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Best GAA Players of All time: Ultimate Football XV 2000-2020

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Over the past 20 years we’ve been graced with some of the best GAA players of all time lining out for their counties.

We’ve seen Dublin become the greatest team ever, Mayo’s continual All-Ireland heartbreak, the great Tyrone/Armagh rivalry of the Noughties, some Kerry magic and much more.

We love our GAA at Intersport Elverys, so we’ve tasked ourselves with the unenviable task of picking the best GAA players of all time for our ultimate football XV.

It wasn’t easy and we had to make some difficult decisions for who gets the start.

We know we’ve left some lads disappointed at being omitted, but that’s what GAA management is all about right?

Making those hard decisions!

Before we start, you might like to check out our Ultimate Guide to Gaelic Football Positions Blog?

Best GAA Players of all Time

1. Goalkeeper: Stephen Cluxton (Dublin GAA)

best gaa players of all time

Without doubt, one of the easiest decisions we had to make.

Cluxton will go down as the greatest GAA goalkeeper of all time, finishing up last year with eight All-Ireland medias to his name, captain for seven of those.

He was the great revolutionary of the goalkeeping position, transforming the requirements and expectations on modern-day goalkeepers to a more quarter-back role.

His kickouts and quick restarts, as well as his dead-ball accuracy, made his one of the most important cogs in the Dublin juggernaut.

Full Back line

best gaa players of all time

2. Right Corner back: Keith Higgins (Mayo GAA)

The former Young Footballer of the Year retired with four All Stars but without that All-Ireland medal he came so close to achieving.

However, the Ballyhaunis GAA man was consistently excellent across two decades and on the biggest stage of them all.

Versatile enough to play anywhere on the pitch if required, Higgins really made his name as a man-marking corner back who could punish teams on the front foot with his electric pace.

3. Full Back: Seamus Moynihan (Kerry GAA)

The Kerry star was a colossus defender, finishing his career with four Celtic Crosses and three All Stars, being considered as one of the greats.

Comfortable at centre back or full back, Moynihan was a complete package – renowned for his marking, football ability, strength, and pace.

Although he retired from inter-county football in 2006 and played much of his football during the 1990s, Moynihan could not be omitted from the team.

4. Left Corner Back: Marc Ó Sé (Kerry GAA)

The youngest of the Ó Sé brothers had some competition here, with Mick Fitzsimons, Philly McMahon and Johnny Cooper all unlucky not to be picked.

But as a former Footballer of the Year and for his out-and-out defensive qualities, the Kerry man gets the nod.

Often underappreciated compared to his brothers, Tomás and Darragh, Marc was consistency personified during the past two decades.

He won his last All-Ireland with Kerry in 2014 before calling it a day two years later.

There never anything too swashbuckling about him, but he did all the basics at the highest of quality and that is crucial.

Half Back line

best gaa players of all time

5. Left Wing Back: Lee Keegan (Mayo GAA)

Mayo’s greatest player of all time, Lee Keegan is also the highest scoring defender of all time with 6-40 in championship football.

The Westport GAA man made his name as an explosive and attack-minded wing back, before adapting to a man marking corner back later in his career.

In Mayo’s biggest days, Keegan has been able to negate the opposition’s best player while also hurting them at the other end.

Footballer of the Year in 2016, there ill never be another Lee Keegan.

Keegan’s former Mayo teammate Eoghan McLaughlin shares his expertise on How to Play Wing Back in the blog. 

6. James McCarthy (Dublin GAA)

A Rolls Royce football, McCarthy was a pivotal figure in Dublin’s six-in-a-row winning team.

Comfortable in midfield and in the half forward line, McCarthy’s best position is in the half back line where his physicality, presence, calmness on the ball and explosiveness make him a huge threat.

A four-time All Star, the Ballymun star is widely and rightly considered as one of the best footballers the game has ever seen.

Karl Lacey of Donegal GAA can feel hard done by, but the competition in the half back line was simply immense.

7. Jack McCaffrey (Dublin GAA)

Watching Jack McCaffrey in full flight is something special and his goal against Kerry in the 2019 All-Ireland Final was him at his best.

Making his championship debut in 2013, McCaffrey won the Footballer of the Year award in 2015 and received a second nomination in 2018.

His electrifying pace destroyed so many teams throughout his years, while his attacking threat and defensive skills improved year-on-year.

One of the greatest wing backs ever.

