DEFENDER HUGH GILL has revealed how AIB Leinster club football title hopefuls St Vincent’s turned to MMA training at Conor McGregor’s gym to energise their squad.
The reigning All-Ireland champions have been in regular competitive action since early last year so turned to ‘a bit of wrestling and a bit of grappling’ to spice up training.
They trained as a group at the famous Straight Blast Gym which launched the career of UFC star McGregor and Cathal Pendred while MMA enthusiast Kieran McGeeney is also a regular.
McGeeney spoke in September about the benefits of MMA training for Gaelic footballers, describing cage fighting as ‘like chess’ and insisting ‘there’s a lot of good aspects to it that can cross over into our sport.’
Former Dublin corner-back Gill said it was more to do with simply keeping the Vins players interested in training.
“It was just about changing our training slightly, a fresh approach with the bit of MMA,” said Gill.
“It was great, really good. We were in SBG, McGregor’s gym, so we went in there and did a bit of wrestling and a bit of grappling.
“We did some circuits too, just to keep it fresh. A few lads did well, Eoin Brady is particularly good, Shane Carthy is a bit of an animal.
“I think Mossy (Quinn) fancied himself at it! No, it was very good and it was just great to see a different angle to different types of training.
“I personally would have a lot of respect for the MMA guys. The training is insane.
“I would have followed McGregor from his early career and mentally, how he approaches things, is quite impressive. I would try to take a few tips and tricks from the way he does things.”
