To celebrate the start of the 2023 Allianz National League (GAA) in both football and hurling, we’re looking back at some of the most memorable moments throughout the years.
Intersport Elverys is steeped in GAA history and we’ve witnessed some of the best and most exciting moments from teams like Mayo GAA, Dublin GAA and Tipperary GAA to name just a few.
Check out or leading range of county GAA gear right HERE.
Or take a trip down memory lane below.
We’ve got even more quality nostalgic content on our Retro GAA Jerseys Blog – we promise, you’ll enjoy it.
2019 National League: Mayo end Croke Park silverware hiatus
Mayo 3-11 Kerry 2-10
The Green and Red blasting out from the Croke Park speakers shortly after Mayo defeated Kerry in the 2019 National League Final signalled a real release of emotion.
Time and time again Mayo had suffered heartbreak at GAA HQ, many times at the hands of their Kerry opponents, since their last victory in 2001.
The outpouring of emotion by players and supporters showed how much this meant for Mayo GAA.
James Horan’s men were deserved winners, but as they so often did in the past, did things the difficult way, relying on a brilliant injury time save by Robbie Hennelly to keep them in the game.
Ballina’s Ciaran Treacy then goaled in the third minute of injury time to put the game to bed.
Mayo trailed by 2-3 to 0-5 at half time, but big displays from James Carr and Diarmuid O’Connor, before goals from Mattie Ruane and O’Connor, helped Mayo to a famous win.
2011 National League: Dublin GAA’s long wait ended
Dublin 0-22 Kilkenny 1-7
With the Dublin hurling revolution in full steam, they stormed Croke Park and ended a 72-year wait for a National League Hurling title with victory over Kilkenny.
It was no mean feat either to beat the Cats in the manner Dublin did – complete dominance!
Croke Park was rocking and the whole country stood up and took notice.
Anthony Daly’s side rattled Kilkenny from the off, and Brian Cody’s side’s chances went from bad to worse when Eoin Larkin got his marching orders for an off-the-ball incident.
The likes of Liam Rushe and Conal Keaney were outstanding, while the cheers roared out as captain John McCaffrey lifted the trophy in the Hogan Stand.
Has there been a greater National League Hurling final than the 2003 clash between hurling’s great rivals?
The two best teams in the land put on a spectacle of hurling and recorded the highest aggregate score ever recorded in a National League Hurling final.
Amazingly, there was 6-6 along scored in the final 15 minutes of carnage, with 4-4 of that going in favour of Kilkenny, who came back from eight points down to win.
A second goal from Martin Comerford in the 50th minute sparked the recovery, before Lar Corbett temporarily replied for Tipperary to quinch the glimmer from the Cats.
But then all hell broke loose, with Charlier Carter and DJ Carey combing for a goal, before Carter hit Kilkenny’s first and then the dazzling Eddie Brennan rifled home the fifth to give them a 5-12 to 4-13 lead.
Tipp’s John Carroll then restored his side’s lead with his second goal of the game.
But cometh the hour, cometh the man and that was Henry Shefflin.
He levelled the game with a free in the 69th minute before kicking over the winning point in injury time after a dazzling run.
1991 was the year in which Offaly cemented their status in hurling’s hall of fame.
Never before had they captured a National League title in Croke, despite their success throughout the 1980s.
In beating a dogged Wexford, the young Offaly team, of which nine starters were under the age of 25, Padraig Horan’s side were determination personified.
Goals either side of half time from Daithi Regan was pivotal, while dual-star star Michael Duignan had an outstanding 35 minutes, despite being marked by the highly rated Liam Dunne.
But the likes of Johnny Pilkington and Niall McDonald stood up when needed in the second half to fire their county to the promise land.
2009-2012 National League: Rebels go on the rampage
The year 2009 marked a four-year National League winning streak for the Cork GAA footballers with a 1-14 to 0-12 win over Monaghan in the Division 2 Final.
From there, the Cork GAA footballers would complete a historic three-in-a-row of National League Division 1 titles.
