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Collins chats with (left) Ferya McFerran and (right) Orlaith Bruton at the launch of the 2014 Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps. Cathal Noonan/INPHO
Dual star

Podge Collins committed to balancing both codes in the championship

The All-Star plans to line out for Clare’s hurlers and their footballers this summer.

CLARE DUAL STAR Podge Collins says he is committed to lining out for both codes this summer.

The 22-year-old won an All-Ireland senior hurling championship with the Banner last year while also helping Cratloe reach the Munster SFC final — where they lost out to Dr Crokes.

Collins’ father Colm was announced as Clare’s new senior football manager last October and, along with older brother Sean, Podge featured as they earned promotion to Division 3.

When asked at yesterday’s launch of the 2014 Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps if he is planning to be involved in both squads for the championship, he answered:

“Yeah I am. The championship is on different weekends in June. There’s no clashes or anything which I’m glad about.

They (managers) will organise it. They said at the start of the year that they’d take it off my hands and communicate with each other. It’s grand that way.

“It’s been a good balance so far. I’ve got enough of both. Sean is the same. It works out ideally. There’s no pressure on us. We don’t have to make any phone calls or anything, it’s mapped out for us.”

Colm Collins Clare football manager Colm Collins. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO

June see the footballers take on Waterford in the Munster championship on 8 June before the All-Ireland hurling champions face the winners of Waterford and Cork a week later.

While communication between the management teams will no doubt help, is it possible to be a dual player in the long term?

“The level of the GAA now with eating, sleeping and how people are looking after themselves, it is achievable in the right circumstances,” says Collins. ”If you look after yourself well enough, it is achievable.

“The key is not to get burnt out. When you’re out of U21, it’s a big help. When you’re in U21, you’ve county hurling and football, club hurling and football at U21 level, that’s four extra teams. It’s tough enough.

“But when you’re just senior, I think it’s achievable. This is my first year out of U21.”

What has Kieran McGeeney brought to Tipperary’s hurling setup?

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