Many footballers and hurlers in New York suffer from depression during the GAA off-season.

New York Games development officer Simon Gillespie told the Sunday Independent that some players also lose their sense of identity once the season comes to an end.

"During the off-season, a lot of our members suffer from depression," he said.

"Some have family problems which can be exacerbated when the season stops. They briefly lose their sense of identity.

"The GAA over here really defines people. The Irish often have co-workers who have never been to Ireland, and don't relate to them. But when they are attending meetings or playing games, it gives them a common purpose.

"When that is taken away from them, it's very, very hard for them to adapt to life outside of it. You'll often hear of people having to go to counselling."

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