Midfield

best gaa players of all time

8. Midfield: Brian Fenton (Dublin GAA)

Fenton is midfield and Gaelic football royalty – arguably the greatest midfielder of all time, and we don’t say that lightly.

Genius when in possession and a trojan workrate when in not, Fenton was an inspirational figure for Dublin during their famous campaign playing in every minute of the six-in-a-row.

Amazingly, the Raheny GAA man didn’t lose his first game in a Dublin jersey until 2021 and  to date has five All Stars to his name.

A Footballer of the Year award is coming down the road.

9. Midfield: Darragh Ó Sé (Kerry GAA)

No midfield could be complete without this towering Kerryman.

The second of the Ó Sé brothers to make this team, Darragh was the engine room and midfield dynamo of the great Kerry team during the noughties.

Powerful on the ground and dominant in the air, Ó Sé was also an excellent kickpasser and much of his great play involved supplying quality ball to a dangerous attack.

He retired in 2010 with four All Stars and six All-Ireland titles.

Mayo GAA’s and All Star midfielder Mattie Ruane shares his insight and advice on how to play the postion in this blog.

Half Forward Line

10. Right Half Forward: Diarmuid Connolly (Dublin GAA)

Much maligned at times during his career for various incidents not involving a football, there is no doubting the class of Diarmuid Connolly.

On his day there was few, if any, who could match the sheer level of skill and the effortlessness of how he executed those skills than Connolly.

Many say his return of only two All Stars is an indication of how he was perceived by the public and media due to his discipline issues.

However, you can’t deny his ability.

11. Centre Forward: Ciaran Killkenny (Dublin GAA)

A star touted from an early age, Kilkenny went on to surpass even those expectations.

Tempted to a career in the AFL during his late teens, the Castleknock GAA man opted to throw his hand in with his native county and how that worked out for all parties!

He has been a mainstay in the all-dominant Dubs’ team for his industry in the half forward line and his scoring ability.

Named Player of the Year in 2021, Kilkenny is still only 28 years-old and has many more years ahead of him.

12. Left Half Forward: Séan Cavanagh (Tyrone GAA)

Although not in his most natural position here, it was impossible to leave out Séan Cavanagh from this team.
A box-to-box midfielder in his early years, before adapting as a deadly full forward, Cavanagh inspired his native Tyrone to three All-Ireland titles.

He also captained Ireland at the International Rules Series, Cavanagh was a stylish attacker who won Player of the Year in 2008.

Full Forward Line

13. Right Corner Forward: Colm Cooper (Kerry GAA)

How ‘The Gooch’ never won a Footballer of the Year award is almost unfathomable.

Maybe he was a victim of his own consistent brilliance, of which is evident in winning a ridiculous eight All Star awards and kicking Kerry to five All-Irelands.

The Dr Crokes GAA clubman hit a massive 23-283 in his 85 senior appearances for Kerry.

14. Full Forward: Michael Murphy (Donegal GAA)

Although deployed all over the field throughout his career with Donegal, Murphy’s best position is on the edge of the square.

Without him, Donegal would not have won the All-Ireland title in 2012 and been as consistently competitive as they have been.

His goal against Mayo in the 2012 All-Ireland final was sensational and he has captained Donegal to five Ulster titles.

Donegal’s best ever.

15. Left Corner Forward: Conor McManus (Monaghan)

The last place on the team was the most difficult to pick.

Close runners include the championship’s all time leading scorer Cillian O’Connor, Bernard Brogan, Peter Canavan and Con O’Callaghan, however, it’s hard to look McManus.

Although he never competed in an All-Ireland Final, McManus was a mesmerising forward on his day and, at times, looked unmarkable.

A three-time All Star, shone bright on a team that has been fighting far above their weight during this era and we just couldn’t leave him out.

Conclusion

We know we’ve left some superstars out of our team and some can feel really hard done by.

But the standard was incredible and there’s certainly an alternative XV that could be picked!

Why not tell us yours?

You might like our blog on our Retro GAA Jerseys Best Moments?

What does a Black Card mean in GAA

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The black card has been much maligned and changed since it was first introduced into Gaelic football, but what does a black card mean in GAA right now?

It’s as confusing to some as it ever was, and its interpretation can leave a lot to be desired.

In this blog we’ll clarify exactly what does a black card mean in GAA.

If you’re new to GAA and don’t know what it stands for, check out this Blog on what GAA means here. 

When was the Black Card in GAA Introduced?

