Ahane GAA has been blessed over the years to have some inspirational people coach in the club, both from within the parish boundaries and outside. So it was with great sadness, that the minor group learned that they were losing their Chinese Strength and Conditioning coach Chaoyue Ma, as he returns to China ahead of time.

Chaoyue joined forces with Ahane GAA in early January following completion of the Masters in Sports Performance from UL, in which he achieved a First Class Honours. He brought innovative, top class training techniques with him and did so in a jovial, friendly, warm manner. He won the hearts and minds of every player, coach and parent. He balanced this role with his work with Swim Ireland and various athletes. Had his time been extended, he would no doubt have been snapped up by a professional sporting group. For now he will have to do with a full time role as Conditioning trainer to the Chinese Ski team ahead of the 2022 Winter Olympics in his native Beijing.

We wish the man fondly known as "Chin-up Chao" a safe trip home and look forward to his return to his second home in September, as promised to him by the minor squad.