The GAA has seen many great players down through the years that have earned their place in Irish folklore with their exploits on the field; while there have also been many great managers. Names like Mick O'Dwyer, Mickey Harte and Joe Kernan in football, while Brian Cody, Ger Loughnane and Michael 'Babs' Keating have all left their mark on hurling's history. The majority of managers usually began this stage of their career when they finally hang up their hurls or boots, but for one young Westmeath man, the management path is starting at a very early stage. James Heffernan hails from the St Oliver Plunkett's club in Mullingar. Having had a very successful underage career, an unfortunate accident put paid to this youngster's playing career. "I was playing hurling with Plunkett's when I was accidentally hit in the eye and lost the sight, which was a big blow to me at the time," said James. The accident occurred at a time when he was making name for himself in hurling circles within the county and he admits that it took a while to come to terms with. "I suppose I did think it was the end of the world at the time, but you soon realise that there is people worse off than you in the world and you just get on with things. You just have to have a positive outlook on life. I was serving my time as a carpenter but had to give that up and look at what I was going to do next. "I decided to do some courses and began one as a fitness instructor and then I did one as a Sports Therapist. I found both very interesting, while I also got involved with the schools hurling and that has been going great," he added. An opening for the position of physio with the Westmeath hurling team came along and James took on the role, which he has held now for the past five years. "It has been a great experience working the Westmeath team as you learn how a team prepares for matches and their training methods at the highest level." In early 2005, James took the unusual step of advertising his services of team trainer in some of the local provincial papers and a two-year association with Meath club Rathmolyon begun. "I took over Rathmolyon in 2005 and enjoyed every minute of my time there. The first year we were okay in the championship, but last year, I asked the players to go that extra step and that was what they did. "Fortunately, we went all the way and won the senior championship. I was particularly delighted for the players, because they really did put in a huge effort during the year," he said modestly. Of the two years that James was in charge of Rathmolyon, the club only lost one championship match out of a possible 13, which is a remarkable achievement for both their players and manager. The 24-year-old has a busy schedule these days and along with his role as a schools coach, he is also overseeing the fortunes of Athlone IT's Fresher's side, who he looks after alongside club mate Eddie Casey. "Eddie is over the first team in the college, but we do most of the training together. Eddie and I have worked well together and it has been very enjoyable. "He has been doing great work with Plunketts in the last couple of years and I'm certain that he will win a few championships with them in the very near future." One of the toughest decisions that James has had to make in his short managerial career is leaving Rathmolyon and it's one that he reveals was not easy to make. "It wasn't easy leaving Rathmolyon as I enjoyed my time there, but at the end of the day, the travelling was becoming a lot of hassle. I'm in Athlone IT most days and to go from there to Rathmolyon was a long drive. Some nights I wasn't home till after midnight." A phone call from a top Offaly club helped James make the decision to leave Rathmolyon and now he is beginning a new challenge, which he is relishing. "The Lusmagh club rang me up to ask would I be interested in training them this year and with it not being too far of a journey from Athlone, I decided to give it a go. "I'm looking forward to the new challenge. I know it won't be an easy task as the Offaly championship has been dominated by Birr and Coolderry to an extent in recent years. But, Lusmagh have quality hurlers and they got to the quarter-final last year, hopefully we can build on that." James' dedication in following his goal of becoming a top manager/trainer has seen him begin a Sports Psychology course and he stresses that getting into a player's mind is just as important as getting them fit. "I think hurling has changed from the old days and now you need to know how to handle the players on an individual basis. Some lads need a rollicking every so often, while others respond more to an arm around the shoulder and words of encouragement. "A manager's job is made easy if players turn out in numbers and put in the right effort; if they don't then you are fighting a losing battle from early on." Like most people of his age, James has many goals that he would like to reach and after speaking to him, this journalist would be very surprised if he did not reach and surpass all. "I'd like to get into county management at some stage, but there is no rush just yet. I certainly have time on my side. Another thing I want to do is to manage my club to a senior hurling championship title, that is when Eddie has already guided them to a couple," he enthused. As is the case with most team trainers, they are on the road from morning until night and although it can be a hectic schedule, James has the enthusiasm to keep going. "You can be on the road most nights of the week and it can get tiresome at times, but the main thing is that I enjoy it and as long as the appetite is there, I'm sure there won't be a problem." Tweet

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