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Messages - Ball Hopper

#1
Finished the full cardiac rehab in early May.  It got tougher and tougher, as the rule seemed to be that I do a little bit more every day without increasing my heart rate over the resting plus 50 level.  It certainly was tough going, but I could feel the improvement as each week went by.  It was also interesting to watch other patients start in the weeks after me – some looked like they wouldn't make it back the following week, but they went from very weak to stronger and stronger.  Reviewing my own data showed the same story.  I felt I was at a 7 out of 10 in difficulty after the baseline week, but that same level was only a mild warmup towards the end.

I'm now walking 3 miles a day in under an hour for at least 4 days a week.  It wears me out a bit, but I know that intensity is getting the heart rate up and it is continuing to get stronger.  Of course, I'll be checked regularly for about another year, but I think I'm doing well. It was certainly different to the GAA training protocol of "No Pain, No Gain", as any pain meant I had gone over the limit.  Finding out how much "huff and puff" is needed for a beneficial workout is the key, and to hold all activities, including working, at/below that level.

There are still tests and so on to make sure the heart is working well and a minor procedure may be in my future that I will detail in August if it comes to be.

 
I still have my full schedule of colon tests to get done this summer.  If all goes well, I may be discharged as a cancer patient and returned to the 5-year screening protocol.  It certainly has been a long road for me since my initial diagnosis in 2019.

As a frame of reference, when I was first diagnosed Tipperary were the hurling All-Ireland champions.

Don't forget to schedule screening if you are having even the mildest of symptoms or are in the age or genetic areas that cause concern to the professionals...it can be a life saver. If blood is noticed anywhere it shouldn't be, then it's time for an appointment to be made - nothing to be frightened of and you'll be glad you did.

Enjoy the Championships.

 

#2
Connacht and Munster start their championships at quarter final stage...Ulster and Leinster have a round before quarterfinal stage.  That must make a scheduling difference somehow.
#3
Well folks, I'm two full weeks into cardio rehab and things are going reasonably well.  Starting at Level Zero, they were able to pinpoint a few things that resulted in tablet changes, so I'm just past being "baselined" for exercise at this stage.

I spend 20 minutes on each of two machines for a 40-minute workout.  I'm hooked up to EKG monitor via battery pack to the nurses station, add in pre- and post- blood pressure reads, glucose monitoring and there doesn't seem to be any chance of me doing too much and causing damage.

Work my way up the intensity levels, now that I am doing the full 20 mins at the lowest level, is the path forward.  Each workout doesn't leave me worn out, just get to the appropriate heart rate and hold it there - I certainly feel like I could do more, but that might have very adverse outcomes. 

By the way, we use MET (Metabolic EquivalenT) Levels of common recreational activities to monitor progress.  The attached pdf file explains it reasonably well.  Target for a beneficial exercise regime is at least 500 MET minutes per week, so walking 3 miles in an hour gets 3.3 MET times 60 minutes = 198 MET mins, so doing that 3 times a week would be comfortably above the 500 target.  Obviously, the closer to 1000 MET mins, the more effective the exercise regimen. There is no exercise equivalent for being a junior B corner back, as punishment dished out is not exercise it seems.

It's interesting reading...although it doesn't take age into account.

https://media.hypersites.com/clients/1235/filemanager/MHC/METs.pdf

Colon issues have improved as well...maybe everything got reset with the heart surgery, but I'm almost predictable again (in a range of 3 bathroom visits between 7 and 10 pm every day.  Full nights of sleep is priceless.

All in all, I'm very pleased with where I am and look forward to another two months of cardio rehab.  It also seems that walking up hills at a good pace to make you huff and puff a good bit is probably one of the better things you can do for your heart that is achievable by those of us past our playing days.

I'll update again nearer the end of the rehab schedule, which is early May.

 
#4
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 01, 2025, 12:37:46 AM
Quote from: Ball Hopper on March 01, 2025, 12:21:24 AMMy reading is that if a player is fouled and his momentum takes him a bit away from the foul, or he's a bit away from the exact spot of the foul when the ball is returned to him, then he can solo and go as long he is within 4m of the exact foul location.  He can travel 4m after the solo before being tackled.

