ISESA Podcast

In this episode, we explore the powerful intersection of social enterprise, sport and exercise science and health promotion. Steve O'Connell, founder of The Football Cooperative, and Dr. Paula Carroll, Senior Lecturer at SETU and Principal Researcher on the Football Co-operative projects join me in studio to chat about their amazing collaboration. We discuss how a simple game of pick up football has evolved into an award-winning social enterprise. We dig into the reality of recreational football as a tool for physical and mental health and Paula breaks down the incredible data behind it, including the staggering €17.60 social return on investment for every €1 spent.Our talking point include:Where it all began: How Steve turned a personal need for flexible football into a nationwide movementThe research: Paula explains how they measure "social value" and validate the impact of community sportWide ranging benefits: not just for men's health, but family, relationships and the wider communityScaling and developing: how the research has helped secure funding and scale a grassroots idea into a national projectYou can find out more here:Football Co-Operative websiteFootball Co-Operative on LinkedInPaula Carroll @ SETU

This episode is a re-release from last year to coincide with Science Week 2025. Our vision at the Irish Sport and Exercise Science Association is to enhance the health, well-being and performance of individuals through sport and exercise sciences. With that vision in mind and looking to the future, we thought it would be a good idea to put out an episode aimed at anyone who might want to know more about studying sport and exercise science - from current secondary students, to parents, teachers and guidance counselors or someone considering a return to 3rd level education - this is the episode for you. In this short form episode, we will give you the broad strokes of what studying sport and exercise science at 3rd level is all about, what the university experience might entail and importantly, what career opportunities are out there for graduates.Sharing this episode is particularly important. We would love to reach as many schools, guidance counsellors, teachers, students and parents as possible, so please send this episode to anyone you think might be interested!

Lynne Cantwell is inductee number 174 in to the World Rugby Hall of Fame. With 86 appearances in green, Lynne is still Ireland's most-capped women's rugby player. In an international career that spanned 13 years, she appeared at no less than four Rugby World Cups and one Rugby Sevens World Cup. As a player, Lynne was integral to Ireland’s most iconic achievements, including their 2013 Six Nations Grand Slam and their magnificent victory over New Zealand at the 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup. Now working as the Head of Women’s Strategy for the IRFU, Lynne continues to be a guiding light in the Women's Game.

In this episode, expert from DCU's School of Health and Human Performance present their take on how best to prepare for the Dublin Marathon. Dr. Brendan Egan discusses nutrition Dr. David Nolan extolls the virtues of strength & conditioning for runners, Dr. Aoife Bourke chats about injury prevention when training for a marathon and Dr. Anna Donnla O'Hagan talks about Psychology when Racing.

In our latest episode, we bring you our elite athlete discussion panel from the 2025 ISESA Conference, held in SETU Waterford. Tiarnán O'Donnell (Paralympic Rowing), Laura Treacy (Cork Camogie) and Tom Barr (Athletics) share stories and insights which highlight the impact sport & exercise science has had on their career. This session was really well received by the conference delegates so if you weren't able to attend or just want to hear it again, make sure to tune in now!

The Past, Present and Future of Sport & Exercise Sciences Research and Applied Practice in Ireland.Pillars of the conference programme content:Empowering athlete populationsThe realities of theory to applied practiceShaping Careers and Innovation in Contemporary Sport and ExerciseWhat to expect:Reflective presentations from world renowned keynote speakers, with actionable take home messagesTopic specific panel discussions with academics, coaches, high performance leaders, athletesOpportunities for students and professionals to present their researchNetworking opportunities including planned social activityAwards for presentations and recognition of contribution to our sport science communityLocation: SETU Main Campus, Cork Road Campus, Cork Road, Waterford, X91 K0EK

In the latest episode we bring you a double feature into the world of Athletic Rehabilitation Therapy in Ireland (ARTI). First, we have a chat with the President of ARTI to discuss the organization's crucial role in shaping the professional standards for athletic therapists in Ireland, how practitioners gain accreditation, and the future of the profession in Ireland. Then, we have a fascinating, in-depth conversation with ARTI certified athletic therapist Ryan Alexander, who works at the renowned Sports Surgery Clinic (SSC) under Professor Brian Devitt. He provides a awe inspiring glimpse into the daily application of athletic therapy in a high-performance environment, offering practical insights into assessment, rehabilitation, and the collaborative work within a leading sports medicine facility.ARTI WebsiteWorld Congress Website

In this episode I catch up with Jenny Coe who is the Performance and Well-Being Lead for the women’s professional football leagues in the UK. This includes to two top tiers - the Barclays Women’s Super league & Barclays Women’s Championship. Over the last five years, women’s football has grown in popularity, visibility, recognition and financial success. Average match attendance in the top women’s football league in the UK has tripled in the last three seasons bringing with it increased sponsorship, media investment and unique experience for the professional players. Jenny’s role helps to ensure that the clubs involved have the knowledge, tools and personnel to support the players holistically, allowing them to reach peak performance on the pitch. Jenny’s own journey has been far from linear, but she has combined all her personal, professional, education and sporting experience into a special skillset that uniquely qualifies her for this role.