How Darragh Cashman uses Whole Supp to fuel his GAA career
We designed Whole Supp with athletes and people that live an active lifestyle in mind. That's why we're sitting down with our ambassadors to find out more about their goals, motivations, and how important nutrition is in fuelling their lifestyles.
This week, we spoke to Darragh Cashman, forward for Cork in the Gaelic Athletic Association.
Tell us more about how you got started in GAA.
I got started when I was about 6 years of age when my parents took me down to the local GAA club. I fell in love with football and haven’t looked back since.
What motivates you to continue pushing yourself as a GAA player?
My primary motivation to continue pushing myself in my sport comes from a combination of personal growth, the pursuit of excellence, and the thrill of competition.
I find immense satisfaction in setting and achieving goals, constantly improving my skills, and overcoming challenges. Additionally, the support and encouragement from my teammates, coaches, and the fans play a crucial role in keeping me driven and passionate about my sport.
I want to be part of the team that brings the All Ireland Senior Cup home to Cork!
What challenges have you faced as an athlete and how have you overcome them?
I've overcome challenges like injuries, time management, performance pressure, and nutrition by focusing on rehabilitation, time management techniques, stress management, and prioritizing proper nutrition and recovery strategies.
These experiences have made me more resilient and strengthened my performance both on and off the field.
How long have you been taking Whole Supp for?
1 to 2 months.
What's the top benefit you've noticed in those couple of months?
The top benefit I've noticed since I started taking Whole Supp is a significant improvement in my overall energy levels and endurance. This has allowed me to train harder and recover faster, which has positively impacted my performance and consistency in my sport.
It also allows me to get my recovery in straight away after training and matches on the car drive home.
So how does it fit into your daily routine?
Seamlessly. I usually take it as part of my morning routine, either mixed into a smoothie or with water after my training and matches on the way home in the car. This helps ensure I start the day or finish the day with the necessary nutrients and maintain my energy levels throughout my training sessions and daily activities.
Its convenience and quick preparation make it easy to incorporate, even on busy days.
Either mix it into a smoothie like Darragh or take it classic with water or milk.
Tell me about a typical day in your life.
A typical day for me as a GAA player in college is quite structured and balanced between academics, training, and personal time. Here’s how it usually goes:
Morning:
- 6:00 AM: Wake up and have a quick breakfast, often including Whole Supp for a nutrient boost
- 6:30 AM: Head to the gym for a strength and conditioning session
- 8:00 AM: Shower and grab a post-workout snack
- 8:30 AM: Head to college to attend morning lectures and labs
Afternoon:
- 12:30 PM: Lunch with teammates or friends, focusing on a balanced diet to fuel the rest of the day
- 1:30 PM: More lectures and labs
- 3:30 PM: Break time; might use this period for some light stretching, a walk, or a quick nap
Evening:
- 4:00 PM: Evening meal before I leave to drive down to cork for my training session on the field
- 4:30 PM: Leave for the journey down, would often have Whole Supp on the way down if I was in too much of a rush to eat an evening meal before I leave
- 6:30 PM: Arrive at the field for the training session to be completed
- 7:45 PM: Cool down, stretching, and sometimes a brief team meeting to review the session
- 8:00 PM: Dinner, often a take away meal to recover from training as I have to drive back to Limerick again
- 10:00 PM: Arrive. Can to limerick , Relaxation time, which could include watching TV, reading, or catching up with friends
- 11:00 PM: Prepare for bed, ensuring I get enough rest for the next day’s activities and especially for recovery.
Balancing academics and GAA is challenging, but it’s rewarding and keeps me disciplined and focused.
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That is impressive. So how important is nutrition to your overall regime?
Nutrition is incredibly important to me as a GAA player and college student. It plays a crucial role in my performance, recovery, and overall well-being. Proper nutrition helps me maintain high energy levels during training and games, supports muscle repair and growth, and enhances my mental focus and concentration for both sports and academics.
By prioritising a balanced diet, including supplements like Whole Supp, I ensure that my body gets the necessary nutrients to perform at its best and stay healthy.
Whole Supp has been a game-changer for me, fuelling my performance and recovery with its essential nutrients. With it, I've elevated my nutrition game, ensuring I'm always at my best on and off the field.
What does your nutrition plan look like?
My nutrition plan revolves around balanced meals with lean proteins, complex carbs, and healthy fats. I eat a pre-workout snack for energy and a post-workout meal for recovery.
Hydration is crucial, and I prioritise water intake. Whole Supp fills in any nutritional gaps, ensuring I'm well-supported for both sports and academics.
Final question - one piece of advise to give to aspiring athletes in your sport?
Focus on continuous improvement and resilience and enjoy the journey. Embrace challenges, learn from setbacks, and stay dedicated to your process. Remember that success in sports requires perseverance, mental toughness, and a growth mindset. Never stop pushing yourself to be the best version of you both on and off the field. Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.
Subscribe to 2+ bags and you get over 20% off as well as a free shaker, two free travel sachets and free shipping.
Jul 26, 2024• Posted by Lola Hylander