proud sponsors of the AIB GAA, Camogie and Ladies Football All-Ireland Club Championships announce a new content series, ‘The Toughest Traits’ with New Zealand rugby legend Kieran Read. The series follows the double World Cup winner as he tours Ireland, learning the true meaning of what it takes to be an elite Gaelic Games player and how #TheToughest players in Gaelic Games balance work, college, and family life with the full-time commitment of representing their clubs.
Episode one of ‘The Toughest Traits’ introduces us to two exceptional players who embody the dedication and resilience at the heart of Gaelic Games. Louise Ward, star of the recently crowned AIB Ladies Football All-Ireland senior club champions, Kilkerrin-Clonberne, takes Kieran through the demands of elite sport with the pressures of launching her own business, "Gowa," a school and sportswear company. Jason Foley, All-Ireland winner with Kerry also features in the episode. The Ballydonoghue club man works as a special needs assistant, whose unwavering discipline and meticulous daily journaling reveal the regimented approach he takes to both his professional and sporting life.
Also featured in the series are Antrim and Loughgiel Shamrocks Camogie star Róisín McCormick and Dublin and Cuala hurler Seán Brennan. Kieran sits down with Róisín to discuss how she balances the demands of club, county, and university commitments, while also sharing her inspiring story of overcoming a scoliosis diagnosis that threatened to end her sporting dreams at a young age. Kieran then chats with Seán, delving into the intricacies of hurling and exploring how he successfully navigates the challenges of balancing a demanding professional career with his passion for the game. Both McCormick and Brennan will feature in episode two of the series.
‘The Toughest Traits’ series aims to showcase the sacrifices players make to be able to represent their clubs with distinction and highlight what it truly means to be #TheToughest. From gruelling training sessions to demanding work schedules and the constant pressure to perform, these athletes go above and beyond. Kieran Read, with 12 years of experience at the highest level of professional rugby, shadows the players on their day-to-day lives, offering a unique insider's perspective. The first episode of ‘The Toughest Traits’ will be released on Thursday, December 26th, with the remaining four episodes to be released on January 2nd, 9th, 16th, and 23rd.
Speaking about the first episode of ‘The Toughest Traits’, AIB’s Chief Customer Officer, Orlaith Ryan said: “We're absolutely thrilled to announce the 'The Toughest Traits' series. It's a powerful testament to the dedication and passion that drives Gaelic Games in Ireland, showcasing the commitment these players make each week. At AIB, we're incredibly proud to support the players and share their inspiring stories. We believe this series will resonate deeply with viewers, offering a glimpse into the heart and soul of the Gaelic Games and we can't wait for everyone to see it.”
Kieran Read shared his excitement for the series, saying: "I am so grateful for the opportunity to experience the passion and dedication of these incredible athletes and to the players for sharing their stories and opening up their lives to me. These club players represent everything that is good in sport – the commitment, the camaraderie, the sheer grit and determination. It's truly inspiring."
To follow all of the latest ‘The Toughest Traits’ Championship action, and to keep up to date on everything that’s going on in the ‘AIB Club Championships’, follow AIB GAA on social - @AIB_GAA on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
