The Coaching Field

Michael Fennelly is an eight-time All-Ireland hurling champion, former Offaly senior hurling manager, and recognised specialist in high performance. As Kilkenny GAA’s former Performance Lead and a Lecturer in Sport Science at Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), he combines elite sporting achievements with cutting-edge academic research to deliver engaging and impactful talks on leadership, performance, and teamwork. We chatted about the challenges that come with playing and, also managing, at intercounty level in the GAA, the impact coaching can have on players, and how he has developed his career since retiring from the Kilkenny team.This podcast is sponsored by Ideal Bathrooms and Tiles @idealbathroomsireProduced by @cutdownstudios and @fractionleadership

Niamh McGowan is the founder of McGowan Physio and she is one of a handful of specialist scoliosis physiotherapists in Ireland.Niamh captained Down to a memorable win over Fermanagh in 2014, and we discuss what it took to get there and how her sporting experiences have shaped her, and her business. We also discuss inequality within sport, and the unique challenges faced by female sports players, which often hinders their ability to compete at the highest level or reach their full potential.This podcast is sponsored by Ideal Bathrooms and Tiles @idealbathroomsireProduced by @cutdownstudios and @fractionleadership

Lowry O’Mahony is the Clinical Director and physiotherapist behind Max Physio and Pilates, six physiotherapy and pilates clinics based in Cork. Lowry is also the founder of Maxsona Pilates, where she designs and manufactures pilate reformer machines.A former national showjumper, Lowry has both played and worked within many different sporting arenas including camogie and soccer. Our conversation covered everything from working with Munster Rugby, to managing maternity leave as a business owner, as well as why networking and PR is so important to small businesses. 

Bernie Dancy is a Health Coach specialising in coaching people to improve their lifestyle, stress levels and overall health. Originally from Blanchardstown, Dublin, Bernie grew up immersed in competitive soccer and trialled at underage level for the Irish national team.Following secondary school, Bernie moved to the UK to complete her degree in Sports Science. She continued on the academic route, completing her PhD in Sports Psychology by the age of 28. This achievement paved the way for her career as a Senior Lecturer in Health and Exercise Science.After welcoming her two children and navigating a difficult period in her life, Bernie transitioned out of lecturing and retrained as a stress management specialist. Today, she supports both professional and recreational athletes, as well as anyone facing chronic stress or burnout, by employing lifestyle interventions that address both the physiological and psychological aspects of stress.In this episode, we chatted about how the application of sports science to business and career, can have a significant impact on productiveness and wellbeing. We also discussed how key people in her life encouraged her sporting career, as well as progressing her academic one. 

Dr. Sarah Kelly is the co-founder of Herology, an evidence-based supplements brand that is designed specifically for the unique needs of women.Sarah, a clinical exercise physiologist and former Assistant Professor at DCU in Health & Human Performance, has dedicated over two decades to advancing health research. Throughout her career, her passion has been translating this research into practical solutions and sharing knowledge with broader communities.During this episode, Sarah and I delve into her sporting background, focusing on her remarkable basketball journey. She played a key role in founding DCU Mercy and competed in the Super League.Sarah reveals how leaving her dream job became the turning point that led her to launch Herology alongside her co-founder, Dr. Michelle Hone.We discuss the challenges they have faced over the past two years, as well as the driving factors behind their success.