Chin putting county first

LEE CHIN boldly presented himself as a prototype full-time GAA athlete this week, explaining that he has not held down a full-time job in three years, and has no intention of turning up in the barbershop where he once found employment.

The Wexford hurler (below), just 25, also explained how he funds a lifestyle that affords him the opportunity to maximise his potential on the field.

He’s got three personal sponsors — Fulfil Nutrition, O’Neill’s Sportswear, and iPro Sport. And though he hinted that he is not going to get rich quick in his 20s, he explained, ‘It’s what they do for my service, it’s what they feel I’m worth… we just work together on a lot of things. I enjoy working with them.’

Chin’s words were bold, and also brave, as there remains a majority of GAA folk young and old (in addition to a sizeable portion of the playing community) who take a dim view of footballers and hurlers affording themselves a life that is the equal of a professional in any other sport. And, of course, if four or five players on any team decided to follow Chin’s lead, the GAA would quickly have to examine what was going on right beneath its giant nose.

Though there’s nothing wrong with what Chin is doing. He’s breaking no rules. He’s just doing what is best for him, and what might also prove best for the hurling community in Wexford. In fact, he’s sacrificing a lot to be the best he can possibly be.