Dear Noel,

I’m very down. My father was known as a corner-forward “who’d do nothing for 55 minutes – and then stick two goals to win the match.”

The other day, my manager told me that I was a very similar type of player. “Larry,” he said, “you do nothing for 55 minutes too, and even less for the last five.”

What can I do Noel. He has destroyed my self-belief. It’s not accurate either. I haven’t lasted past half-time in a game for three years. Noel, this is ruining my life.

     - Liam (29), East Kerry

Dear Noel,

We’ve a talented half-forward. He’s full of pace, brave, a good fielder, kicks off either foot, a great man to train.

Problem is he’s clueless. He solos around in circles, before running into stonewalls, sometimes literally.

When he gets the ball, our own crowd shout ‘close the gate, close the gate.’ He hasn’t scored in four years and our stats man says he has record turnovers.

Short of blinkers, we’ve tried everything. It’s getting him down too. He’s 24. He has his own pottery business.

What do you suggest?

- Denis, selector, Beara Peninsula

Dear Noel,

I’m managing our club team and am keen to get any edge I can. What do you recommend for half-time food intake, Noel?

I’m not long back from London.

- Vincent, West Waterford

Dear Noel,

A few weeks back, you kindly gave an Adrian some suggestions to a young centre-back who was going in for county minor football trials. Your answer, as always, covered virtually every base. Might I just add a few more suggestions of my own.

In my book, a centre half-back at trials has to be seen to make spectacular:

Catches; Lunges; Shoulder-charges; and Long Drives up the Field, even if they invariably end up in the hands of the opposing goalkeeper.

I hope you don’t mind me cutting in on your turf.

Prionnsias, The Ring of Kerry