If he is more than 4m from the exact foul location, a conventional free is taken, with no solo and go option - if he solos beyond the 4m of the exact foul location, hop ball.



Are we giving people permission to take the 'free' 4 meters from the actual spot of foul?

As long as the player is within 4m of the foul and his first action is solo, then play continues.

That sentence explains everything clearly in my head.  Outside 4m, bring it back for conventional free.  Steps before solo, hop ball.
#5
My reading is that if a player is fouled and his momentum takes him a bit away from the foul, or he's a bit away from the exact spot of the foul when the ball is returned to him, then he can solo and go as long he is within 4m of the exact foul location.  He can travel 4m after the solo before being tackled.

If he is more than 4m from the exact foul location, a conventional free is taken, with no solo and go option - if he solos beyond the 4m of the exact foul location, hop ball.

#6
Quote from: David McKeown on February 24, 2025, 12:23:31 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 23, 2025, 11:55:26 PMYes I highlighted loose for a reason

A ball could be played back into 'traffic' keeper comes out with the ball and was the ball played to the defender?

The cries from players/managers/supporters would be deadly

There's a rule book and amendments but I've only done a few games and I'm thinking or doubting things all the time

Are the rules published anywhere as I haven't seen them as yet.

Have you looked on gaa.ie at the very bottom of the home page is a set of headings, and under "The GAA" is a link called "Rules and Regulations".  Click on that link and you will see a bunch of stuff...I believe you might be most interested in a link near the bottom of the page "GAA Official Guide Part 2 (31.01.25)" and clicking on that will bring you to the pdf file.  I'll leave you figure out how to read the table of contents and get to the playing rules of football...but you will notice the recent changes/additions are in red print.

Now I'll ask you a question...how hard did you look for the rules?
#7
GAA Discussion / Re: NFL Division 1 2025
February 22, 2025, 09:26:08 PM
Quote from: Orior on February 22, 2025, 09:18:33 PMAccording to the programme, Paddy Burns played left back for both the Armagh senior men and Armagh senior ladies team this evening.

Don't tell Donald Trump!

Don't tell him there is no such position as "left back" on a GAA team either.
#8
General discussion / Re: Medical Status of Boardmembers
January 08, 2025, 05:00:01 AM
Quote from: Ball Hopper on May 07, 2024, 02:00:46 AMStill going well here lads and lassies.

I'd say I'm back to about 90% normal...just the occasional excessive bathroom trips over a few hours...down to about one a month now.

Will have full-body CT scan in July...fully 4 years from my surgery now, so another colonoscopy in July of 2025 with no findings will see me discharged as a cancer patient and go back into the "general population" of regular screening.

Haven't resumed any alcohol yet, and I'm thinking I won't bother...no inclination at all to have a pint.

Enjoying life is my top priority now...no need for alcohol or engaging in foolish discussions in person or on any social media.  Hoping to make a few trips later this year and early next year to scope out some semi-retirement locations (work online) for at least part of the year. Portugal looking good so far... 

No developments in the oncology arena in the second half of 2024...steady progress on diet and bathroom issues, still not 100% but bad nights are fewer and fewer.

BUT...

I felt myself get a bit sluggish on my walks and it took longer to warm up a bit, plus the walks were taking longer.  Add in a few dizzy episodes, but no falls, and away to Doctor.

After the usual barrage of tests, they couldn't pinpoint anything.  Maybe heart was a small bit weaker, but a small adjustment to blood pressure pills will help.  But it didn't...further heart tests were inconclusive until a big cardio cathetherisation appointment was made for 16 Dec.  At that appointment, they were prepared to insert some stents if that would fix the issue

Stents were not required as the doctor said I needed bypass surgery "sooner rather than later".

Result was a quadruple heart bypass on Friday 20 December, Christmas in hospital, and home on Thursday 26 December.  4-hour surgery, but was able to sit on edge of bed same day with assistance.  Only 2 days in ICU and was taking small steps the day after surgery.  Adding a minute or two to each day's walking has me around 10 mins a session now...and I'm plenty tired after 2 of those a day.

What a whirlwind that was/is. 