A black card was brought into football back in 2014 in an attempt to curb cynical fouling, which had crept into football.

Remember Seán Kavanagh/Joe Brolly gate?

what does a black card mean in GAA

Well, that moment is often – unfairly or fairly – scapegoated as the tipping point as to why the rule was introduced.

Initially it was decided that the player receiving the black card would be substituted immediately and not allowed back onto the field.

But that has since been changed to the 10-minute sin bin rule.

What does a black card mean in GAA

To be given a black card in the GAA, a player must leave the field for ten minutes, and no replacement can come on during that period.

Effectively, your team is a man down for ten minutes.

Should a player receive a black card followed by a yellow card later in the match, or vice versa, they will be issued a red card.

The time in the sin bin will start when the referee restarts the game after the foul.

The player can only return to play, after the period of ten minutes has ended, at the next break in play and with the permission of the referee.

If the goalkeeper happens to get a black card he could be replaced by one of the outfield players who should wear a distinctive jersey or a sub made.

A black card will also carry into extra time, as well as the non-expired time of the black card.

Black card offences in the GAA

Cynical Behaviour fouls

  • To deliberately pull down an opponent
  • To deliberately trip an opponent with the hand, arm leg or foot
  • To deliberately collide with an opponent after he has played the ball away or for the purpose of taking him out of the movement of play
  • To remonstrate in an aggressive manner to match officials
  • To threaten or to use abusive or provocative language or gestures to an opponent or teammate

All these fouls are completely up to the discretion of the referee.

Conclusion

We hope we’ve answered what does a black card mean in GAA for you.

Check out this cool video from the GAA below.

You can check out our GAA ranges HERE. 

 

 

Kids Football Training Equipment Guide

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If your kid is football mad, then this guide to a complete list of kids football training equipment is for you.

Whether your kid or kids are mad to train at home, or whether you are coaching the next group of up and coming superstars this will also help you.

We are going to give a quick run down of all the essential kids football training equipment you need for your back yard or local park.

Before you start, don’t forget it’s Summer Camp season!

Check out our Essential Guide to Kids’ Summer Camps here.

Or check out our Summer Shop:

If not, enjoy this blog.

kids football training equipment

Benefits of Kids Training at Home

Before we start with the equipment, it’s important to know the benefits of kids getting involved football training.

It’s amazing what it does for their development.

  1. Health benefits

Like any other physically demanding sport, football is great for your kids health. It will keep them in good shape, boost their stamina and get them exercising regularly.

  1. The Value of Teamwork

Communication skills are so important in football and your kid will learn how to cooperate and work with their teammates.

  1. Encourage Mental Resilience

Your kid is not going to win every game, every race or every drill, no matter how talented they are. So learning to cope with defeat and disappointment, as well as success, is a great lesson for the future.

  1. Better Social Skills

When training with a group, getting involved in a team, your kid will make new friends and meet new people, learning conversation and communication along the way.

  1. Fun

Whether training on their own or with their team, kids love playing football and games. Whether it’s scoring a free kick in their back garden and pretending to be their favourite footballer, or doing it in front of their friends, the joy can be unrivalled.

Kids’ Football Training Equipment: Football Cones

One of the most simple but important pieces of kids football training equipment are cones.

Football cones are great to set up and let your kid work on their dribbling skills, mark out boxes or grids or some targets for their passing.

They are cheap, cheerful and easy to carry around.

Kids’ Football Training Equipment: Goalposts

Absolutely key for your kids to practice their shooting or goalkeeping.

These pop up goals are lightweight and easy to

Plus, the amount of fun they will have simply kicking goals and points for hours on end is incredible.

Get two, and you will be able to hold fun games for your kids’ friends too.

If you don’t have the space for a full size goals, check out these smaller, pop-up nets:

Kids’ Football Training Equipment: Bibs

If your kid has their friends over and they want to play some team games outside, you will need some durable and lightweight bibs.

Or, if you’re coaching your kids’ friends in the park, these are even more important to create teams.

Bibs that are double layered and reversible, like the below, give you much more bang for your buck.

kids football training equipment

Kids’ Football Training Equipment: Footballs

You can never have enough footballs!

Never under estimate the joy a ball of leather filled with air can bring to your kids’.

We’ve got an incredible range of colours, sizes and designs for your kids to enjoy and kick around all day, every day.

kids football training equipment

Kids Football Training Equipment: Hurdles

Returning to the topic of running-related training equipment, training hurdles are an excellent way to simulate running on a football field.

