In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, I have a conversation with Danny O'Sullivan from Tralee, County Kerry. Danny shares the profoundly emotional experience of losing his wife, Alison, at just 37 years of age to a sudden and aggressive form of cancer just 10 weeks after diagnosis. Despite the heartbreak, Danny has channeled his energy into organising a significant charity cycle from Malin to Mizen Head, aiming to raise funds for the palliative care unit at University Hospital Kerry. This facility provided indispensable care to Alison and continues to support families during their most challenging times. Join me to hear about Danny's journey from his Gaelic football roots to embracing a triathlon lifestyle spurred by the COVID pandemic, and now using his passion for cycling to make a difference. Discover how a community's generosity and a family's resilience can help build a brighter future for those facing similar battles. For those wishing to donate to the fundraiser, you can find out more info here; https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/DannyOsullivan1212

In this insightful episode, we delve into the world of sports coaching with Nick Walsh, a former Gaelic football player turned AFL high-performance expert. We explore the unique challenges athletes face when transitioning from Gaelic games to Australian Rules Football and discuss the importance of mental health support for both players and coaches. Nick shares his experiences in developing high-performance programs, emphasising the significance of player relationships, strategic fitness programs, and the evolving role of technology in sports. Whether you're involved in youth sports or at a high-performance level, this episode offers valuable insights into building a positive environment for athletes.   As always, you can help support Tir Na Nóg orphanage by contributing to the fundraiser I've set up for listeners of the podcast; http://bit.ly/4fypLSh I'd also like to thank MFC Sports who have come on board as main sponsors of the podcast series and look forward to developing a productive relationship moving forward.    

Listen in to this insightful episode as we delve deep into the world of coaching with Dr. Ed Coughlan, an expert in skill acquisition. Discover how to create the optimal environment for players to develop their skills effectively, beyond the traditional drills. Dr. Coughlan shares his expertise on the importance of practicing skills in context, under pressure, and with decision-making components to truly elevate player performance. Whether you're a novice coach or a seasoned professional, this episode is packed with valuable insights on how to improve your coaching strategies. Learn how to engage young athletes, encourage their natural curiosity, and help them become more proficient in their respective sports. As always, you can help support Tir Na Nóg orphanage by contributing to the fundraiser I've set up for listeners of the podcast; http://bit.ly/4fypLSh I'd also like to thank MFC Sports who have come on board as main sponsors of the podcast series and look forward to developing a productive relationship moving forward.    

Welcome to an engaging episode where we delve into the psychological intricacies of coaching youth in sports. After a brief hiatus, we're back to explore how parents and coaches can create a nurturing environment for young athletes. Joining us is Dr. Ciara Losty, a lecturer in Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology. Dr. Losty shares valuable insights from her experience of working with Team Ireland at the Olympics and sheds light on fostering resilience and internal motivation in young athletes. Throughout the episode, we discuss key strategies to improve youth sports experiences, emphasising the importance of focusing on the process rather than just the outcome. Whether it's understanding the balance of pushing athletes or creating environments of enjoyment, Dr. Losty provides practical advice for anyone involved in coaching youth sports. Don't miss out on her perspectives on how to handle setbacks, build resilience, and ensure kids continue enjoying and succeeding in sports. As always, you can help support Tir Na Nóg orphanage by contributing to the fundraiser I've set up for listeners of the podcast; http://bit.ly/4fypLSh I'd also like to thank MFC Sports who have come on board as main sponsors of the podcast series and look forward to developing a productive relationship moving forward.    

In this thought-provoking first episode of 2025, we delve into the current state of physical education (PE) in Irish national schools, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for improvement. Host Mike engages in a compelling discussion with Stephen and Peter Lavin, the passionate educators behind Game Sense Coaching, renowned for their contributions to coaching. Throughout the episode, we explore the stark contrasts between government funding allocation for various educational initiatives, like STEM and hot school lunches, and the lack of financial support for PE in primary schools. The Lavin brothers share their firsthand experiences as teaching principals, pointing out the inconsistencies in PE time allocation compared to other countries and the pressing need to rethink PE resources and training for teachers. Listeners will gain unique insights into the potential benefits of a structured and thoroughly supported PE curriculum, not just for student health and wellness but also as a foundation for lifelong physical activity and mental well-being. The discussion also touches upon broader implications of prioritizing health, alongside other critical national agendas. Join us for a comprehensive look at how redefining PE from the grassroots could positively influence Ireland's future, making a case for greater political support and investment in physical education across all schools.   You can help support Tir Na Nóg orphanage by contributing to the fundraiser I've set up for listeners of the podcast; http://bit.ly/4fypLSh I'd also like to thank MFC Sports who have come on board as main sponsors of the podcast series and look forward to developing a productive relationship moving forward.    

In this episode, I'm joined by Des Ryan, a renowned expert in youth athletic development and coaching, with a career spanning elite roles at Arsenal, Irish Rugby, and now as Director of Sport and Physical Activity at the University of Galway. Des shares his wealth of knowledge on developing young athletes, fostering effective coaching practices, and navigating relationships between coaches, parents, and players. From practical advice for coaches to insights on creating a positive environment for youth development, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways for anyone involved in sport and coaching.   You can help support Tir Na Nóg orphanage by contributing to the fundraiser I've set up for listeners of the podcast; http://bit.ly/4fypLSh  I'd also like to thank MFC Sports who have come on board as main sponsors of the podcast series and look forward to developing a productive relationship moving forward.    