At the time it was considering a marvellous achievement, compared to the days of Micko’s dominating tenure with the Kerry team in the 70s in one way.
What made the achievement even more impressive was that they did it without the wider support of the Cork GAA public, who showed little appetite for football and barely travelled to Croke Park.
In 2010, Cork defeated Mayo 1-17 to 0-12 with starring performances from Daniel Goulding and Donncha O’Connor.
The year after, they came from seven points down midway through the second half to defeat Dublin by 0-21 to 2-14, thanks to a late point from Ciaran Sheeran.
In 2012, Mayo again were the victims, with Cork running out 2-10 to 0-11 victors and looking like a real tour-de-force.
Jim Gavin’s Dublin team were in the midst of their juggernaut when Kerry spoiled their four-year reign as Division 1 National Football League champions.
In a pulsating encounter, Dean Rock saw a late free strike the post to send the game to extra as the Kerry GAA claimed their first national league title since 2009.
The game had it’s fair share of controversy, with referee Paddy Neilan flashing black cards to Dublin’s Diarmuid Connolly, and Kerry’s Anthony Maher and Johnathan Lyne.
However, late points from midfield duo David Moran and Brian Sheehan helped Kerry over the line by the narrowest of margins.
The Kingdom will also thank the outstanding Paul Geaney, who hit 0-8 (4f) on the day for their win.
There are some seriously talented Irish Female Athletes across the many sporting codes in this country right now.
We’re lucky to have some of these top Irish female athletes collaborating with us at Intersport Elverys.
From football, GAA, running, sprinting, rugby and boxing, we’ve been working closely with some of the leading Irish Female Athletes through their careers and we’ve managed to get some insight into their thinking, with them providing some brilliant advice on training, motivation, tips on reaching your goals and more.
Irish International Sprinter/Hurdler Sarah Quinn, Irish Rugby 7s/Xvs Stacey Flood, Republic of Ireland’s Rianna Jarrett, Team Ireland boxer Gráinne Walsh, international runner Grace Lynch and Cavan LGFA/Collingwood AFLW star Aishling Sheridan answer our quickfire questions.
Check them out below.
Or you can also watch them over on YouTube, right HERE:
International Sprinter/Hurdler: Sarah Quinn (Mayo)
Advice for everyday Athletes: “To start off with a focus that you know you will be able to stick to and build your daily routine around. Don’t start off with ten things at once, because the likelihood is you won’t be able to stick to them all. Start small, it could be something as simple as increasing your water intake and make sure you nail that before you go focusing on something else.”
Best Advice you ever got: “Definitely, ‘Don’t compare your step 1 with someone else’s step 10′”
How do you get motivated: “Setting goals and working towards beating them.”
Sporting Goal for 2022: “I’m hoping to stay injury free and grab every opportunity that comes my way.”
Advice on sticking to your goals: “Every Sunday, write down what you want to achieve that week. And at the end of the week, do a quick slef review and see if you achieved it. If not, make changes for the following week.”
Ireland Rugby 7s/Xvs: Stacey Flood (Dublin)
Advice for everyday Athletes: “Enjoy every single training session you do because not everyone gets to what you do and what you can do.”
Best Advice you ever got: “Hard work beats talent when talents doesn’t work hard.’ I believe if you work hard in whatever you do, it will go a long way in getting you where you want to be.”
How do you get motivated? “I always bring it back to why I am there and who I am doing this for. It’s also really easy to motivate yourself when you’re in a good group of players or training partners.”
Sporting Goal for 2022: “To quality and compete at the World Cup 7s in Cape Town in 2022″
Advice on sticking to your goals: “Find a way to hold yourself accountable. Whether it’s writing it down in a diary or journal, or finding a training partner that will motivate you and keep you going, or maybe even buying a smartwatch that will show you all your fitness data, just find something that will help you in that sense.”
Cavan LGFA & Collingwood AFLW: Aishling Sheridan (Cavan)
Advice for everyday Athletes: “It might sound simple, but investing in some top quality gym gear and footwear is great for preventing injuries firstly, but it will also motivate you to train.”
