In a wide-ranging interview, Gleeson also spoke about his belief a conversation needs to take place on semi-professionalism in the GAA
Austin Gleeson: ‘I know a few lads have gone to Australia. They have a life out there, they’re loving it’
“I found it very hard, to be honest. I was going to the match but then couldn’t really end up going. I watched the first couple of minutes on the telly and it probably hit me a bit more than I thought it would, it was the first time I thought, ‘Jeez, I do miss this.’ Austin Gleenson at the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Semi-Final replay in Semple Stadium. Photograph: Donall Farmer/Inpho
The Mount Sion clubman made his debut with the Waterford seniors in 2014 and two years later he delivered an incredible season when he was named Hurler and Young Hurler of the Year, only the second player after Tony Kelly to win both in the same campaign. “Look, if I could go back in time now I’d definitely go back and tell myself not to take the foot off the pedal, I suppose. I can’t get over how quickly your career kind of flies by really.
Mount Sion’s Austin Gleeson at Waterford Senior Hurling Championship Final in Walsh Park. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho “You can see how much it’s changing already with everything, video analysis, stats, all that kind of stuff. It’s so professional that it probably takes away a small bit from the fun of it in a way.”