Paul Conroy doesn't agree with the notion that inter-county players become teachers because of their GAA commitments.
The St James' club-man is a secondary school Business and Irish teacher in Coláiste Bhaile Chláir along with his Galway team-mates Sean Mulkerrins and Damien Comer.
A high percentage of GAA players are teachers, but Conroy says football didn't influence his decision to become a teacher.
Teachers have summer holidays but Conroy says the 'rewarding' nature of the work is his main attraction to the job.
Tongue-in-cheek, Armagh legend Oisin McConville asked Conroy if he became a teacher because of Gaelic football on the latest GAA Social podcast, with the recently crowned Footballer of the Year admitting that he's insulted by that school of thought.
Paul Conroy of Galway and his son Páidí after the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship quarter-final match between Dublin and Galway at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
Oisin McConville: Did you become a teacher because of football?
Paul Conroy: No.
Thomas Niblock: That insults you?
Paul Conroy: Yeah, yeah. You often hear it, you know people would say that players would pick that profession because of playing inter-county but I definitely know that if you were teaching and if it wasn't for you, I think it would be one of the worst jobs you could have, because it demands energy and it demands a certain type of person.
This is really good on teachers and the GAA. Paul Conroy speaking on the GAA Social Podcast
🎧Listen here: https://t.co/srwZAaxnKA pic.twitter.com/OvtDPdgjmp
— Thomas Niblock (@thomasniblock) November 21, 2024
Paul Conroy says the best part of the job for him is helping any student who may be struggling with a certain part of their life.
"It could be anything, something going on at home, or something going on with friends. I think if you try and help them out and try and steer them in the right direction. (It's rewarding.)
He says it requires plenty of energy, admitting that he wouldn't be able to do it if he didn't enjoy it.
"It's busy. It's full on, but I enjoy it, I must say. It's rewarding. I like working with teenagers and students, they're good fun."
"I enjoy it. I know there are a lot of inter-county players teaching but it's something I definitely wouldn't be able to do if I didn't like it or enjoy it.
"You go in there of a Monday morning and students aren't worried about two Allianz League points or anything like that. You have to be ready for them, and give them all your energy and attention."
