One of my friends asked "Why do you pay so much money and spend so much time running around for your son to play Gaa ?" Well I have a confession to make: I don't pay for my son's Gaa . Or his Boots , kit Or his training time, clinics and camps.

So, if I am not paying for gaelic games what am I paying for?

- I pay for those moments when my son becomes so tired he feels like quitting but doesn't.

- I pay for the opportunity that my son can have and will have to make life-long friendships.

- I pay for the chance that he may have amazing instructors that will teach him that hurling and football is not just about a game but about life.

- I pay for my child to learn to be disciplined.

- I pay for my son to learn to take care of his body.

- I pay for my son to learn to work with others and to be a proud, supportive, kind and respectful team member.

- I pay for my child to learn to deal with disappointment, when he doesn't get that score he hoped for, or handpass during a breakaway he has practiced a thousand times, but still gets up and is determined to do his BEST next time...

- I pay for my son to learn to make and accomplish goals.

- I pay for my son to learn that it takes hours and hours and hours and hours of hard work and practice to create a champion, and that success does not happen overnight.

- I pay so that my son can be on the pitch instead of in front of a screen...

I could go on but, to be short, I don't pay for Gaa I pay for the opportunities that Gaa provides my child to develop attributes that will serve him well throughout his life and give him the opportunity to bless the lives of others.

From what I have seen for many, many years, I think it is a great investment!