In a football game, there are many various sorts of running, and training hurdles can replicate that.

These are compact and light, and they are a helpful item to have on hand.

kids football training equipment

Kids Football Training Equipment: Football Boots

Kids love football boots.

From a parents’ perspective, they also avoid your kids ruining their good shoes by kicking a football all day.

We’ve got a great range for boys and girls.

kids football training equipment

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed this blog and now have all the tools you need for getting the essential kids football training equipment.

It will be a long summer ahead and hopefully it will keep them busy, fit and having fun.

Your Guide to the GAA on TV this Weekend

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With a busy weekend of sport ahead, we’ve got you covered with this guide for all the GAA on TV this weekend.

We love our GAA at Intersport Elverys and this guide has all the details of this weekend’s GAA fixtures that don’t feature on the box too.

GAA on TV this Weekend: Sunday, July 17 2022

All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Final

Kilkenny v Limerick at 3.30pm on Sky Sports Arena & RTÉ Sport

gaa on tv this weekend

 

 

 

gaa on tv this weekend

Guide to Buying a Kettlebell

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If you’re interested in buying a kettlebell but don’t know where to start, this ultimate guide is for you.

Kettlebell training has exploded in recent years, with professional and amateur athletes all availing of the massive benefits it produces.

Getting strong, fitter and leaner in a shorter space of time and with minimal fuss.

It’s that easy (almost!).

In this guide, our Home Gym Expert Staff member, Alex Malone, takes you through the most important aspects of buying a kettlebell.

He will take you through things to look for when buying a kettlebell, as well as all the benefits and top tips you will need.

Don’t forget our wide range of kettlebells to get you started.

buying a kettlebell

If cardio is your thing but weight training not so much, check out our guide on How to Buy a Spin Bike.

How to Buy a Kettlebell Overview

Kettlebells, often known as ‘Russian hand weights’, have been around since the 1700s, although they have only recently acquired widespread media attention and appeal in the fitness industry.

While kettlebells have long been seen as a source of pride in Russia, they were not manufactured and used in North America until 1998.

In 1985, Russia designated kettlebell a sport with its own set of rules and regulations.

On a global scale, both men and women participate in power and strength endurance sports, both recreationally and competitively.

Types of Kettlebell

“Hi guys, firstly you got to remember that there are two different types when buying a kettlebell – vinyl coated kettlebells and cast iron kettlebells.

“The cast-iron kettlebell, sometimes known as the ‘original’ kettlebell, is constructed entirely of cast-iron.

“The material and design of the handle and weight are both consistent. The vinyl kettlebell is similar to the cast-iron kettlebell in appearance, but it has a vinyl coating that covers the weight and, in some cases, the grip.

buying a kettlebell

“One thing to be conscious of is that if a kettlebell is covered n vinyl, it may not be the exact weight, while they can also be kore expensive due to manufacturing costs.

“Both are suitable for commercial and home gym use, but if you’re planning on doing double-handed exercises like kettlebell swings, cast iron kettlebells are what to buy.”

Benefits of Kettlebell Training

Low Impact Cardio

“Traditional cardiovascular activities such as running can be quite beneficial to strength athletes, they can also be extremely taxing on the body.

“If your recovery isn’t completely customized to that strategy, adding hours on the treadmill to your training might not be the most beneficial cardio option either.

“Kettlebell training means you won’t be putting the same repetitive strain on your joints and connective tissue as you would if you were jogging because your feet stay grounded during even the most powerful moves.”

Full Body Workout

“Kettlebells’ allure stems from the fact that they’re healthy for more than simply your heart and lungs.

“They can also help you increase your muscular strength and mass all over your body.

“Everything from swings to Turkish get-ups will make you a significantly stronger lifter because most kettlebell exercises stimulate muscles from head to toe.

“Working with kettlebells will give your entire body a major boost in strength, with a focus on your core.”

buying a kettlebell

Better Mobility

“The good news is that you don’t need good coordination or mobility to begin kettlebell training.

“With workouts like Turkish get-ups and kettlebell windmills, you may start simple and gradually increase your overhead mobility, coordination, and stability.

“Deep kettlebell goblet squats, as well as precise kettlebell deadlifts and swings, will improve hip mobility and coordination.

“Your coordination and mobility will have greatly improved by the time you progress to the more challenging kettlebell moves.”

