Billy Phelan

Billy Phelan talks about his many years of involvement with the GAA. Originally from Abbeyleix in Laois, he took to hurling from a young age and enjoyed success at club level before being selected for the Laois minor team. They went on to claim a Leinster title and reach the All-Ireland minor hurling final of 1964. Billy enjoyed playing sports and competed in inter-hospital leagues whilst working at St Fintan's Hospital. He later coached club underage teams and was invited to be a selector for the Laois minors. His enthusiasm for the Association never waned and he enjoyed a long playing career, eventually finding himself lining out on a team that featured his son when he was 50 years of age. Billy reflects on his experiences - good and bad - and shares his opinions on the state of the GAA in both Laois and the country as a whole in 2010.