Griffin aims to boost standards

Gaelic Games Food supplements: Clare hurler Tony Griffin is behind a new sports nutrition company that aims to tackle the growing demands of GAA players by providing food supplements - the use of which is still deemed in some quarters unnecessary and potentially dangerous.

But at its launch in Dublin yesterday, Griffin argued that Pro-Performance was the first Irish company to take a responsible approach to food supplements, which, though controversial, are now widely used by athletes.

Part of the problem, says Griffin, is that players lack information on what they might need. Nor do they have a source of certified and properly tested products.

"I can't say exactly what numbers or percentages of players are taking supplements," says Griffin, "because I haven't carried out any study. But I know myself from playing the game that there definitely are players who feel their diet is not good enough, but don't know where to turn.

"And players want to do all they can to play their best and feel their best. But the GAA is moving ahead faster than they realise themselves, in that they are asking so much more from the players, but just leaving it all up to the county boards and managers to get the players right.

"We're lucky in Clare because our county board is excellent when it comes to taking care of players, but not all of them are. And that's why there is a need for a range of food supplements specially designed to meet the growing physical demands on county and club players."

Griffin says the motivation to set up Pro-Performance was twofold. Firstly, he felt from personal experience it was becoming harder to meet the demands of inter-county hurling without supplements. Secondly, he saw a need to establish a proper source of such supplements and provide information about their use.

The Irish Sports Council recommend against the use of supplements, partly because unregulated they can lead to a positive dope test. Yet, Griffin demurs.

"Diet is where it all happens, and yet the food we eat now is not what it was 10 years ago. And these products are designed to help with recovery.

"I understand why the Sports Council are saying supplements need to be treated with care, and I'd agree . . . but his will help them make an informed decision.

"Players are taking supplements, so do we want them to continue without advice? Or do we want to see them properly used?"

The company will provide the ISO-certified Reflex range of supplements, which will be stocked by Elvery Sports, among others.