Practicality

“They are also a super quick way of shedding some pounds in a short space of time. Some studies find you can burn up to 400 calories in a 20 minute workout.

“So they will leave you feeling great both mentally and physically afterwards.

“They are also incredibly easy to store and carry around than other weights and won’t take up a lot of room in your home gym.”

How To Buy a Kettlebell Top Tips

Don’t Go Too Heavy

“It won’t benefit you if you go too heavily.

“You’ll do more harm than good by exercising your ego.

“You’re not ready for it just because you saw it on the internet.

“While it’s necessary to push yourself, if you’re sacrificing form in order to lift a given weight, the possible injury outweighs the potential benefit.

“As long as you keep within your capabilities, heavyweight is necessary for gaining strength.

“It’s easy to get carried away with a goal of pressing or swinging greater and heavier weights.

“Stop the set as soon as your form deteriorates, or even a set or two before that, if you’re utilizing a weight you can handle for a specific rep range.”

buying a kettlebell

Simplify Your Training

“Nothing beats the simplicity of one or two bells and some fresh air if you’re in your home gym

“When it comes to gym equipment in traditional venues, it’s easy to get caught up in the ‘more is better’ approach.

“The list goes on and on with racks, dumbbells, cable machines, ab stations, and so on.

“With a few kettlebells, you may add dynamic moves to your calisthenics practice at home, simplifying it.

“Check out our amazing bundle offers HERE. 

“A change of pace from in-depth, percentage-driven workouts can be refreshing.

“Simple complexes and movements can help you keep going on your strength journey without missing a beat and without the need for a ton of equipment and weight.”

Stay within your Ability

“Just because you desire to accomplish something doesn’t necessarily mean you’re ready to do it.

“The talent is more vital than the will.

“If you’re new to the kettlebell world, social media may be a dangerous area. Juggling, aggressive motions, and high-volume routines may appear appealing, but if you’re not ready, take a step back.

“We’ve got some great workout ideas below.”

Kettlebell Training Workouts

“There is loads of brilliant kettlebell workouts you can find online and do at home.

“Below are some links to our favourites.”

Men’s Health Focus on Building Muscle

Cosmopolitan’s 15-Minute Workout to hit all muscle groups

Conclusion

We really hope you enjoyed this blog.

If you’re interested in more really good content, check out our Blog right here.

Or why not shop our Kettlebell range HERE or below.

buying a kettlebell

Find The Right Sports Bra: Size Guide

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For active people, your sports bra is one of the most important pieces of equipment you’ll own – so this sports bra size guide is sure to help you.

Especially if you’re entering the 2024 VHI Women’s Mini Marathon, whom Intersport Elverys are proud sponsors for 20 years now.

Even if you’re not entering it and are just a casual or serious sports person, this should be seen as an important investment in comfort and support.

Look at the care and precision we put into choosing our running shoes; the same level of scrutiny and detail should be put into the choice of sports bra.

Just like you do with your leggings too, which we have prepared this Leggings Size Guide BLOG for.

sports bra size guide

It’s estimated that 80% of women are wearing the wrong type/size of sports bras which can result in breast pain, soft tissue damage, chafing among other issues.

Choosing the right sports bra is essential for women of any size, shape or activity level.  It’s important to make sure you have adequate support so you can lead an active lifestyle without unnecessary discomfort.

Read below or find our latest blog on this topic HERE

 

SUPPORT
Low Medium High
Activity Walking Road Cycling Running
Yoga Hiking Aerobics
Light gym work Active gym work Contact sports

Sports Bra Size Guide: Support

Light Support Bras

Usually, low energy activities will consist of little sweat.

Activities such as walking, yoga, or stretching would be considered low energy. For these workouts, you won’t need as much support as high energy exercises.

Choose lightweight sports bras with narrower straps and bands. An adjustable strap is not necessary for support during low energy workouts.

sports bra size guide

Medium Support Bras

These workout activities will be in between low and high energy, like gym sessions or cycling.

Just like the energy level, you’ll need a medium support sports bra to accommodate your body.

Unlike low-energy workouts, you’ll need a wider strap, and since you’ll be breaking a sweat, you need a bra that restricts breast movement more than low-support bras.

 

sports bra size guide

High Support Bras

Any high intensity activity, like running, will require a high support sports bra, as your body will constantly be in motion and you’ll need to make sure everything stays comfortably in place.

Find high support sports bras with wide bands and adjustable shoulder straps to adjust while you’re working out or after.