The training diary of a modern day inter-county GAA footballer compared with an AFL player

Tuesday and Thursday, game at the weekend? Catch yourself on. You'll not get away with that anymore.

To be a top athlete in any sport, you need serious dedication and that includes amateurs as well. Last month, we took a look at the diet of a modern day inter-county GAA footballer and compared it with an AFL player's and we winced at their discipline. Elite sportspeople don't take half measures so Brian Darby's latest inside information makes for even more fascinating reading. The Offaly man has given us another sobering look into the work required to reach the top with an account of a typical week for an inter-county star and, even compared with a professional's regime in Australia, the GAA aren't far behind. Darby, who documents his blogs over on www.briandarby.ie, got Kildare's Sean Hurley on board again to compare his own standard week with the AFL player's. Both men are out six days a week, both are heavy into stretching, conditioning, team meetings but, naturally, Hurley and his Freemantle side have more time to invest in meetings and specifics and they even find a slot to work on lowering their heart rates. The AFL outfit also have an 'individualised day' before a game. It is clear to see the differences still between a professional and what's supposed to be an amateur but, be under no illusions, life is no picnic for a Gaelic footballer either.   You can read more on Brian Darby's findings over on his blog here.