International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 2015, 25, 1  -13

http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/ijsnem.2013-0214
© 2015 Human Kinetics, Inc
www.IJSNEM-Journal.com
SCHOLARLY REVIEW

Nutrition and Gaelic Football:

Review, Recommendations, and Future Considerations
Kevin J. Beasley

Gaelic football is the second most popular team sport in Ireland in terms of participation. However, very
little research exists on the nutritional considerations for elite male Gaelic footballers. Gaelic football is an
intermittent type field game played by two teams of fifteen players. Although amateurs, elite players may
train and compete 4–5 times per week and may play for several teams. Research suggests that elite footballers
are similar anthropometrically and in fitness to professional soccer players. Work-rate analysis shows that
footballers experience longer durations of high-intensity (HI) activity (5–7s) and shorter rest durations than
soccer players. Recent data suggests that half-forward/backs perform a greater amount of HI work during
games than players in other positions. Fatigue is apparent between the first and second halves and the first and
fourth quarters. The limited amount of nutritional studies conducted implies that footballers may be deficient
in energy intake and may be at the lower end of recommended carbohydrate intakes to support training. A wide
variety of sweat rates have been measured during training, demonstrating the importance of individual hydration
strategies. Ergogenic aids such as creatine and caffeine may prove beneficial to performance, although data
are extrapolated from other sports. Due to the lack of research in Gaelic football, further population specific
studies are required. Future areas of research on the impact of nutrition on Gaelic football performance are
examined. In particular, the creation of a test protocol mimicking the activity patterns and intensity of a Gaelic
football game is warranted.

Keywords: carbohydrate, protein, caffeine, creatine, energy intake.

Gaelic football is an intermittent type field game Despite its popularity, there is very little scientific
played by two teams of fifteen players. It is one of a research into Gaelic football. In particular, the nutri-
family of sports indigenous to Ireland. The other sports tional requirements of Gaelic footballers have received
include hurling, camogie, handball, and rounders. It is very little consideration. The purpose of this review is
the second most popular team sport in Ireland, in terms to assess the literature in the area, gain a clearer under-
of participation, after soccer (Irish Sports Council, 2011) standing of how nutrition might impact on different
and its rules and competitions are governed by the Gaelic factors (e.g., type of training, game), and, due to the
Athletic Association (G.A.A.). The G.A.A. is an amateur absence of specific research in the sport, offer recom-
organization, and at the elite level, football players rep- mendations for future research. This review will focus
resent their county. Intercounty games are often played on elite male footballers due to the greater popularity
in front of attendances of eighty thousand people and of the male game compared with the female, and bias in
television pictures are broadcast around the world to the published papers toward males. Papers were sourced on
Irish diaspora. PubMed online search engine (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.
Although an amateur sport, elite Gaelic footballers gov/pubmed) using the following search query—“Gaelic
follow a quasi-professional training regimen. Players may football.” Criteria for inclusion were: male participants;
be required to attend pitch-based sessions up to three times investigated at least one of the following: training, nutri-
a week, gym-based resistance-training sessions twice a tion, anthropometry, fitness; reported anthropometric
week, squad meetings and workshops. Traveling to and data. In addition, reference lists were studied to discover
from and participating in competitive and friendly games relevant papers not published in a journal (e.g., confer-
can mean several hours travel to and from venues and over- ence proceedings).
night stays. All this must be balanced with the demands of
their professional lives (work/study) and the obligations
of their personal lives (relationships and family). Rules
Football is played on a pitch of between 130–145m in
The author is with Metabolise Sports Nutrition, Listowel, Co. length and 80–90 m in width (Gaelic Athletic Associa-
Kerry, Ireland. Address author correspondence to Kevin J. tion, 2013), being approximately 40% larger in area than
Beasley at [email protected]. a soccer pitch. A typical formation is one goalkeeper,

1
2  Beasley

three fullbacks, three halfbacks, two midfielders, three Training

half-forwards, and three full-forwards. The time limit for
a senior intercounty league or championship game is two There is scant peer reviewed scientific data available on
35-min halves, with a 15-min interval. In all other adult the type of training performed by elite Gaelic footballers.
games the playing time is two 30-min halves. Points are Collins, Doran and Reilly (2011a) examined the effects of
scored by putting the ball over the crossbar and between small sided games (SSG) (4 v 4; 6 × 4 min at performed
two posts (one point) or by scoring a goal by kicking at greater than 90% HRmax; 3 min active recovery between
the ball between the posts and under the crossbar (three games) on a number of fitness parameters in seventeen club
points). level players. After twenty sessions, significant improve-
ments were seen in 5m sprint (1.14 ± 0.08 vs 1.08 ± 0.05
s; p < .05), three indices of repeated sprint ability (p < .05)
Competition Calendar and V·O2max (56.9 ± 1.9 vs 59.4 ± 2.2 mL.kg-1.min-1; p <
The two major competitions in elite male Gaelic football .05). A limitation of this study was that no control group
are the National League and the All-Ireland champi- was employed to determine if normal training would have
onship, with the championship considered the more had a similar effect.
prestigious. The league consists of four divisions, each King and O’Donoghue (2003) examined the effects of
containing eight teams, with promotion and relegation an 11-week periodized interval-training program on a vari-
between divisions. Teams are guaranteed a fixed number ety of fitness parameters. Training progressed from aerobic
of games in this format and the league typically runs from training (20–30 min continuous running) at the beginning
the beginning of February to mid-April. The All-Ireland (weeks 1–3), to bursts of running ranging from 3–15 s dura-
championship runs from mid-May to mid-September. tion with variable recovery times of 5–60 s (weeks 8–11). A
The time interval between competitive games in this control group continued with normal skill-based training at
competition differs depending on various factors, but moderate intensity. The subjects in the experimental group
can be as frequent as several consecutive weekends or demonstrated a greater improvement in performance in a
as much as 6 weeks apart. multistage fitness test (p < .05), agility test (p < .01) and
Elite underage players (U-21 or younger) may also vertical jump (VJ) (p < .05) than the control group. Both
compete for their university in the Sigerson Cup as well groups showed significant improvements in 20m sprint
as competing in the All-Ireland under-21 championships. performance (p < .05). It must be recognized that this
Dual players also exist who compete for their counties study has major limitations. The subjects were members
and/or universities in both football and hurling. Finally, of an elite U-14 training squad. The authors acknowledge
all elite players compete with their club teams in intra- this when they state that psychological factors may have
county and sometimes national competitions. played a part in the improvements measured.