I'm recovering fairly well now...no more surgeon appointments to review his handiwork, but continuing cardiology reviews until I'll be declared fit enough to start a "cardio rehab" session for 12 weeks at 3 "gym" visits per week under the supervision of a medical team while hooked up to all sorts of monitors.  Not exactly sure what is measured, but I think one exercises at resting heart rate plus 30-50 beats for a set period of time.  As fitness improves, heart rate lowers, so 30-50 beats of an increase is harder work.  Eventually, one hopes to get to a level of exercise that is intense enough and long enough to maintain proper cardio health.  Probably includes jogging and/or hill walking, whether on treadmill with inclines or outdoors.

Needless to say, this was a big shock to me and the family...I did not suffer what I thought was heart attack...a chest-clutching event at a football match with the clock ticking into injury time in a level game...but the scans showed I did.  I had very mild discomfort at the start of my walks that would disappear if I stopped for a minute or two.


As ever, Mrs Hopper continues to lead me in the right direction, even when I'm not keen to walk. 


So that's where I'm at to start 2025...all the surgery and new pills have regressed the progress on my colon a bit, but at least I have a good idea of the dietary path to take.  If I can get to have good night's sleep I'll be very grateful.  I do give thanks every night and send out special prayers for those in worse shape than myself and it does give me comfort.  I expect January to be tough enough and maybe I'll get going properly by early February (when I'll be able to drive again - currently only allowed in back seat for fear of seat belt and/or airbag impacts doing damage).

Hope everyone is doing well and looking forward to a good 2025 - it is the year I expect to be discharged as a cancer patient as well as developing my stronger heart.  I'll update again in February.  Best wishes to all.


#9
GAA Discussion / Re: Munster Club Football 2024
December 09, 2024, 06:48:39 AM
Munster Club 2024  All over for another year.

Football

Senior:


Quarter-finals:

Clare Éire Óg Inis (Clare) 2-8 Adare (Limerick) 0-9;
Dr. Crokes (Kerry) 1-15 Castlehaven (Cork) 1-8

Semi-finals:

Loughmore Castleiney (Tipperary) 3-9 Clare Éire Óg Inis (Clare) 2-7
Dr. Crokes (Kerry) 0-9 Rathgormack (Waterford) 0-8

Final: Dr. Crokes (Kerry) 0-15 Loughmore Castleiney (Tipperary) 1-6

Intermediate:

Quarter-finals:

Kilshannig (Cork) 2-12 Rathkeale (Limerick) 1-9;
Aherlow (Tipperary) 1-12 Stradbally (Waterford) 1-7

Semi-finals:

Austin Stacks (Kerry) 1-12  Kilshannig (Cork) 0-6
Aherlow (Tipperary) 1-6 Wolfe Tones na Sionna (Clare) 0-8

Final: Austin Stacks (Kerry) 7-7 Aherlow (Tipperary) 0-2

Junior:

Quarter-finals:

Kilmurry (Cork) 1-14 v Michael Cusack's (Clare) 1-11;
Firies (Kerry) 5-13 Fenor (Waterford) 0-7

Semi-finals:

Kilmurry (Cork) 4-23 Cashel King Cormacs (Tipperary) 1-2
Firies (Kerry) 3-17 Cappagh (Limerick) 2-11

Final: Kilmurry (Cork) 1-10 Firies (Kerry) 0-9



Hurling:

Senior:


Sarsfields (Cork) 1-25 Feakle (Clare) 1-17
Ballygunner (Waterford) 1-26 Loughmore-Castleiney (Tipperary) 1-16

Final: Sarsfields (Cork) 3-20 Ballygunner (Waterford) 2-19

Intermediate:

Watergrasshill (Cork) 2-20 Wolfe Tones na Sionna (Clare) 2-13
Cashel King Cormacs (Tipperary) 3-16 Abbeydorney (Kerry) 1-14

Final: Watergrasshill (Cork) 1-21 Cashel King Cormacs (Tipperary) 0-14

Junior:

Kilrossanty (Waterford) 3-15 The Banner (Clare) 1-20
Russell Rovers (Cork) 3-13 Moyle Rovers (Tipperary) 0-13

Final: Russell Rovers (Cork) 3-12 Kilrossanty (Waterford) 1-7



#10
GAA Discussion / Re: Munster Club Football 2024
December 02, 2024, 02:40:13 AM
Munster Hurling Finals result in a clean sweep for Cork clubs:

