Conor Whelan. Changing direction in life, no glass ceiling in Galway.

Conor Whelan will take the field this weekend as Galway begin another championship campaign. It seems, a two horse race for the big prize, and that doesn't include the current All-Ireland champions. Where does that leave Galway? Conor Whelan is different. A talented hurler and if Galway are to beat Kilkenny this weekend he'll be needed. He's different because he looks upon things, differently. Before playing a key match before Cork in an All-Ireland quarter-final, he arrived with no boots and no hurl. Youthful easy-going. He was a teacher, but decided to go back to college to study a PHD in mental health and wellbeing. Maybe the death of his cousin Niall Donohue was a reason. The talented Galway hurlerr died by suicide in 2013. Whelan spent time working in Cuan Mhuire treatment centre, learning his craft and that's paved a different route. Thoughtful, interesting and just a little bit different. Conor Whelan on the GAA Social