Figure 1 — Player Positions in Gaelic Football

 Nutrition for Elite Male Gaelic Footballers  3

Collins et al. (2013a) compared the effects of high- Anthropometric Characteristics of

intensity interval training (HIIT) and normal training
over an 8-week period. While the groups were matched Elite Male Gaelic Footballers
by playing position, they were not matched by fitness When comparing elite and club level players, there
such that the control group had significantly higher appears to be anthropometric differences between the
percentage body fat (%BF) and slower 5, 10, and 20m two groups. Keane, Reilly, and Borrie (1997) compared
sprint times at the outset (p < .05). Nevertheless, there the characteristics of elite and club players. Elite players
was no initial difference in the Yo-Yo Intermittent were taller (181 ± 4 vs 175 ± 6.4 cm) and had a higher
Recovery Test 2 (YYIRT2). After the 8-week training body mass (BM) (82.6 ± 4.8 vs 76.5 ± 6.7 kg) than the
period, the experimental group showed a significantly club players (p < .001), although there was no difference
greater improvement in performance in the YYIRT2 in Body Mass Index (BMI). Reeves and Collins (2003)
test compared with the control group (23 vs 9% respec- reported that elite footballers were taller than club play-
tively; p < .05). ers (182 ± 4 vs 181 ± 3 cm, p < .05). The elite players
Cregg et al. (2013) compared the effects of a had a greater BM (83 ± 2.8 vs 80.9 ± 4 kg) and had
6-week (3 days/week) training program of either HIIT lower %BF (11.3 ± 1 vs 18.3 ± 3%) than the club level
or high volume endurance training (HVET) on various players, but these differences were nonsignificant. Being
fitness parameters. There was a significant and similar tall, muscular, and lean appears to be a prerequisite for
improvement in V·O2max (7%) in both groups, with no
competing at the elite level.
changes in counter-movement jump (CMJ), CMJ flight
Watson (1995) reported that a group of success-
time or 5m speed. The authors concluded that HIIT was
ful players (received national awards or professional
a time efficient method of improving and maintaining
contracts with Australian Rules teams) in an elite team
fitness in Gaelic footballers.
had lower %BF (average of 12.4%) compared with their
The data presented suggests that elite Gaelic foot-
less successful teammates. Goalkeepers were reported
ball teams may use SSG and HIIT interval sessions
to have the highest %BF levels (18.4%). While not
as a means of developing fitness over the course of a
conclusive, this data suggests that low %BF levels may
season. Notwithstanding the limitations of King and
aid performance and success in Gaelic football. When
O’Donoghue (2003), their study suggests that elite
compared with players of other codes, footballers were
teams may also employ a perioidized training paradigm,
moving from developing a general aerobic base at the similar anthropometrically to League of Ireland (LOI)
start of the season to more game specific movement soccer players (McIntyre, 2005), English Premier League
patterns and exercise intensities later on. This is in (EPL) soccer players (Strudwick, Reilly, & Doran, 2002)
line with the concept of periodization as outlined by and rugby union backs (Brick & O’Donoghue, 2005).
Bompa (1999), who describes it as a framework for An important question to examine is if there are
planned and systematic variation of training variables position-specific anthropometric differences between
to reach a high level of performance at a given time in players. This will help in determining position specific
the year. Athletes should focus on developing general dietary requirements and training targets. McIntyre and
fitness at the start of the training year while improv- Hall (2005) conducted a study on 28 college footballers
ing skill-related aspects of performance as they move and reported that midfielders were taller than defend-
toward the competitive phase. ers and forward, and were significantly heavier than
Reilly and Keane (2002a) examined the variations defenders (p < .05). Horgan and Collins (2013) reported
in the fitness of a successful intercounty team from Janu- differences in anthropometric characteristics with respect
ary to September (i.e., a full season) at six discrete time to playing positions in a group of 27 elite Gaelic foot-
intervals. They reported improvements in sprint time ballers. Midfielders were significantly taller and had
for 50, 100, 200, and 400m as well as a mean reduction lower skin-fold thickness (SFT) compared with players
in bodyweight of 3.3kg over the course of the season. in other positions.
While no information is given with regards the type of In contrast to the previous two studies, Shortall,
training, this may be evidence of a periodized fitness Doran, and Collins (2013) reported BM, SFT and %BF
program that results in gradual improvements in speed did not differ between defenders, midfielders and forward
and anaerobic power parameters over the course of a in a group of 21 elite Gaelic footballers. Goalkeepers had
season. significantly higher BM than defenders (p = .006) and
It is acknowledged that nutrition plays an important forward (p = .007) but not midfielders, and significantly
part in the acute and chronic adaptations to a variety of higher SFT (p < .001) and %BF (p < .001) than all other
training stimuli (Hawley et al., 2011). A proper under- positions. The data suggests that apart from midfielders
standing of the different types of training undertaken and goalkeepers, Gaelic footballers share homogenous
by elite Gaelic football teams will allow nutritionists to anthropometric characteristics. The reasons for goalkeep-
devise appropriate strategies to promote adaptations to ers having higher %BF is not apparent, but can possibly
training. As the training focus changes over the course be attributed to a larger body mass being beneficial for
of a season, so too will the nutritional requirements the position as well as differences in training between
for the players. goalkeepers and outfield players.
 Table 1 Anthropometric Characteristics of Elite Footballers in Comparison with Nonelite Footballers and other Team Sport Players
4