Senior:

Sarsfields (Cork) 1-25 Feakle (Clare) 1-17
Ballygunner (Waterford) 1-26 Loughmore-Castleiney (Tipperary) 1-16

Final: Sarsfields (Cork) 3-20 Ballygunner (Waterford) 2-19

Intermediate:

Watergrasshill (Cork) 2-20 Wolfe Tones na Sionna (Clare) 2-13
Cashel King Cormacs (Tipperary) 3-16 Abbeydorney (Kerry) 1-14

Final: Watergrasshill (Cork) 1-21 Cashel King Cormacs (Tipperary) 0-14

Junior:

Kilrossanty (Waterford) 3-15 The Banner (Clare) 1-20
Russell Rovers (Cork) 3-13 Moyle Rovers (Tipperary) 0-13

Final: Russell Rovers (Cork) 3-12 Kilrossanty (Waterford) 1-7
#11
GAA Discussion / Re: Munster Club Football 2024
November 24, 2024, 11:52:32 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on November 24, 2024, 11:05:28 PMKerry Intermediate and Junior football Champions are doing really well. They produce great champions in Kerry!  ::)

Kerry's 3 Munster reps won their respective Championships as well as league divisions.  Dr. Crokes won senior club and county championships (two separate competitions, beating Dingle in both finals) as well as Div 1 of the county league.  Austin Stacks won intermediate championship and Div 2, while Firies won junior championship and Div 3. 

Dr. Crokes did not win the East Kerry championship...the put out weakened teams in the two rounds they were in and were beaten by Kilcummin in the semifinal (Rathmore v Kilcummin final next week).
#12
GAA Discussion / Re: Munster Club Football 2024
November 24, 2024, 10:58:38 PM
Munster Club 2024 – Update 24 November - Hurling finals next weekend, football 7/8 December.

Football

Senior:

Quarter-finals 10 Nov:
Clare Éire Óg Inis (Clare) 2-8 Adare (Limerick) 0-9;
Dr. Crokes (Kerry) 1-15 Castlehaven (Cork) 1-8

Semi-finals 24 Nov:
Loughmore Castleiney (Tipperary) 3-9 Clare Éire Óg Inis (Clare) 2-7
Dr. Crokes (Kerry) 0-9 Rathgormack (Waterford) 0-8

Final 8 December: Dr. Crokes (Kerry) v Loughmore Castleiney (Tipperary)

Intermediate:

Quarter-finals 10 Nov:
Kilshannig (Cork) 2-12 Rathkeale (Limerick) 1-9;
Aherlow (Tipperary) 1-12 Stradbally (Waterford) 1-7

Semi-finals 24 Nov:
Austin Stacks (Kerry) 1-12  Kilshannig (Cork) 0-6
Aherlow (Tipperary) 1-6 Wolfe Tones na Sionna (Clare) 0-8

Final 7 December: Austin Stacks (Kerry) v Aherlow (Tipperary)

Junior:

Quarter-finals 9 Nov:
Kilmurry (Cork) 1-14 v Michael Cusack's (Clare) 1-11;
Firies (Kerry) 5-13 Fenor (Waterford) 0-7

Semi-finals 23 Nov:
Kilmurry (Cork) 4-23 Cashel King Cormacs (Tipperary) 1-2
Firies (Kerry) 3-17 Cappagh (Limerick) 2-11

Final 7 December: Kilmurry (Cork) v Firies (Kerry)



Hurling:

Senior Semifinals 17 Nov:
Sarsfields (Cork) 1-25 Feakle (Clare) 1-17
Ballygunner (Waterford) 1-26 Loughmore-Castleiney (Tipperary) 1-16

Final: 1 December Ballygunner (Waterford) v Sarsfields (Cork)

Intermediate Semifinals:
16 Nov: Watergrasshill (Cork) 2-20 Wolfe Tones na Sionna (Clare) 2-13
17 Nov: Cashel King Cormacs (Tipperary) 3-16 Abbeydorney (Kerry) 1-14

Final: 30 November Watergrasshill (Cork) v Cashel King Cormacs (Tipperary)

