FORMER IRELAND INTERNATIONAL Stephen Hunt came in for some stinging criticism after suggesting that GAA players could not handle the lifestyle of a professional footballer.
Writing in the Sunday Independent, the Waterford native outlined the extreme discipline needed for a daily routine that consists of training, resting, and not a lot else.
It followed recent comments by outspoken GAA pundit Joe Brolly who argued that soccer players were poor role models.
Hunt wrote:
I think footballers can be role models, even if one or two let people down, but I get the impression with Joe that he feels we lack the spirit of the true Gaels he admires so much. As somebody who grew up in the GAA, I can tell you that, as much as I love the games, if GAA players tried to live with the level of commitment shown by a professional footballer, they wouldn’t know what hit them.
Mayo Allstar Colm Boyle was one of the first to hit back at Hunt and branded him “a clown”, while Monaghan veteran Dick Clerkin tweeted: “Someone should remind Stephen Hunt in today’s @TheSundayIndo that when he is so busy resting we are busy working!”
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Here’s some more of the reaction:
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Hunt, who hurled at underage level for Waterford, took to Twitter on Sunday evening to clarify that he wasn’t taking a shot at GAA players but “trying to paint a better picture for footballers, it’s boring most of the time!!”
He tweeted “#ILoveGAA” in response to another tweet.
Ffs if Roy does a shit the press are asking Martin what kind of toilet paper is he using
Word of the day is “wedge” media trying to drive it between Ireland management team and goverment trying to give us the short end of it regarding irish water costs!
The media is bloody ridiculous, it’s gotten out of hand. This is some TMZ level nonsense.
Whether it’s a media thing or not, O’ Neill must have a pain in his arse answering questions about Keane
Who care ffs !! Write about something else will ya
Dear Journal,
Eagerly awaiting ma Roy Keane Press blackout.
Regards,
Don Juan.
Get rid of Keane he’s bad news
Wonder what Villa make of all this…………..
He hadn’t read them cos he’s sick of him! Get rid of him Martin
There were no “controversial remarks” – just another pathetic attempt by the media to create a rift in the Irish managerial setup.
The definition of a controversy is a ‘prolonged public disagreement or heated discussion’.
Regardless of whether you agree with Keane or not, his comments have clearly caused heated discussion, hence they’re controversial.
Absolute nonsense, this is the perfect example of a manufactured “controversy” and a continuation of the media “frenzy” surrounding the non-story “assault” at the team hotel before the Scotland game. Keane can’t move without the media blowing everything out of proportion. They know his name sells papers and doubly so if there is even the slightest hint of him getting annoyed. And can you blame him for asking “Who the hell do you think you are?” with the likes of this clickbait gibberish?
At what stage in the future will the Keane brigade start shouting about O’Neill not having a clue and telling us it’s time Roy took over. His consent forays into the headlines are tiresome and should do everyone a favour and go back to ITV. His time is nearly up at Villa anyway but I’m sure Lambert will get the blame there.
I thought the British media were bad. Our own lot are no better……These so called stories are non stories. Wouldnt be surprised if O’Neill walked away altogether.
Roy shocks the docile sheep by having a opinion and a pair of balls,!!!
It’s a perfect blend. Keane can go out and say what o Neill wants to say but can’t incase he offends. Great tactics.
I’d prefer our management team to be more concerned about tactics on the pitch – that Scotland side are no better than us man for man, but looked a much better side
Missed what keane said about grealish/grealish’s dad?
g shh hhh GB kk