Best Advice you ever got: “The best advice I ever got was to not be afraid of making mistakes. Not everything will go 100%, because you learn from mistakes.”
How do you get motivated? “Wanting to better myself every single day.”
Sporting Goal for 2022: “To give everything I can when I play and to leave every ounce of energy on the pitch.”
Advice on sticking to your goals: “Make sure you get a diary plan so you can work out your days and weeks ahead. It will keep you motivated and give you direction and routine.”
International Long-Distance Runner: Grace Lynch (Kerry)
Advice for everyday Athletes: “My advice to you is to invest in a really good pair of running shoes. I love the ASICS Novablast 2 for my easy running days.”
Best Advice you ever got: “It’s something that I still abide by today, and it’s as simple as enjoying your training, making sure you do it for you.”
How do you get motivated? “Setting short term and long term goals. Write them in your training diary and every thing else you do on your sessions, because you can then look back and see your improvements.”
Sporting Goal for 2022: “I am aiming for PBs in the 10k road and also the half marathon.”
Advice on sticking to your goals: “Track everything. Improvements keep you hungry and wanting more.”
Team Ireland Boxer: Gráinne Walsh (Offaly)
Advice for everyday Athletes: “A good friend of mine told me that comparison is the thief of joy. You see so much of peoples’ lives these days through social media like Instagram and everyone is comparing their’s to others. I would tell people to only focus on being the best version of yourself, and no one else.”
Best Advice you ever got: “The best advice I can give is to be honest with yourself. Set a goal and stick to that goal and never let that negative voice in your head get the better of you – always stay one step ahead.”
How do you get motivated? “I think about the time recently when I spent 18 weeks in a cast and was unable to train. So I push myself over all them hard times, thinking about what I want to achieve and I use this every single day.”
Sporting Goal for 2022: “I want to get back on the World stage competing for Ireland.”
Advice on sticking to your goals: “Write everything down on a Sunday night for your week ahead. I also write down what I am grateful for at the end of every day – it’s great to keep you grounded and humble,”
Republic of Ireland: Rianna Jarrett (Wexford)
Advice for everyday Athletes: “Set goals that are measurable and realistic. Break your long terms goals down into short-term goals.”
Best Advice you ever got: “Don’t let setbacks define you, use them as motivation.”
How do you get motivated? “The beauty of playing team sport is that you’re pushed daily by the people around you, like the players and management, which really helps me keep going.”
Sporting Goal for 2022: ““To break back into the Irish set up and qualify for the Fifa 2023 Womens World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.”
Advice on sticking to your goals: “Make sure you have the right tools to get the job done. I use a journal on a daily basis, and I’m also loving my adidas Ultraboost 21 and massage gun for my recovery.”
It’s vital that you select a tennis racket which suits your game – so this tennis racket size guide is here to help.
At Intersport Elverys, we have a great selection of tennis rackets to buy , however, it’s important to do your research before you buy.
Take a look below where we’ve outlined some of the main elements that you need to take into consideration when you’re purchasing a tennis racket.
Tennis Racket Size Guide: Choosing The Correct Racket
Ultimate Control Racket
Small head/heavy weight/thin beam for a long or fast swing
Head size range – 98 sq in and below.
Weight range – 300g – 340g
Beam width range – 22mm or less
Suitable for advanced players or powerful intermediates players.
Power Control Racket
Over sized head/lightweight/tick beam for a medium to full swing
Head size range – 90 sq in – 102 SQ in
Weight range – 280g – 300g
Beam width range – 22mm or 22mm
Suitable for all player types – this racket has a good mix of power and control. Ideal first adult racket and a physically strong beginner.
Light-Weight Racket
Over sized power racket for a compact swing
Head size range – 102 sq in – 110 SQ in
Weight range – 225g – 280g
Beam width range – 25mm or 28mm
Suitable for Beginners and intermediates especially those who are not physically strong
Not suitable for physically strong players or very young players.
