Bank of Ireland Celtic Challenge Coaching Corner - Phil Lanigan (Meath)

Irish Daily Mail GAA writer Philip Lanigan is a former Dublin U-21 hurler but lives in Meath with his family and coaches the 2018 Meath Celtic Challenge squad. He is the guest on this week’s Coaching Corner.

Q. What are the most important factors to consider when coaching Meath hurlers of this age group?

A. That they get a chance to represent their county with pride and bring any of the benefits involved in being part of a county set-up – high intensity training, advice on nutrition, strength and conditioning training/injury prevention – back to their clubs.

Q. How has the Celtic Challenge helped develop Meath hurling?

**A. **It has enabled Meath to enter a second team of under-16 and under-17 hurlers in a high profile All-Ireland competition where five guaranteed games offer players a great opportunity for players to develop their game.

Q. What are your goals as a coach?

A. To enable the players realise their potential. To help offer a pathway to becoming a Meath senior hurler and to enjoy it along the way.

Q. How important is it for a coach to consider the 'person' behind the hurler?

**A. **It’s always important to try and know the players as best you can to get the best out of players.

Q. Anything you would change with the Bank of Ireland Celtic Challenge?

A. The schedule of structured Wednesday games means it offers a great format of regular games at a good time of the year, particularly with a guaranteed quarter-final place. Best and Fairest and bonus points system also really good initiatives so there is not much need for change.