In attendance at the draw of the Electric Ireland GAA Higher Education Championships at Croke Park today is Mary Immaculate College selector, Podge Collins. Through its #FirstClassRivals campaign, this season Electric Ireland will continue to celebrate the unique alliances that form between county rivals as they come together in pursuit of some of the most coveted titles across Camogie and GAA. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
By Cian O’Connell
Podge Collins smiles as the question is being asked. His cousin, Jamie Wall, so passionate about the Fitzgibbon Cup cause, knew exactly what he was doing, when asking Collins to commit as Mary I coach. “Yeah, he did, I was always going to, I was so close, only 15 minutes out the road from Mary I - so, it was a convenient one for someone to rope in,” Collins responds.
During the past decade and a half Mary I have emerged as a respected force in the competition. As a player and manager Wall has provided inspiration and assistance to many hurlers. “He loves the competition, he loves the whole culture around trying to help lads with exams, even with placements, different things, getting them through college, making it as much an enjoyable experience as possible which college should be for these lads with education to the fore,” Collins adds.
“That is the way he operates, and it is why the players buy in. They understand he wants what is best for them, so he creates a great culture around the team.”
Wednesday’s draw put Mary I in a group with UL, SETU Waterford, and ATU Galway. Demanding assignments in January. “Fortunately, last year was an exceptional year, it was brilliant - spoiled to experience it now, the first year into the coaching side of things, it was great,” Collins reflects.
“We're looking forward to this year kicking off, it is a great competition, it is excellent for the players at all levels, inter-county or otherwise to have such competitive games that mean so much this early in the year to start off the year.”
Collins acknowledges that there is something about Mary I. A desire to maximise the playing resources available. “There is,” Collins responds instantly. “There is a real tight-knit bond.
“Sometimes, maybe the bigger colleges it is harder for those players to meet each other or bump into each other. It is kinda inevitable when you're in Mary I, just because of the scale of the college, you're going to bump into lads regularly.
“In this scene, the inter-county, club scene, the level these lads are at, they all know each other anyway, regardless of what county they're from, they've played Harty Cup or some level of club against each other, even hurled with other players.
Jamie Wall and Podge Collins watching a Fitzgibbon Cup game unfold. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
“So, they're bumping into each other then nearly through osmosis in the college and their hurling experience. Then, they share similar interests, involved in teaching as most of them are in the teaching side of it.
“So, they get to know each other pretty well and we're fortunate enough that they get to spend a lot of time around each other. That helps to develop a bond and team environment which is very important for any team that is going to be successful.”
From a proud Cratloe sporting family, Collins excelled as a hurler and footballer for club and county. His father, Colm, remains a distinguished GAA figure, regarded in the highest esteem by coaches and players throughout the country.
Was Podge Collins always going to go down the coaching route? “It was probably something a good few of my teammates would bounced off me towards the middle to end of my career,” Collins answers.
“It is something I've really enjoyed since I've got into it, and it is challenging. It doesn't come without its challenges, it's very time consuming. You've to be at it every night.
“Sometimes, as a player you've those nights when you bring the gear bag to training, and you just get through a training session. You know you're not at it or in the mood. We all have those days whether it is in work, training or otherwise.
“As a coach or a manager, you've to be at it for the group of players. So, you've to get yourself up for it and it is a bit different, but I've really enjoyed it.
“Listen, obviously, last year being successful, it was just magic. It was brilliant. It wasn't something that at the start of the year, I thought too much about. To experience it was excellent.”
Podge Collins is enjoying coaching Mary I in the Electric Ireland Fitzgibbon Cup. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
Valuable lessons were learned on the journey. Ultimately, though the benefit and relevance of the Fitzgibbon Cup was underlined for Collins. “I'm fortunate because I experienced it myself from trying to play Fitzgibbon in UL and then trying to break into your inter-county senior team,” Collins explains.
“A lot of these young lads, particularly those on an inter-county squad or around an inter-county squad or those who want to get trials for the inter-county squad, it is their priority. This competition, it puts the players that have made it into a unique position.
“They are a leader in a team. Harty Cup, U20, these players have been leaders in their team, Fitzgibbon is another opportunity for them to show inter-county management that they have leadership attributes. I think that is why inter-county managers and management groups like going to these Fitzgibbon games.”
Evidence can be gleaned, statements made. “They get to see what their 21 year old maybe corner forward is like as a leader,” Collins says. “When he has to lead the line or they need a score at the end of a game, is he going to step up?
"I think it brings a different element for inter-county managers to look at these games, for what they want to see from star players or players that want to break in.
“It is massive for other lads to play at this level. It mightn't be inter-county championship, but it is as close as you'd ever come to it. You get such little time on the ball, the players you're playing against or in peak condition, their fitness is probably at a career high in a lot of cases.
“Then, you're playing at a time of year when the ball isn't bouncing for you, and you need to get in, get the two legs over it, and win dirty ball, be resourceful with possession. That is why it is a good competition and very different. It is very important for players and management.”
Collins is relishing being involved.
