I joined the club back in 2016, bringing my son to the academy. The social hurling started in 2019 - though I didn't join in until 2021. I hadn't picked up a hurl since I was 12. I was 48 when I joined the group, 36 long years to forget any concept or skill I'd developed. I'd been sporty and active most my life, stopping all sport and exercise in 2014 - pesky kids. I missed the craic of the dressing room, the fun on the pitch, the joy of running around chasing a ball. Paul, one my boys' mentors, asked me a few times to come along for the craic and fun. I always found an excuse not to go. I didn't have a helmet. I couldn't run around a pitch at my age. How would my back hold up? How would my ankles hold up? How would my body hold up? I'm too unfit. Arthritis, sciatica - you name it, I used it as a reason not to do anything. I haven't played sports or exercised in years. I decided to take the plunge and give it a go - worst case scenario, I buy a helmet, I don't like it or don't enjoy it - I have a helmet for my son in the future, as he grows. The group has honestly given me a great avenue of expression, somewhere to chat, have a bit of craic and physical activity. Mentally, it's released a huge valve for me. The lads are welcoming, friendly and patient on the field of play. Newbies (and believe me I class myself as such) are given a lot of time to become accustomed to playing the sport. I haven't looked back.