Height Muscle
Authors Level Age (cm) Body Mass (kg) % Body Fat Prediction Equation Mass (kg) Endomorphy Mesomorphy Ectomorphy
Keane et al. (1993) intercounty 23.5 ± 4.9 181 ± 4.0 82.6 ± 4.8 - Not stated - - - -
(n = 35)
senior club 26.8 ± 3.9 175 ± 6.4 76.5 ± 6.7 - - - - -
(n = 34)
Kirgan and Reilly UK club players 20.6 ± 1.5 174 ± 5 73.3 ± 9.3 14.5 ± 2.2 Durnin and - 3.0 ±0.7 3.1 ± 0.8 1.6 ± 1.6
(1993) (n = 15) Womersley (1974)
Florida-James and UK club players 21.3 ± 2.3 176 ±5.8 70.7 ± 7.7 12.2 ± 2.1 Durnin and - 2.4 ± 0.4 4.2 ± 1.4 2.4 ± 1.0
Reilly (1995) (n = 11) Womersley (1974)
Watson (1995) intercounty 25.5 ± 4.1 181.4 ± 8.2 81.9 ±6.9 15.0 ± 4.2 Watson (1983) - 2.6 ± 0.7 5.6 ± 0.5 3.1 ± 0.7
(n = 32)
Strudwick et al. intercounty - 179 ± 7.0 79.2 ± 8.2 12.3 ± 2.9 Martin, Spenst, 60.7 ± 2.4 - - -
(2002) (n = 33) Drinkwater and
english premier league - 177 ± 6 77.9 ± 8.9 11.2 ± 1.8 Clarys (1990) 62.4 ± 73.3 - - -
soccer players (n = 19)
Donnelly et al. intercounty - 179 ± 7.0 79.2 ± 8.2 12.3 ± 2.9 Not stated 60.7 ± 2.4 2.7 ± 0.5 5.7 ± 0.8 1.9 ± 0.6
(2003) (n = 33)
intercounty Hurlers - 174 ± 5 73.4 ± 7.7 13.1 ± 1.4 - 2.5 ± 0.4 4.57 ± 0.53 1.85 ± 0.55
(n = 7)
Reeves and Collins intercounty 25 ± 3.5 182 ± 4 83 ± 2.8 11.3 ± 1 Durnin and - - - -
(2003) (n = 12) Womersley (1974)
Club (n = 13) 24 ± 2.1 181 ± 3 80.9 ± 4 18.3 ± 3 - - - -
english premier league 20 ± 3.1 179 ± 5 74 ± 10 15.3 ± 3 - - - -
soccer players (n = 21)
Brick and intercounty 23.6 ± 3.4 - 86.5 ± 8.6 12.0 ±4.3 Not stated - - - -
O’Donoghue (2005) footballers (n = 25)
intercounty 26.6 ± 3.5 - 84.5 ± 10.1 15.8 ± 5.3 - - - -
hurlers (n = 20)
semiprofessional 24.6 ± 5.0 - 81.4 ± 8.0 12.1 ± 3.6 - - - -
soccer players
(n = 22)
rugby union forward 28.8 ± 3.9 - 100.2 ± 9.2 17.5 ± 4.0 - - - -
(n = 9)
McIntyre (2005) intercounty 24 ± 6 179 ± 6 81 ± 9 13.4 ± 3 Durnin and - - - -
footballers (n = 29) Womersley (1974)
intercounty hurlers 24 ± 5 177 ± 6 83 ± 9 18.4 ± 3 - - - -
(n = 29)
league of ireland 23 ± 6 177 ± 5 78 ± 5 12.2 ± 2 - - - -
soccer players
(n = 21)
McIntyre and Hall elite college (n = 28) 21 ± 1.7 181 ± 5 81.6 ± 6.5 14.5 ± 3.1 Durnin and - - - -
(2005) Womersley (1974)
Collins et al. Intercounty 26 ± 5 187 ± 7 85 ± 6 11 ± 1 Durnin and - - - -
(2011) footballers (n = 15) Womersley (1974)
rugby union 21.1 ± 2.2 - 84.5 ± 4.7 12.1 ± 3.7 - - - -
backs (n = 5)
Collins (2013) intercounty N/A 178.0 ± 85.0 ± 7.1 10.9 ± 1.7 Reilly et al. (2009)
footballers (n = 21) 22.1 (midseason) (midseason)
 Nutrition for Elite Male Gaelic Footballers  5