Junior Semifinals:
Kilrossanty (Waterford) 3-15 The Banner (Clare) 1-20
Russell Rovers (Cork) 3-13 Moyle Rovers (Tipperary) 0-13

Final: 30 November Kilrossanty (Waterford) v Russell Rovers (Cork)



#13
GAA Discussion / Re: Munster Club Football 2024
November 19, 2024, 07:49:05 PM
Previous post updated after hurling results 16/17 Nov.
#14
GAA Discussion / Re: Munster Club Football 2024
November 11, 2024, 03:18:26 AM
Munster Club 2024 – Update 10 November EDIT 19 Nov to update Hurling scores

Football

Senior:

Quarter-finals 10 Nov:
Clare Éire Óg Inis (Clare) 2-8 Adare (Limerick) 0-9;
Dr. Crokes (Kerry) 1-15 Castlehaven (Cork) 1-8

Semi-finals 24 Nov:
Loughmore Castleiney (Tipperary) v Clare Éire Óg Inis (Clare);
Rathgormack (Waterford) v Dr. Crokes (Kerry)

Final 8 December:

Intermediate:

Quarter-finals 10 Nov:
Kilshannig (Cork) 2-12 Rathkeale (Limerick) 1-9;
Aherlow (Tipperary) 1-12 Stradbally (Waterford) 1-7

Semi-finals 24 Nov:
Kilshannig (Cork) v Austin Stacks (Kerry);
Aherlow (Tipperary) v Wolfe Tones na Sionna (Clare)

Final 7 December:

Junior:

Quarter-finals 9 Nov:
Kilmurry (Cork) 1-14 v Michael Cusack's (Clare) 1-11;
Firies (Kerry) 5-13 Fenor (Waterford) 0-7

Semi-finals 23 Nov:
Cashel King Cormacs (Tipperary) v Kilmurry (Cork);
Firies (Kerry) v Cappagh (Limerick)

Final 7 December:



Hurling:

Senior Semifinals 17 Nov:
Sarsfields (Cork) 1-25 Feakle (Clare) 1-17
Ballygunner (Waterford) 1-26 Loughmore-Castleiney (Tipperary) 1-16

Final: 1 December Ballygunner (Waterford) v Sarsfields (Cork)


Intermediate Semifinals:

16 Nov: Watergrasshill (Cork) 2-20 Wolfe Tones na Sionna (Clare) 2-13
17 Nov: Cashel King Cormacs (Tipperary) 3-16 Abbeydorney (Kerry) 1-14

Final: 30 November Watergrasshill (Cork) v Cashel King Cormacs (Tipperary)


Junior Semifinals 16 Nov:

Kilrossanty (Waterford) 3-15 The Banner (Clare) 1-20
Russell Rovers (Cork) 3-13 Moyle Rovers (Tipperary) 0-13

Final: 30 November Kilrossanty (Waterford) v Russell Rovers (Cork)







#15
GAA Discussion / Re: Munster Club Football 2024
November 08, 2024, 10:06:52 PM
Munster Club Football 2024 – Quarterfinals this weekend 9/10 Nov

Senior:

Quarter-finals 10 Nov:

Clare Éire Óg Inis (Clare) v Adare (Limerick);
Dr. Crokes (Kerry) v Castlehaven (Cork)

Semi-finals 24 Nov:

Loughmore Castleiney (Tipperary) v Clare/Limerick;
Rathgormack (Waterford) v Kerry/Cork

Final 8 December:

Intermediate:

Quarter-finals 10 Nov:

Kilshannig (Cork) v Rathkeale (Limerick);
Stradbally (Waterford) v Aherlow (Tipperary)

Semi-finals 24 Nov:

Kerry (Austin Stacks or Laune Rangers) v Cork/Limerick;
Wolfe Tones na Sionna (Clare) v Waterford/Tipperary

Final 7 December:

Junior:

Quarter-finals 9 Nov:

Kilmurry (Cork) v Michael Cusack's (Clare);
Fenor (Waterford) v Firies (Kerry)

Semi-finals 23 Nov:

Cashel King Cormacs (Tipperary) v Cork/Clare;
Cappagh (Limerick) v Waterford/Kerry

Final 7 December: