Your Go-To Shoe Size Guide

Posted on January 26, 2022 at 1:24 pm.

We know buying shoes online can be difficult in getting your perfect size – this Shoe Size Guide is here to help!

With the 2024VHI Women’s Mini Marathon just around the corner, it is even more important too!

For the last 20 years we have been offering unique product, advice and benefits to marathon participants.

We’ve got brands like Nike, adidas, Puma, Brooks, ASICS, Reebok, Skechers, North Face, HOK A and Merrell.

If you’re thinking of taking up running for the event, this might be for you?

Because of this, we’ve compiled a comprehensive Running Shoe Review for 2024 with all the best makes and models you can get!

So, to take the hassle out of your online shopping, we’ve compiled a lost of all the leading brands below.

Shoe Size Guide: NIKE

Brooks and Nike tend to be slightly broader in comparison to Asics and Adidas.

Check out our full range of Nike shoes right HERE:

Shoe Size Guide: ADIDAS

You can’t beat a pair of adidas, to make you look good and feel good.

Check out our full range right HERE:

Shoe Size Guide: PUMA

Puma have some of the freshest kicks around, check our full range right HERE:

Shoe Size Guide: BROOKS

Brooks are the ideal runner for every occasion, check them out HERE:

Shoe Size Guide: ASICS

Packed with performance and style, ASICS running shoes have been one of the market leaders for a long time.
We’ve a fantastic range right HERE:

REEBOK

Reebok hone in on technology, comfort and style, check out our full range HERE:

SKECHERS

Kids love Skechers, and so do we – check our full range HERE:

THE NORTH FACE

If you’re into the outdoors, The North Face is sure to help you out.

Check them out HERE.

MERRELL

For all your outdoor need, check them out HERE:

Conclusion

We hope this helped you out.

You might also like our blog on How to Start Running: The Beginners Guide

Find our extensive footwear selection on our website HERE.

Most Memorable National League GAA Moments

Posted on January 25, 2022 at 3:12 pm.

Written by Ger Flanagan

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.

Shop Mayo GAA HERE.

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.

Shop Dublin GAA HERE.

2003 National League: Cats win all-time classic

Kilkenny 5-14 Tipperary 5-13

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 50^th 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 69^th minute before kicking over the winning point in injury time after a dazzling run.

Phew!

Shop Tipperary GAA or Kilkenny GAA here.

1991 National League: Offaly cross final frontier

Offaly 2-6 Wexford 0-10

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.

Shop Offaly GAA right HERE.

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.

Shop Cork GAA right HERE.

2017 National League: Kerry end Dublin’s reign

Kerry 0-20 Dublin 1-16

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.

Shop Kerry GAA right HERE.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed this National League GAA most memorable moments.

Make sure to let us know what your favourite moments from the National League are.

If you’re a complete newbie to the GAA, our Ultimate Guide to Gaelic Football Positions Blog might help you out.

Training Advice from some Top Irish Female Athletes

Posted on January 25, 2022 at 1:39 pm.

Written by Ger Flanagan

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.”

You can also read about Rianna’s top 5 favourite weight training exercises for women here:

Conclusion

We hope some of this advice from these top Irish female athletes will help you and your training.

Hear from them below.

Selecting The Correct Tennis Racket: Size Guide

Posted on January 21, 2022 at 9:54 am.

Written by Intersport Elverys

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.

Finding the Best Swimming Gear for Kids

Posted on January 19, 2022 at 4:20 pm.

Written by Ger Flanagan

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!

Or if they’d like to go Sea Swimming, check out our Blog on Sea Swimming Right HERE.

Essential Swimming Gear for Kids

First things first, no swim can happen without some trucks or a swimsuit!

It’s an essential piece of swimming gear for kids.

For boys, swimsuits like the Speedo Endurance Jammer Boys, the Nike Boys 4 Volley Shorts in blue, or the Speedo Tommy Turtle Place Aquashort are proving really popular.

While for girls, it’s definitely worth considering the Speedo Koko Koala Swim Top & Short combo, the adidas Girls BOS Suit in Black or the Speedo Boom Logo Allover Tankini.

Check them out below

Best Swim Cap for Kids

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.

Some of our favourites include the Speedo Silicone Junior Swim Cap in Black, the Nike Solid Silicone Youth in Blue or the Speedo Long Hair Cap.

Essential Swimming Gear for Kids: Googles

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.

We’ve an incredible range – check them out below.

Or, our favourites include the Speedo Kids Vengance Mirror Goggles and the Speedo Futura Biofuse Flexiseal Junior Asso.

Essential Swimming Gear for Kids: Socks

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.

The Health Benefits of Swimming: Why Everyone Should Learn

Posted on January 4, 2022 at 10:38 am.

Written by Ger Flanagan

Lose weight, get fit and improve your mood – these are just some of the health benefits for swimming.

The health benefits of swimming are huge; offering a low impact, full-body workout that tones muscles and helps you relax.

Before you read on, why not check out our Guide to the Benefits of Sea Swimming right HERE.

7 Health Benefits of Swimming

From weight loss to better sleep: seven reasons why swimming is great all-round exercise.

The benefits of swimming are almost endless. It’s a great way to tone up, a proven method of relaxing your mind and can even help turn back the aging clock. Here’s why everyone should make time to swim.

Almost everyone can swim
30 minutes of swimming can burn up to 350 calories
Swimming helps build lean muscle
Many swimmers say it eases aches and pains
Swimming can help you get to sleep
Regular exercise helps improve your mood
Swimming has a low risk of injury

If you’re kids are interested in swimming, this blog on Finding the Right Swimming Gear might help you?

Can anyone swim?

Swimming is great for everyone from pregnant women and the elderly to injured athletes and those looking to get back in shape, or get fit quick.

If you’re at all unsure, or you’re coming back after a long break, consult your doctor before you start to help avoid overdoing it.

Why is swimming such good exercise?

Swimming is one of the best forms of cardiovascular, or aerobic exercise, because it uses almost every muscle in your body and raises your heart rate*.

According to one study, 12 weeks of swimming can improve the efficiency of blood being pumped through your body by 18% and because water is around 800 times denser than air, it’s great for toning up without putting stress on your joints.

It can even slow down the ageing process – scientists have shown that swimming three to five times a week dramatically reduces the risk of an early death.

What muscles do you use when you swim?

Every time you swim is like doing a mini-resistance workout.

Each kick, pull and push works your muscles more than you might imagine, especially your arms, shoulders and glutes – the muscles that lie dormant all day when you’re at your desk.

Swimming also works your abs – or core – and will reduce your waistline and hips. So, along with building fitness, it’s a fabulous full-body exercise.

Can swimming improve your mood?

According to researchers, regular swimming can reduce stress, lower anxiety and combat depression, whatever your fitness level or ability.

Being surrounded by water helps diffuse your senses and lets your body relax far more than being in a gym full of mirrors and loud music.

And if you prefer to do it outdoors, recent studies have shown that open-water or wild swimming is a brilliant (if chilly) way to lift your mood, improve cognition and find a natural high.

By being outside you’ll also get a vital shot of Vitamin D, even in those dark winter months.

Does swimming help you lose weight?

Yes. Swimming torches calories and is great for weight loss and reducing body fat. By swimming steadily for just 30 minutes, you can expect to burn up to 350 calories and an all-out hour in the pool can crunch more than double that.

What’s more, because swimming builds lean muscle, which in turn fires up your metabolism, you’ll keep burning calories as you shower, dry off and head for home.

Can swimming prevent injury?

Swimming has a lower risk of injury than many other forms of exercise because the buoyancy of the water takes stress off your joints.

It’s a natural painkiller too – in one study of people with chronic lower back pain, 90% said that their pain had improved after six months of regular swimming.

What’s more, swimming has been shown to help reduce inflammation and help people suffering from osteoarthritis.*

How can swimming improve your sleep?

According to a study by the National Sleep Foundation** people who take regular exercise, such as swimming, are twice as likely to have a good night’s sleep.

They are also less likely to suffer from insomnia or report early waking.

*Source: Amateur Swimming Association (ASA)

** Source: Research conducted 4-10th June 2013 by Vision Critical who questioned 4,120 randomly selected adults from the UK, USA, France and China.

*https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26773104

Disclaimer – Always consult a qualified medical professional before beginning any nutritional program or exercise program. The exercise suggestions are not intended to substitute for proper medical advice.

*Blog produced by Speedo®