Cullen et al. (2013) examined the anthropometric determine the efficacy of various training and dietary
profile of a large cohort (n = 265) of elite U-18 footballers. strategies. Future studies should examine changes in
Midfielders and goalkeepers were taller and heavier than anthropometric characteristics at several time points over
players in other positions (p < .001). The %BF was higher the course of a season rather than at one instance. The
in goalkeepers than players in all other positions (p < .01) period during the season when teams are studied should
and goalkeepers had a higher BMI than defenders (p < also be reported as body composition may change over
.05) and forward (p < .01). The total distance covered in the course of a season (Shortall et al., 2013).
the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test 1 (YYIRT1) was Nutritional strategies that impact on %BF and BM
lower in goalkeepers than players in other positions (p < may be necessary for players in certain positions if they
.01). Given that this study was conducted on adolescent are outside of expected anthropometric norms. Specific
players, it may suggest that biological factors may help nutritional strategies may be devised for midfielders to
to determine position specialization at an early age. enable to them to “bulk up”. Having a high BM may be
A number of limitations should be acknowledged advantageous for midfielders, enabling them to contest
when interpreting published anthropometric data. Doran possession, break tackles and distribute the ball. It is
et al. (2013) compared %BF from six different prediction not known if high %BF is particularly advantageous for
equations to body fat measurements from a Dual-energy goalkeepers or whether it is a result of position-specific
x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan on a group of 35 sub- training, but it may warrant further study.
elite Gaelic games players. All equations demonstrated
95% prediction intervals ranges exceeding 10% and
failed to predict %BF relative to DXA within an accepted Physiological Characteristics
±3.5% anthropometric error rate. It should be noted that of Elite Male Gaelic Footballers
one of the prediction equations analyzed was Durnin
and Womersley (1974). This equation is used by many Elite footballers are characterized by moderate V·O2max
of the previously cited studies reporting %BF in Gaelic with estimated values in the literature ranging from 48.7
footballers and the margin of error reported casts doubt (McIntyre, 2005) to 59.4 ml/kg/min (Strudwick et al.,
on the accuracy of these studies. The author’s state that 2002). Maximal oxygen uptake values are similar to those
alternative methods of measuring body fat (i.e., SFT) or reported for EPL soccer players (58.8 ± 3.8 vs 59.4 ± 6.2
presumably DXA be used in future studies. Several of the ml/kg/min, Strudwick et al., 2002) and rugby backs (57.0
studies are not published in peer reviewed journals but are ± 3.9 vs 59.6 ± 4.7 ml/kg/min, Brick & O’Donoghue,
part of conference proceedings (Brick & O’Donoghue, 2005). McIntyre (2005) reported higher V·O2max values
2005; Collins et al., 2011b; Donnelly et al., 2003; Horgan among a group of Gaelic footballers compared with
& Collins, 2013; Keane et al., 1997) and therefore may League of Ireland (LOI) soccer players (48.7 ± 7 vs 57.6
not have been subject to rigorous peer review. Finally, the ± 5 ml/kg/min). Brick and O’Donoghue (2005) recorded
vast majority of the studies were published before 2006 greater one repetition maximum bench press (1RM-BP)
and thus may not be relevant to the modern elite player. in Gaelic footballers compared with semiprofessional
The previous concerns notwithstanding, a number soccer players and rugby union forward (93.6 ± 12.3
of trends can be observed. Elite players are taller and vs 80.0 ± 11.7 vs 88.6 ± 7.0 kg respectively, p < .05),
heavier than their club counter-parts (Keane et al., 1997). although lower values have been published for Gaelic
Looking at the earliest (Watson, 1995) and the most recent footballers (73.7 ± 12 kg; McIntyre, 2005).
(Shortall et al., 2013) studies which report BM and %BF, Lower body power values for footballers, as
it appears that modern players are slightly heavier (81.9 measured by VJ, range from 50.3 ± 5.8 cm (Watson,
± 6.9 vs 85.0 ± 7.1 kg), have a lower %BF (15.0 ± 4.2 vs 1995) to 65 ± 4 cm (McIntyre & Hall, 2005). Brick
10.9 ± 1.7%) and are slightly smaller in stature (181.4 ± and O’Donoghue (2005) highlighted similar VJ values
8.2 vs 178.0 ± 22.1 cm). While McIntyre and Hall (2005) for rugby union backs, semiprofessional soccer players
reported position specific differences in club level play- and Gaelic footballers. Strudwick et al. (2002) pub-
ers, recent data from Shortall et al. (2013) suggest that lished higher VJ values for EPL players compared with
elite modern players are a homogenous group, with the Gaelic footballers (63.4 ± 5.7 vs 58.3 ± 6.7 cm, p < .01).
exception of goalkeepers who tend be heavier and have a McIntyre (2005) reported no differences between Gaelic
higher %BF. Horgan and Collins (2013) suggest that elite footballers, hurlers and League of Ireland (LOI) soccer
midfielders differ from players in other positions, being players over 15m speed (2.53 ± 0.1 vs 2.49 ± 0.1 vs 2.48
taller and leaner. The inconsistencies in the data may be ± 0.1 s), while Strudwick et al. (2002) recorded similar
as a result of strategic or tactical aspects of game play. 10m (1.89 ± 0.17 vs 1.75 ± 0.08 s) and 30m (4.60 ± 0.30
A number of recommendations can be suggested vs 4.28 ± 0.12 s) sprint times between Gaelic footballers
based on available anthropometric data. The use of pre- and EPL soccer players. Keane et al. (1997) reported
diction equations may not be valid for Gaelic footballers superior performance for elite players in horizontal jump,
and alternative measurements (SFT and DXA) should be VJ, estimated V·O2max, Cooper 12 min run and 100m
used. The reporting of fat-free mass should be encouraged sprint time when compared with club level players.
in future studies. This will give a more accurate picture McIntyre and Hall (2005) compared fitness profiles
of body composition changes over time and can help to of different playing positions in college footballers
6  Beasley

