At the top level of Gaelic Games, speed is no longer a bonus. It’s the baseline.

The new standard? 9 metres per second.

In 2025, 32 players in the Limerick football squad were clocked above that, according to the Irish Examiner.

And the research backs it up: elite footballers and hurlers are moving faster than ever.

Speed is becoming almost a requirement to play senior inter-county.

What does this mean for players?

Inter-County Level

- Speed is now a key differentiator for selection

- 9 m/s (~32.4 km/h) becoming a minimum for many top squads

- Sprint + high speed running are needed weekly during the season

Club Players Looking to Step Up

- If you're running 7.5–8.5 m/s... you're likely behind

- Focus needs to shift from just fitness to acceleration, max speed + speed endurance

Youth/Underage Development

- Players not exposed to sprint mechanics will fall behind

- GPS and max velocity benchmarks now tracked from minor up

- Players should be targeting increasing top speed + speed off the mark

*****

Quote To Think About

"Our brains can be pretty lazy. They naturally want to conserve energy and are happy to coast along in familiar territory."

—Dave Alred

What I'm Reading

Mohamed Salah: The secrets of a fitness ‘freak’ is well worth a read. It details how he is in the best shape of his career at 33 through breathwork, visualisation, meditation, pilates, yoga, core and strength training.

What I'm Listening To

Shane Walsh's wide-ranging interview on the Sideline Live podcast.

Really interesting listen for players on developing skill, how to take on players and learning to use both feet effectively.