In this blog, we have reviewed some of our Most Popular Tennis Rackets to make sure you know what one to buy.
Tennis Racket Size Guide: Grips
Tennis Racket Size Guide: Kids 10 Years and Younger
3 stages: Red, Orange and green.
Kids are given all the tools to succeed at this sport, with smaller courts, properly sized tennis rackets and tennis balls designed to be played at a slower speeds to help kids learn and grow into the game as they get older.
Types of Tennis Balls
Pressurized ball
This is a tournament ball and is used by advanced and professionals players, these are one the most common used.
The internal air pressure gives a greater bounce, speed and spin, which fades quite quickly over time.
A study found that the life span of pressurized balls only lasts for 2 weeks.
Pressure less ball
Generally used for beginners, practice and recreational play.
Bounces from the rubber shell, not the air inside means they wont lose their bounce like standards ball, in fact they actually gain bounce as the outer felt begins to fade. The only con is, some players find this ball to be heavier to play with.
Conclusion
Here at Intersport Elverys we have a fantastic range of products from a wide range of sports. Find our Tennis section HERE.
Are you taking the plunge (like that? ) with your kids and introducing them to swimming lessons? Or are they more accomplished in the discipline but you’re looking for some new swimming gear for kids?
Well Intersport Elverys has all the best products for all levels and ages of swimmers, from the best brands in the business.
We’ve got large ranges of swimsuits and trunks, swim caps, goggles, nose plugs, socks and other accessories.
So keep reading to make sure your kids are ready for the water before they make the jump!
Most pools won’t allow anyone enter the pool without a swimming cap now.
But they are also essential for keeping your kids safe and protected while in the water.
Swimming caps will keep their hair out of their face, keep it drier while also protecting it from the chemicals in the pool water. Not to mention keeping water and bacteria out of their ears.
And for those competitive swimmers, it will also make them faster from a hydrodynamic purpose.
Goggles are great in helping your child feel more comfortable in the water and to help in their swimming lessons.
As your child gets older and progresses in swimming, goggles can be key in playing an important part in allowing them to do this in utmost comfort.
And don’t forget, if your child wears glasses, they may also need goggles or even prescription goggles, which are available to purchase via your optician.
Swimming socks are a brilliant safety measure to ensure your kids don’t slip and fall in and around the pool and changing rooms.
If you’re swimming outside, they will also protect your kids’ feet from the sun, protect them from rough surfaces and getting cuts as well as keeping them warm in cold water.
Click the link below to see more.
Essential Swimming Gear for Kids: Accessories
We’ve also got a complete list of accessories that will make swimming that bit more enjoyable and fun for your kids.
Little things like nose plugs, ear plugs, armbands, fins, splashball and floats will all make things that bit easier.
Conclusion
We hope this blog will help you kit your kid out for their next adventure in the pool or the sea.
Don’t forget to check out our full swimming range below, where you’ll also find mens and womens products.
If you’re looking for a change up to your training schedule this New Year, suspension training might be for you.
For those who don’t know what it is, it’s basically resistance-based strength training centred around bodyweight exercises using ropes.
So remember those straps hanging from the ceilings or squats rack in the gym?
That’s them.
But another reason that makes suspension training so popular is how practical it is. Kits like TRXTraining allow you to workout wherever you at, be it at home, at work, or on the road.
Check out the video below more information on the most popular suspension training kit, TRXTraining.
Interest? Keep reading then.
What is Suspension Training
Suspension training, often referred to as TRXTraining, is resistance exercise that uses a system of ropes and cables to allow you to leverage your body weight against gravity.
Rings and TRX accessories are examples of common suspension equipment seen in gyms.
It may make any exercise more challenging by providing an unstable platform that requires more core activation. It also attempts to improve your strength, aerobic endurance, balance, coordination, and power all in one session.
Benefits of Suspension Training
TRXTraining, sometimes known as suspension training, is an exercise regimen that has been demonstrated to increase total body strength, stability, and cardiovascular health. This is accomplished without the use of typical weight lifting, kettlebell swinging, or lifting semi-truck tires.
