Limerick legend Ciaran Carey regards ‘mental wellness’ as a key factor behind any successful sporting career – including his own.
Since leaving his Kerry managerial post in 2016, Carey has completed a degree in psychotherapy counselling for addiction.
And having completed his studies, Carey believes his new found knowledge could have helped his performances on the pitch during his playing days.
“Absolutely, it isn’t a million miles away from sports psychology,” Carey told Shane Stapleton on The Hurling Show.
“It was tough at my age going back and doing the books, assignments and a thesis but I got there bit by bit.
“When I think back on my own career with my club and Limerick – the freer I was between the top two inches of my left and right ear, it was inevitable I was going to produce the goods.
“It might have taken a simple thing to derail my performance. It could have been a remark by my wife, something at work, the way I acted with my kids – whatever it may be.
“The more wellness I had and the more I felt I was well – and there was no other Duffy Circus stuff – once [my mind] was free it was inevitable I was going to produce the goods.”
Carey’s last managerial role with Kerry ended unexpectedly after serving one year of his two-year term with The Kingdom.
Ciaran Carey (left) in action during the Munster Hurling semi-final in 2002. Image: ©INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan
Carey cited ‘increased work commitments’ for his decision to step away from the game but he does not believe modern day players have it tougher mentally than players of his era.
“The players probably have the same schedule but freshness is huge in the modern game,” Carey added.
“I think there has to be a balance – it is amateur – and every manager who puts their head on the end of the chopping block is driven by results.
“They’re bringing their crew with them and bringing new ideas whether it is good or bad. If it hasn’t been done before they tend to buy into it.
“A whole pile of stuff hasn’t changed mentally but obviously there is a lot of stuff that has changed.”
James Hopper
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