The 6 ways you know the GAA season is finishing up for the year

We’ve all experienced one of these.

November is just around the corner, the All-Ireland is long gone and now it’s a matter for county finals and leagues to be run off. For many of us there is nothing to play for at this stage and it’s a matter of playing that one last game and looking forward to next season. But, just in case you weren’t sure the GAA season is ending here are six ways you can certain it is. The 21’s team is training Okay, this is sign number one. The under-21 team is training. They might struggle for numbers, they might not, that all depends on the club but you can be sure that they’ll either be training alongside the seniors or just before or after. You remember back to them fine days, the craic was mighty, your body was just sweating for more matches and it gave you just that but now you know because they’re all coming together your season is coming to a close. The county lads are back Jaysus, where were you all year? Don’t answer that. This one will hit home with the Dublin and Mayo lads out there the most, you don’t see him for 10 months of the year but sure at least they’re back now. You notice that the tactics in training have changed, it’s now all about passing it to the county lad and see what he can do. The same thing happens for your last match too, and he tears it up. ‘Why can’t you play all the time?’ you think to yourself and you can’t wait to play with him again this time next year. Team nights out are more regular Normally there has to be a big club event to bring all the lads together. Yes, we all have our little friend groups and the likes of birthdays etc. can get a few boys out but now, with the end in sight, Friday and Saturday night drinks are in sight. The Wicklow and Carlow contingent head to the Foundry after a few in the local, the Dubs travel to McGowan's or Coppers and them pesky Tipperary lads will flood Hayes in Thurles. Training intensity drops Sure, what more can you do now? You’re all as fit as you’re going to be at this stage of the season so what’s the point in trying hard now? And why are we all in the gym, the last match is next week it’ll hardly make a difference? Most teams have nothing left to play for in their respective leads so why train like there is? Lads canvasing for votes for the end of season awards Ah, this is what it’s all about, the end of season awards. The WhatsApp group is hopping from a couple of lads saying they should be voted player of the season and it’s the talk of training. “Who are you voting for?” “I dunno, probably Shane-o, he was good this season, yourself?” “Ah I dunno, I wouldn’t vote Shane-o now, think of the frees he missed. I can’t wait for next season, I really felt I had a good year this year.” A few not so subtle hints being thrown around. The 12 Pubs WhatsApp   Perhaps the most unhealthy yearly tradition in the history of ever, 12 Pubs. Yep, binge drink 12 pints in 12 different pubs because it’s nearly Christmas. And because the GAA lads don’t get out drinking as much as they’d like so they make up for it on this one night.