Colm O’Rourke criticism of club GAA players’ sense of responsibility, Digi Mart USA News: Colm O’Rourke has criticised what he sees as a growing reluctance among club GAA players to take responsibility for their own performances. Writing in his Irish Independent column, the former Meath manager pointed to anonymous player surveys as evidence of a culture in which shortcomings are attributed to managers, club structures and support services.
O’Rourke believes players need to look closer to home, arguing that demands for improvements around a team should be accompanied by an honest assessment of their own contribution. He said a recurring feature of the feedback he has heard is the number of explanations offered for underperformance that place responsibility elsewhere.
“I have heard of so many clubs that have had anonymous player surveys and a common element in them is the lack of responsibility players seem to take for their own performance. A serious lack of self-awareness is evident.
I’m not exactly sure when this started, but since Covid there appears to be a very insular approach from a lot of players.”
He outlined the range of issues raised in those responses, from management to the resources available to players. According to O’Rourke, the responses point to the manager, the club in general, the lack of a strength and conditioning programme, medical back-up, physio, nutrition and/or a lack of GPS data.
“Everything bar the one thing that they have control over, themselves,” he said.
O’Rourke’s central concern is that players can become so focused on what others should provide that they overlook their own role in improving the team. His argument also extends beyond individual performances, with the former Meath boss stressing the responsibility players have towards the wider club.
He finished with a blunt message for all club GAA players: “Take responsibility for your own fitness, health and wellbeing and don’t blame anyone else. Show a bit of loyalty to your club.”