and reported that midfielders had greater VJ, handgrip footballers. The mean time for HI activity ranged from
strength and aerobic fitness compared with backs and 4.1sec for forward to 6.8sec for midfielders, with an aver-
forward. Horgan and Collins (2013) reported differences age of 15.9% of the game being performed at HI. This
in fitness characteristics with respect to playing positions ranged from 10.7% for forward, to 22.1% for midfielders.
in a group of 27 elite Gaelic footballers. Midfielders were Work-to-rest ratios were lowest for midfielders (1:3.6 ±
faster over 5m compared with players in other positions. 0.6) and highest for forward (1:13.0 ± 6.6). There was
They were also faster over 10m and 20m compared with no difference in the amount of HI activities performed
fullbacks and halfbacks. The authors suggest that there between the first and second halves. Time spent in game
may be biological factors that influence selection and related activity (soloing and contesting possession)
suitability for the position of midfielder. amounted to 2.7% of game time. It should be noted that
Analysis of the evidence suggests that elite Gaelic the soloing a football leads to an increase in physiologi-
footballers compare favorably with players from other cal responses such as heart rate, lactate accumulation,
football codes with respect to various aspects of fit- oxygen consumption and Rating of Perceived Exertion,
ness and may give an insight into the type of training when compared with running at the same speed (Hulton,
undertaken. The data of Brick and O’Donoghue (2005) Ford, & Reilly, 2005). It is not clear if a greater time spent
suggest a program of resistance training to improve soloing the ball leads to a significant increase in energy
upper body strength. Strudwick et al. (2002) report expenditure and greater fatigue.
similar speeds over 10 m and 30 m when comparing elite O’Donoghue and King (2005) analyzed the activity
Gaelic footballers and professional EPL players. Training profile of a group of university footballers. They reported
modalities which might be used to improve speed include longer mean HI activity durations (5.7sec vs 3.2sec) and
plyometrics (Rimmer & Sleivert, 2000) and power based shorter recovery periods compared with premier league
resistance training (Harris et al., 2000). Elite intercounty soccer games. Fifty one percent of recoveries were less
footballers perform better in several fitness tests when than 20sec, with 8% of recoveries lasting 90 sec or longer.
compared with club-level players. This demonstrates A positional effect was also reported, with central players
that there may be a minimum fitness requirement for performing 50% greater number of bursts, with shorter
elite selection. recovery periods than any of the other positional groups
Finally, there appear to be position specific fitness (p < .001). Central players spent a significantly higher
requirements. This is evident for the position of mid- portion of match time performing HI activities than the
fielder. While the data are from college level footballers, other groups (p < .01).
McIntyre and Hall (2005) reported greater lower body The previous three studies used a manual, vision
power, grip strength and aerobic fitness in midfielders based notation analysis to determine activity profiles. This
compared with other positions. Horgan and Collins type of motion analysis has several limitations including
(2013) reported superior speed in midfielders compared the validity and reliability of the data entry procedure,
with players in other positions. Whether this is a result of the number of and experience of the observers and their
specific fitness training for midfielders or the existence perspective of the game area (Barris & Button, 2008).
of a specific phenotype to be successful as a midfielder Therefore, the accuracy and validity of this data may
is unknown. If midfielders undergo different training to be questionable. The age of the data also questions its
players in other positions then this will have nutritional relevance to the modern game as coaches and teams are
implications. employing more sophisticated tactics than in the past
(e.g., blanket defense). More recent data using Global
Positioning System (GPS) data over four competitive
Physiological Demands games has shed light on the effect of tactical changes in
of Gaelic Football the game (Collins, Solan, & Doran, 2013). Significant
differences were noted in relation to previous studies.
Keane, Reilly, and Hughes (1993) examined the match Half-backs/forward covered a greater distance (absolute
demands in footballers over four championship and four and HI) compared with players in other positions. Dif-
national league games. The mean distance covered was ferences were also observed in the HI distance covered
8594 ± 1056m. The majority of the distance covered in the first and second halves (876 ± 298 vs 819 ± 246m,
(66%) was accounted for by low intensity activities (walk- p = .001) and between the first and fourth quarters (479
ing and jogging). High intensity (HI) activity (striding ± 178 vs 379 ± 107m, p = .028). The maximum speed
and sprinting) accounted for 12.4% and 3.7% of the total attained was 30 ± 1.4 kph and the average speed was 7
distance covered respectively. No fatigue was evident ± 1 kph These activity profiles suggest that football has
between the first and second halves as determined by a high anaerobic component. Phosphocreatine degrada-
distance covered. The total distance covered was 8523 ± tion and anaerobic glycolysis are most probably the main
1175m for defenders, 9131 ± 977m for midfielders and energy pathways used to generate ATP during periods
8490 ± 673 m for forward, which was not significantly of high-intensity activity. An understanding of the types
different between positions. of substrate used and the causes of fatigue will help
McErlean, Cassidy, and O’Donoghue (2000) per- determine pregame macronutrient-intake targets and
formed a time motion analysis of 40 male elite Gaelic supplementation to attenuate decrements in performance.
 Nutrition for Elite Male Gaelic Footballers  7

Table 2 Positional Work Rate Variations in Elite Players Over Four Competitive Games (Collins et
al., 2013b)
Position Distance Covered (m) High-Intensity (> 17 km.hr-1) Distance(m)
average 8815 ± 1287
fullbacks and full-forward 7427 ± 689 *# 1318 ± 265 *#
halfbacks and half-forward 9419 ± 1204 1934 ± 551
midfield 9159 ± 321 1589 ± 186
*p < .01 Significant difference between fullbacks/forward and halfbacks/fowards
#p < .01 Significant difference between fullbacks/forward and midfield

