Ryan is leaving no stone unturned in bid to regain fitness

FOR THOSE of us who played through the pain barrier before the arrival of modern technology, the modern facilities provided by Donal O’Connor ensure a quicker journey to recovery. The Enniscorthy-based acupuncturist and physical therapist has introduced the hyperbaric oxygen chamber which shortens the journey to recovery, alleviating problems much quicker and cutting the dreadful long journey to recovery which so many had to endure in the past.

It’s a facility, only recently installed, which is becoming popular with sports players from all codes, while members of the general public are availing of it also to alleviate their core problems.

When I heard of the facility and spoke to Donal, he was just about to undertake a programme with inter-county hurler Liam Ryan, confident of helping him back from a mild stress fracture in his foot to the playing fields in much quicker time than expected.

The HBOT is also a very effective adjunctive treatment for rheumatoid arthritis procedures as it’s beneficial to stabilise the body’s immunologic function, strengthen the body’s support to eliminate pathogenic factors, lower blood sedimentation, suppress inflammation, and in given time repair diseased joints.

Hyperbaric oxygenation is dedicated to stabilise the immune system, avoid systemic inflammatory response, improve the viability of tissues, reduce inflammation, restore bone oxygenation, relieve chronic pain and bone infections, prevent amputations, and accelerate recovery and quality of life.

The new unit is fulfilling the strong growing need for optimal and faster recovery times that allows the injured athlete to return to full function and competition faster than with the normal course of rehabilitation.

Now sports people are using hyperbaric oxygen to speed up their recovery, which is the modern way forward.

After recent weeks dominated by the club versus county scenario, one will be presented with the long-awaited opportunity of live GAA action this weekend with the opening round of the county hurling championships at venues throughout the county.

Just as the days draw closer, following months of inactivity through the Covid-19 unlocking, it was always inevitable that the club/county would present a lively debate.

It’s heartening to see that the club, for once, is top of the pile in bringing back the games of hurling and football to the genuine followers.

Many issues have been anticipated in the lead-up to the opening games, with some clubs already impacted with the virus, most of whom have since returned to training following a lockdown.

It is hoped that the games from here on in will be presented with a clear run to enable the authorities fulfil what is a daunting programme over a very short time span.

In the past the goodwill of club players has been pushed to the limit, but for once they will lead the return to competitive action and have prepared for this day over the past few weeks.

Down through the years fixtures have been tinkered with, but it is heartening to see that the club championship will be played out before a return to inter-county action.

Going to cover club games has always been a highlight for me. That’s the reality of it, the club game is something special, and for this year they will be played off without intervention which should add to the enjoyment, albeit within the short timeframe.

Wexford open their programme this Friday evening, with both last year’s Senior finalists on show. The battle of the reigning champions, St. Martin’s, and one-time kingpins, Oulart-The Ballagh, is mouth-watering in more ways than one, as it also brings together two formidable former inter-county managers.

Liam Dunne will be at the helm for his beloved Oulart-The Ballagh, a club he has guided to such honour both as a player and manager, while patrolling the opposite sideline will be former Cork and Wexford manager, Our Lady’s Island native John Meyler, which should add to the intrigue of the battle in Chadwicks Wexford Park.

Last year’s beaten finalists, St. Anne’s, will begin their campaign against Rathnure in Bellefield, which in normal times would attract a huge crowd to the venue.

The power of the parish returns this weekend. Good luck to all competing sides.