Testing time for Derry's O'Kane

Atex_Imports

Friday, May 09, 2008

By John Campbell

The formal ratification given to the payment of grants to senior inter-county players in both football and hurling at Congress last month sparked relief, cynicism and apprehension in almost equal measure.

While many people were pleased that the GAA hierarchy had finally consented to embrace the initiative taken by the Republic's government, a substantial number of others remain aggrieved with what they believe to be a major threat to the amateur ethos of the Association.

The latter body might do well, though, to consider the sacrifices which Derry player Gerard O'Kane is currently making in order to assist his county.

Having only recently regained full fitness following a depressing spell on the sidelines because of injury, the 23-year-old utility player is currently undertaking a post-graduate course in law at Chester University.

This entails leaving his north Derrry home in the early hours of Monday morning, taking a flight to England and then returning again late on Thursday night.

Sandwiched between lengthy bouts of study, O'Kane follows a strenuous personal fitness routine that might make professional athletes baulk.

Derry's victory in the National League final provided the Glenullin clubman with more satisfaction than a bucketful of cash, though — and a victory for his club in Sunday's Derry championship clash with Swatragh would provide further stimulus for the Ulster Championship.

"The travel and studies are demanding but I'm no different to a lot of other gaelic footballers and hurlers. Others are making even greater sacrifices. We certainly don't want paid for playing. I do it for the love of the sport, my club and my county," points out O'Kane.

Derry manager Paddy Crozier will be keeping a close eye on the domestic championship programme this weekend as the countdown continues to the Ulster Championship clash with Donegal on June 1. Crozier has already had to absorb a setback following the injury incurred by Barry McGoldrick in a club game earlier this week although this is not as serious as was first though.

McGoldrick, who played against Kerry in the National League final, was hurt assisting Coleraine's Eoghan Roes for whom he had scored seven points before taking an ankle knock.

Crozier is philosophical about the risks players face in club championship matches, though.

"The clubs need their top players and we just have to remain optimistic that we won't incur any more injuries. We cannot afford to be without anyone — every county needs their full quota of players on duty at championship time," says Crozier.

Dungiven's Liam Hinphey and Paul Murphy are two other Derry players who will be in action this weekend, the latter anxious to further press his claims for a starting place against Donegal having come on as a substitute against against Kerry in the league final.