Nutrition Studies in Elite Men’s and 1.7 g/kg BM/day respectively were calculated from
Collins et al. (2011b). This supports the contention that
Gaelic Football elite players may not be ingesting sufficient carbohydrate,
Reeves and Collins (2003) performed a dietary intake especially if undertaking HI training.
study over a 7-day period of elite and club footballers, Reilly and Keane (2002b) examined the effect of
professional soccer players and a control group. The ingestion of a carbohydrate supplement and placebo
results revealed significant differences (p < .05) in diet. before a game and at half time on player’s work rates.
Compared with soccer players, elite footballers consumed There was no difference in any of the work-rate indices
less carbohydrate, both absolute (432 ± 23 vs 437 ± between the experimental and control group. It should
40g) and as a percentage of energy intake (52.2 ± 5 vs be noted that the bolus (5% glucose solution in 150ml
57.0 ± 4.1%). Gaelic footballers also consumed less fat liquid, approximately 7.5g of carbohydrate) may have
expressed as a percentage of energy intake (25.9 ± 4 vs been too small to elicit an ergogenic effect, given the
27.5 ± 3.4%) and less alcohol than the soccer players (0 high rates of exogenous carbohydrate oxidation that can
vs 1.4 ± 1g). Dietary protein accounted for 16% of total be attained with sufficient carbohydrate feeding (Jentjens
energy intake. More recent data from Collins, Doran, & Jeukendrup, 2005). Another interpretation may be
and Reilly (2011b) reported carbohydrate, fat and protein that glycogen depletion may not be a limiting factor in
intakes (as a percentage of total energy intake) of 54 ± football performance. However, the effect of carbohydrate
4, 29 ± 3 and 17 ± 3% respectively in a group of fifteen on psychological factors such as mood, RPE and task
elite Gaelic footballers. The macronutrient intake ranges persistence (Backhouse et al., 2007) and skill execution
from the two cited studies are within the ranges reported (Russell et al., 2012) as opposed to physiological param-
for other team sports such as soccer, basketball and Aus- eters should not be discounted.
tralian Rules football (Burke, 2007). Newell et al. (2008) investigated fluid intake and loss
When energy intake was expressed in terms of body during a training session in a warm environment (16–18
mass, soccer players consumed 173 ± 11 kJ/kg BM/day, C°, 82–88% humidity) with a squad of 20 elite Gaelic
whereas intercounty footballer’s players consumed 151 ± footballers. Urine analysis (urine specifc gravity (USG)
11 kJ/kg BM/day. A wide range of energy intake values as measured by refractometer) was used to determine
are reported in the literature and the values published for pretraining hydration. The majority of players (n = 15)
Gaelic footballers are at the lower end of the spectrum were hydrated before training (USG < 1.010) although
when compared with professional team-sport athletes three players were minimally dehydrated (1.010 < USG
(Burke, 2007). While elite Gaelic footballers may not < 1.020) and two were significantly dehydrated (USG >
have the same energy intake as professional athletes, this 1.020). Sweat rate was determined using the following
could be as a result of lower energy expenditure. Mean formula: sweat rate = (preexercise body mass—postex-
daily energy expenditure was not calculated for the elite ercise body mass) + fluid consumed—urine output. The
footballers, so it is not known if they were in energy bal- mean sweat rate per hour was 1.39 L/hr and mean body
ance, surplus, or deficit. mass loss was 1.1%, ranging from one player who gained
Extrapolating the data from Reeves and Collins 0.5% body weight to another who lost 2.4% body weight.
(2003), a daily carbohydrate intake of 5.2 g/kg BM/ There was a wide variation in fluid intake (300–2000ml)
day and daily protein intake of 1.5 g/kg BM/day was among the squad. The results of this study indicates the
calculated for the elite players. The carbohydrate intake individual sweating variation in response to training and
was at the lower end of the recommended intake for a the importance of measuring individual sweat rates and
moderate exercise program (5–7 g/kg BM/day; Mujika developing individualized hydration strategies.
& Burke, 2010). The protein intake was within the intake Vitamin D is a nutrient that has important biological
for strength and power athletes (1.2–1.7 g/kg BM/day; functions, including bone morphology, Calcium metabo-
Tarnapolsky, 2010) and should cover the protein needs for lism, muscle function, and athlete susceptibility to injury
most situations (i.e., strength/power training, field based (Hamilton, 2010). In Ireland (latitude 51–56°N), UVB
training). Mean carbohydrate and protein intakes of 5.3 radiation from sunlight over the winter months (Octo-
8  Beasley

ber–March) is too weak to promote cutaneous vitamin it has been demonstrated that replenishment of muscle
D production (Webb, Kline, and Holick, 1988). A study glycogen can be impaired in elite soccer players with
by Magee et al. (2013) reported that 94% of a cohort suboptimal carbohydrate intake (Jacobs et al., 1982).
of 34 elite Gaelic footballers were classified as vitamin Carbohydrate-protein (CHO-P) ingestion (24g whey,
D insufficient/deficient. Close et al., (2013) reported 4.8g leucine, 50g maltodextrin) immediately before
an increase in serum Vitamin D concentrations (29 ± repeated sprint training (RST) has been shown to increase
25–103 ± 25 nmol/L, p = .0028) when deficient athletes myofibrillar synthesis in the post training period to a
were supplemented with 5000 IU/day vitamin D(3) for 8 greater extent (?48%) than a noncaloric placebo (Coffey
weeks. In addition, the supplemented athletes improved et al., 2011) which may improve recovery during periods
10m sprint time and VJ compared with a placebo group of heavy training. The ingestion of a CHO-P beverage
who received no supplementation. This data suggests (4.8% CHO, 2.1% protein) appears to be beneficial in
that the majority of Gaelic football players are Vitamin attenuating the decrement in performance compared
D deficient over the winter months and that supplementa- with an iso-caloric carbohydrate beverage. Using a ran-
tion is a viable method to prevent deficiency and improve domized, cross-over study design, Alghannam (2011)
physical performance. compared the effects of these two beverages, and a taste
and color matched placebo on run to fatigue (RTF) at
80% V·O2max after a soccer simulation test. Ingestion
Nutritional Recommendations of CHO-P allowed a greater RTF than the protein and
placebo beverages (23.02 ± 5.27 vs 16.49 ± 3.25 vs
Carbohydrate 11.00 ± 2.80 min; p < .05). In addition, consumption of
The value of a high carbohydrate diet on initial muscle CHO-P attenuated the increases in RPE toward the end
glycogen stores and subsequent performance are well of exercise (p < .05) and maintained blood glucose at
established in soccer players (Balsom et al., 1999). It is the end of exercise to a greater extent than carbohydrate
difficult to know if glycogen is limiting in football due or placebo (4.68 ± 0.64 vs 3.92 ± 0.29 vs 3.66 ± 0.36
to the shorter match duration compared with soccer (70 mmol/L respectively, p < .05). While caution should be
vs. 90 min). Collins et al. (2013b) reported a reduction taken when assessing this study due to the small sample
in HI exercise between the first and fourth quarters sug- size (n = 6) and lack of confirmation studies, it may
gesting that glycogen depletion may play a role. It may open a promising avenue of performance enhancement
be speculated that the longer HI work periods and shorter in intermittent-type sports.
rest durations in football compared with soccer may
result in greater muscle glycogen utilization. However, Protein
no experimental evidence exists to support this assertion.
In the event that muscle glycogen depletion is not The importance of the quality (i.e., high leucine content)
limiting, adequate pregame carbohydrate intake is still and timing of protein ingestion, especially around strength
essential as low pregame muscle glycogen effects per- training sessions, should be conveyed to players to ensure
formance in soccer players (Saltin, 1973). Carbohydrate maximal adaptations to the training stimulus. Pre- and
intake during a game is likely to benefit both peripheral postexercise protein supplementation may increase type I
and central nervous system function (Winnick et al., and type II muscle fiber size, and squat jump performance
2005) compared with placebo, attenuate decrements in over carbohydrate intake alone (Andersen et al., 2005).
blood glucose and shooting skill (Russell et al., 2012), Whey protein may be more beneficial immediately after
attenuate rise in Rate of Perceived Exertion (Backhouse exercise in promoting muscle protein synthesis (Boirie et
et al., 2007) and attenuate performance reductions in the al., 1997). Casein protein ingestion immediately before
latter stages of a simulated basketball game (Welsh et sleep will provide a more sustained release of amino
al., 2002). Aggressive posttraining and postcompetition acids and improve whole body protein balance (Res et
refueling should be encouraged in elite footballers, as al., 2012).