Suspension training advocates claim that it improves core body strength as well as joint and muscular stability, lowering the risk of injury.
Here are 8 benefits in short.
Strengthens the core
Strengthens the body’s functional strength, agility, and power.
Over 50 exercises can be done
Portable/Easy set up can adapt to various fitness levels
It’s an excellent workout for seniors
It lowers the risk of heart disease and stroke.
It may help with weight loss and body composition.
How to get Started in Suspension Training
The great thing about suspension training is how simple it is to get started.
All you need is a small area of space, something to hang your kit on and a suspension training or TRXtraining kit, which is available right HERE.
Set up is simple.
Plus, there’s an array of workouts to get you started straight away.
Suspension Training Workouts for Beginners
If you’re just starting off, we recommend you keep it simple to get a feel for suspension training.
Try these basic suspension training exercises and see how you get on.
Remember, start slow and find your pace.
Plank
A great exercise to hit your core – essential for your full body.
Begin by lying on your stomach, facing away from the anchor point, and placing your toes into the foot cradles with the straps at midcalf. Back into the grips with your heels, squeeze your calves, quads, glutes, hamstrings, and core, and press into a flawlessly flat plank.
Hold for up to 30 seconds or as long as you can. Repeat for a total of three sets.
Low Row
Good for posture, hitting those strong back muscles and your arms.
You can change the intensity and difficulty of this move simply by your feet position and strap length.
With the suspension trainer shortened, stand facing the anchor point. Begin with your elbows bent at 90 degrees, the handles at your rib cage, body straight and planked. Slowly straighten your arms to lower your body, keeping your body in a straight line from head to toe and return to the start by bending the elbows.
Perform three sets of 8–10 reps.
Squat
No matter your fitness levels, the squat has massive potential for benefits.
You can improve your mobility and your ankles and hips, which will improve your everyday wellbeing, as well as building huge strength.
Stand facing the anchor point with the TRX straps adjusted to mid-length. Hold the handles in front of you with your elbows soft and take a step back until the straps are slightly tight. Lower your hips and back as low as you’re comfortable without leaning backward. Return to a standing position by squeezing your glutes.
Three sets of 8–10 reps are recommended.
Chest Press
Brilliant for hitting your chest muscles with a powerful pushing movement along with stabilising your core and spine.
One of the staples of suspension training.
Stand facing away from the anchor point, with the TRX straps fully stretched. Begin by standing on the balls of your feet and pressing against the strap handles with your arms extended exactly below your shoulders. Lower yourself till your elbows are roughly 90 degrees while keeping your body in a straight plank. As you push back up to the starting position, straighten your arms and support your core.
Reps should be 8–10 reps in three sets.
Lunges
Great for building leg strength and increasing your range of motion in a controlled state.
Begin by standing facing the anchor point with the straps at mid-length. Step your right leg back and bend both knees to 90 degrees while keeping a light grasp on the handles. Return to a standing position by squeezing your glutes. Repeat on the opposite side. That counts as one rep.
Three sets of 8–10 reps.
Bicep Curl
The great thing about these bicep curls is that they engage the whole body, not just the bicep.
Again, adjusting your feet will alter the difficulty.
Begin with your pinkies at your temples and elbows raised high, with the straps at mid-length. Straighten your arms while keeping your elbows raised and your body straight. Without lowering your elbows or rising your shoulders, return to the beginning position.
Three sets of 8–10 reps.
Hamstring Curls
Hamstring strength is key for powerful legs and also essential for healthy joints to influence mobility.
So ensuring they are strong and rigorous is essential.
With the straps at midcalf length, lie on your back facing the anchor point and place your heels in the foot cradles. Keep even pressure in your heels, engage your glutes and core, keep your hips lifted and drag your heels as if they were on train tracks until your knees are stacked over your hips. Return your legs to straight while maintaining a tight core.
Perform three sets of 8–10 reps.
Conclusion
Keep an eye on our blog for even more content on suspension training workouts and advice.
