ARSENAL HAVE POUNCED to secure the services of another GAA coach as the number of Irish at the London club continues to increase.
Limerick minor hurling strength and conditioning coach Cairbre O Caireallain has started work this week with the club on an internship.
The Belfast native, who has also worked with the Limerick minor footballers and ladies football team, will work with younger players in the academy.
He will join Mayo’s strength and conditioning coach Barry Solan, who moved to Arsenal earlier this summer but is continuing to work with his native county.
The former Ballaghderreen clubman, who has worked with the Polish national soccer team and also with Katie Taylor, is heading up fitness for Arsene Wenger’s side at the Emirates Stadium.
Former Irish rugby international Johnny O’Connor also works with the club as a strength and conditioning coach, while another international and current Munster scrum coach Jerry Flannery did an internship there.
O Caireallain, who also worked with Adelaide Crows in Australia, has a Masters in Sports Science from University of Limerick. He has also worked with a number of GAA clubs in Limerick, such as the Patrickswell hurlers and Pallasgreen footballers.
It is understood that his work with Arsenal at this stage will be with players between nine and 14.
Limerick’s interest in the All-Ireland minor hurling championship ended when Galway defeated them in the quarter-finals last Sunday week.