Table 3 Carbohydrate Requirements (Mujika & Burke, 2010)

Training Type Recommendations
moderate exercise (1 hr per day) 5–7g/kg/day
1–3 hr of moderate to high-intensity exercise 6–10g/kg/day
speedy refueling—less than 8 hr between two demanding 1–1.2 g per kg immediately after first session
workouts repeated each hr until the normal meal schedule is resumed
pregame fueling 1–4g/kg eaten 1–4 hr before the game
during game 30–60g per hr including mouth rinsing
 Nutrition for Elite Male Gaelic Footballers  9

Table 4 Protein Requirements (Tarnapolsky, long-term effects of creatine supplementation. Schröder,

2010) Terrados, and Tramullas (2005) examined the effects of
three years of daily creatine supplementation (5g/day)
Training Type Recommendations on professional Spanish basketball players Sixteen blood
resistance training (early training) 1.5–1.7 g/kg parameters were measured 5 times each year. Only creatine
resistance training (steady state) 1–1.2g/kg kinase was elevated above normal at each measurement
game specific/pitch based training 1.4–1.7g/kg
point. The authors previously reported similar creatine
kinase activity patterns in noncreatine supplemented ath-
letes (Schröder et al., 2001). They suggested that this may
be as a result of high eccentric loading due to basketball
Hydration practice and game play and thus increased muscle damage.
Kim et al. (2011) warn against high-dose creatine supple-
The detrimental effects of dehydration on exercise perfor- mentation (> 3–5 g/day) in individuals with preexisting
mance are well established (American College of Sports kidney disease. Adverse effects have been reported in an
Medicine, 2007). Athletes should be monitored regu- individual taking a combination of steroids and high doses
larly before training to ensure that they are adequately (200g/day) of creatine (Revai et al., 2003). However, as
prehydrated. This can be accomplished through the use stated by Gualano et al. (2012) “after hundreds of published
of urine specific gravity, osmolality and reagent strips. studies and millions of exposures creatine supplementation
Players should be proactive and monitor urine color and maintains an excellent safety profile.”
volume, and thirst as a means of determining hydration Gaelic footballers thinking of supplementing creatine
status. A wide variety of sweat rates have been reported should take reasonable precautions beforehand. Before
for footballers (Newell et al., 2008). Instead of issuing commencement, they should be checked by medical staff
generic recommendation, the measurement of individual for preexisting kidney conditions. Regular blood tests
sweat rates in a variety of environmental conditions can throughout the supplementation period should be performed
be used to determine individual hydration strategies for by medical staff to check for any abnormalities. Athletes
players. Pre- and posttraining weighing should be used should follow standard creatine loading procedures (1
to determine fluid loss and optimal rehydration rates. week of 25g/day loading phase, 3 weeks of 5g/day main-
tenance phase; Powers et al. (2003)). Individuals should
Ergogenic Aids: Creatine also be made aware of the existence of responders and
nonresponders to creatine supplementation (Syrotuik &
If we consider the anaerobic activity profile (4–6 s HI Bell, 2004) so as to manage expectations. If these recom-
bursts with recovery ranging from 20–90 s; O’Donoghue mendations are followed then it is reasonable to assume that
& King, 2005) and the importance of muscle mass, upper players will be at minimal risk of adverse health effects.
body strength and VJ height in performance, then the use
of creatine may have an ergogenic effect on performance.
Mujika et al. (2000) examined the effect of acute creatine
Ergogenic Aids: Caffeine
supplementation on various fitness parameters in a group Several studies have demonstrated the ergogenic effects
of amateur soccer players. Following initial testing, play- of caffeine in soccer. Foskett, Ali, and Gant (2009) dem-
ers were separated into a placebo (maltodextrin) and onstrated greater passing accuracy and VJ performance
creatine (20g/day) supplementation group for 6 days and after consuming 6mg/kg BM of caffeine in a soccer simu-
were retested 7 days later. The creatine group performed lation running and passing skill test compared with pla-
significantly better in a 5m and 15m RST after supple- cebo. Del Coso et al. (2012) demonstrated that consump-
mentation, and demonstrated a limited rate of decay in tion of a commercially available caffeinated sugar-free
a counter-movement jump test. The creatine group also energy drink (3mg/kg BM) allowed better performance
reported a significant increase in body mass whereas the in a jump test, greater mean running speed during a RST
placebo group showed no change. (7 × 30m with 30sec recovery); more distance covered
Bishop (2010) reported that creatine supplementation at a speed greater than 13km/h and a greater number of
is ergogenic in repeated sprint activities when recovery sprints during a simulated soccer game compared with
ranges from 50–90s. O’Donoghue and King (2005) placebo (p < .05). Consumption of caffeine in conjunc-
reported that 24% of recovery periods lasted 45s or longer tion with carbohydrate has also been demonstrated to
in a senior football match. Supplementation may be ergo- improve performance in physical and soccer-specific tests
genic in these recovery periods. Ferrauti and Remmert to a greater extent than carbohydrate alone (Gant, Ali, &
(2003) concluded that creatine supplementation during Foskett, 2010; Ranchordas & Pattison, 2011).
periods of resistance and sprint conditioning training Using a model similar to Gaelic football (2 × 36 min
improves strength and power above training alone, provid- halves; 18 × 4s sprint with 2 min active recovery per half;
ing a basis for creatine supplementation during training. cycle ergometer), Schneiker et al. (2006) demonstrated
Anecdotal evidence suggests that many football that consumption of 6mg/kg BM of caffeine improved
coaches believe that creatine is a substance that is poten- sprint work performance by 8.5% in the first half and
tially harmful. Few longitudinal studies exist on the 7.6% in the second half compared with placebo (p < .05).
10  Beasley

