So at the grand old age of 36, Kildare footballer Johnny Doyle will make his International Rules debut.
Yesterday, Ireland coach Paul Earley pointed out that it is a hard game to pick up. It would certainly take more adjustment for a player of Doyle's age.
But he's out to prove that wrong.
"There's a couple of different things. From a playing point of view, it's a very enjoyable game to play. I would've watched it on the telly and the natural thing for a GAA player is to win the ball and take your man on. You have to put your natural game to one side and think a lot more about the game," said Doyle.
The Allenwood club man also touched on a situation closer to him. Jason Ryan has stepped up from No 2 and has been ratified as Kildare boss and his predecessor Kieran McGeeney has taken on a backroom role in his native Armagh.
"We have to move on and we're lucky to have kept hold of Jason. He knows the players as he has had a year under his belt already. There's a lot of hard work done under Kieran's tenure so hopefully we can continue that.
Doyle explained that Ryan did much of the training sessions, leaving the logistics to McGeeney during the past year and feels the continuity will be a bonus for the Lilywhites.
And Doyle was coy about his intercounty future heading into 2014...
Listen to the full interview below or download the podcast on iTunes.
©INPHO/Donall Farmer
