But you remind yourself why you are putting in the effort and you go again. The young lads usually help me focus before training because I know I'm fighting with them for a place in the team and I have to be at my best to compete with them. You can't afford to have a poor training session. It's good to challenge yourself to be better.

Would you often treat yourself with a takeaway/Chinese or a few pints? Or does this totally have to be cut out of your diet?

If I'm craving a takeaway I'll have one, it doesn't happen too often so I don't think it does any harm. It's difficult to get time to have a few pints with the inter-county schedule. I would say that it is more of an issue with intercounty players rather than not being allowed out to drink. Games come thick and fast from January through to championship, especially when you throw in Sigerson and club games. But I really enjoy having a few pints with friends when I can. I think it helps, especially if lads are stressed at work or whatever.

What do you do to help take your mind of football?

Go to the cinema, go out for a meal or go for a walk on the beach.

On a typical day what time would you go to bed at?

Between 11 and 12.

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