Table 5 Caffeine Recommendations (Hespel • g/kg/BM for carbohydrate and protein intakes
et al., 2006) • kJ/kg BM or kCals/kg BM for energy intake
Playing The use of body fat prediction equations is discour-
Position Recommendations aged until a population specific equation can be deter-
goalkeeper 2 mg/kg BW taken 60 min before game. mined. The sum of skinfolds and/or DEXA scan should
Smaller dose improves visual information
processing, reaction time and alertness. be used to report changes in body composition. Where
feasible, %BF and fat-free mass should be reported. When
outfield 5 mg/kg BW taken 60 min before game.
conducting nutritional intake studies, it is recommended
that the type or phase of training be reported as this will
have an impact on whether nutrient intake is optimal for
Mean peak power was also improved by 7% and 6.6%
the mode of training.
respectively in the first and second halves compared with
placebo (p < .05). A review by Davis and Green (2009)
state that caffeine is beneficial in RST of 4–6s duration, Research Recommendations
similar to HI burst durations in football.
The creation of a standardized, valid and reliable field-
Limitations based or laboratory based protocol (similar to the Lough-
borough Intermittent Shuttle Test; Nicholas, Nuttall, &
It must be acknowledged that the nutritional recom- Williams, 2000) which mimics the activity patterns of
mendations for Gaelic footballers are taken from other elite Gaelic football is essential to test the efficacy of vari-
field sports such as soccer. With the exception of Reilly ous nutritional interventional strategies on performance.
and Keane (2002b), there has been no research into the These should include: carbohydrate-loading; ingestion of
acute or chronic effects of different dietary strategies CHO or CHO-P; supplementation of caffeine, creatine,
on Gaelic football performance. Many of the studies sodium bicarbonate, beta-alanine, carnosine, nitrates
that demonstrate the efficacy of a particular nutritional and Vitamin D. Food intake studies would determine if
intervention are taken from laboratory based studies on players are eating the correct combination of macro- and
cycle ergometers (Schneiker et al., 2006) or use soccer micronutrients to support different phases of training.
specific test protocols (Alghannam, 2011). However, due Knowledge of the activity profiles required to com-
to the lack of research in Gaelic football and the broadly pete at the elite level are important when devising training
similar activity patterns to soccer, these recommendations programs and dietary strategies. Global Positioning Sys-
may be used as general guidelines for Gaelic footballers tems data can be used to provide a greater understanding
until such time as Gaelic football specific requirements of position-specific activity profiles as well as the effect
can be established. of game preparation nutritional strategies on distance
covered, number of HI activities, fatigue etc. The use of
muscle biopsy and blood sampling using a Gaelic football
specific activity protocol or during match play may help to
Conclusion determine if low muscle-glycogen, lactate accumulation,
Gaelic football is the second most popular team sport pH or other factors are implicated in fatigue. Identifica-
in Ireland. Activity profiles and fitness parameters are tion of fatiguing agents may help scientists in devising
broadly similar to soccer. Due to a lack of research, nutritional strategies to maintain performance levels.
nutritional recommendations must be interpreted from Finally, further research is warranted into the work-
studies carried out in soccer and other team sports. Body life balance of elite Gaelic footballers. Because of its
composition, upper body strength, and lower body power amateur status, most players are in full-time employment
may be important factors in discriminating elite from or education and may also have family commitments.
nonelite players. Differences in fitness, body composi- Traveling to and from training and games, the pressure
tion, and game work rates are evident between various of work or education, the type of job (physically active
playing positions. Many of these factors can be influenced versus sedentary), family responsibilities and the stresses
by nutrition. Elite footballers may not be eating sufficient of everyday life may have an impact on the ability to
dietary carbohydrate to support HI training. Several recover and adapt to training and may impair the enjoy-
recommendations can be made to further advance the ment of competing and participating at the elite level.
understanding of nutrition and Gaelic football perfor-
mance for the modern day game.
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