Kerry's Tommy Walsh is both an All Ireland winner and former professional Aussie rules player with both St Kilda and the Sydney Swans. Following commentary by Kerry GAA county chairman Patrick O'Sullivan recently about the need for the GAA to become more proactive about putting structures in place to help keep more of our young players at home, Tommy was generous enough to share his experiences of his GAA to AFL journey and gives some great insights into where the GAA can improve how the approach the situation. You can help support Tir Na Nóg orphanage by contributing to the fundraiser I've set up for listeners of the podcast; http://bit.ly/4fypLSh  I'd also like to thank MFC Sports who have come on board as main sponsors of the podcast series and look forward to developing a productive relationship moving forward.  

 Jason McGahan is the high-performance manager with Kerry GAA, and shares his journey from playing football in Armagh to managing performance for one of Ireland's top GAA counties. He provides valuable insights into building high-performance structures within sports teams, illustrating how clubs can improve their operations without hefty financial investments. In a compelling discussion, the conversation shifts to the concept of athletic development and the significance of supporting not only players but also coaches, volunteers, and staff. Jason emphasises the importance of communication, internal motivation, and shared vision in creating a solid high-performance culture. He also discusses how clubs, regardless of size, can implement elements of high-performance strategies by investing in current personnel and encouraging continuous education. Jason provides practical advice for grassroots coaches on incorporating athletic development principles and utilising simple tools like RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion) to better monitor player loads. The episode concludes with a conversation about the implications of early specialization in sports and the vital role of resilience in athletes’ development journeys. Jason's insights offer a fresh perspective on cultivating a well-rounded, supportive environment for young athletes and coaches alike. You can help support Tir Na Nóg orphanage by contributing to the fundraiser I've set up for listeners of the podcast; http://bit.ly/4fypLSh  I'd also like to thank MFC Sports who have come on board as main sponsors of the podcast series and look forward to developing a productive relationship moving forward.  

Join us in this episode as we delve into the world of coaching with Declan Quill, former joint manager of the Kerry Ladies football team. Hear inspiring stories and insights from Quill on how he and his team transformed the coaching approach, leading the Kerry Ladies to All-Ireland glory. Discover the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned along the way. Whether you're a coach, parent, or sports enthusiast, this episode is packed with wisdom and practical insights to help you foster success in sports and life. Tune in to learn from one of the best in the field and explore new ways to enhance your coaching journey. We also highlight a heartfelt initiative focusing on raising funds for the Tír na Nóg Foundation in Tanzania, run by Declan's sister, Louise Quill. You can help support Tir Na Nóg orphanage by contributing to the fundraiser I've set up for listeners of the podcast; http://bit.ly/4fypLSh  I'd also like to thank MFC Sports who have come on board as main sponsors of the podcast series and look forward to developing a productive relationship moving forward.  

In this episode, I’m thrilled to introduce Tony Holler, a Hall of Fame sprint coach from the United States and the mind behind the revolutionary “Feed the Cats” training philosophy. Known for challenging traditional approaches to speed training, Tony has transformed the way coaches think about developing sprint performance. Today, he’ll share his insights on prioritizing speed, avoiding burnout, and rethinking what it means to train athletes for peak performance. Whether you're a coach, parent, or sports enthusiast, this episode is packed with wisdom and practical insights to help you foster success in sports and life. Tune in to learn from one of the best in the field and explore new ways to enhance your coaching journey.   You can help support Tir Na Nóg orphanage by contributing to the fundraiser I've set up for listeners of the podcast; http://bit.ly/4fypLSh  Finally, I'd like to thank MFC Sports who have come on board as main sponsors of the podcast series and look forward to developing a productive relationship moving forward.

In this insightful episode, we delve deep into the world of coaching with the legendary Wayne Goldsmith. A highly respected Australian coach, Wayne has spent over 30 years revolutionising sports coaching across various disciplines, including swimming, rugby, triathlon, and cricket. Join us as Wayne shares his innovative approach to coaching, focusing on athlete development, high performance, and youth empowerment. Wayne's passion for fostering environments where young athletes can thrive is evident as he discusses the importance of resilience, motivation, and a growth mindset. He emphasizes the critical role of sports parents in supporting their children's athletic journeys and offers valuable advice on how parents can nurture a positive sports experience. Through his extensive experience working with national teams, elite coaches, and community sports programs, Wayne has inspired countless individuals to rethink traditional approaches to youth sports. His unique perspectives on adaptability, creativity, and long-term athlete development have transformed how coaches, athletes, and families engage with sports, focusing on enjoyment, balance, and holistic growth. Whether you're a coach, parent, or sports enthusiast, this episode is packed with wisdom and practical insights to help you foster success in sports and life. Tune in to learn from one of the best in the field and explore new ways to enhance your coaching journey.   You can help support Tir Na Nóg orphanage by contributing to the fundraiser I've set up for listeners of the podcast; http://bit.ly/4fypLSh  Finally, I'd like to thank MFC Sports who have come on board as main sponsors of the podcast series and look forward to developing a productive relationship moving forward.

Welcome to Season 4 of the Mike Quirke Podcast, where we dive deeper into the realms of sports coaching, performance, and the psychology of being a sports parent and plenty more. In this episode, we explore an inspiring story of change and resilience.Meet Louise Quill, a remarkable woman from Tralee, County Kerry, recently named Kerry Person of the Year. Her journey began with a vision to create a better future for children in Tanzania. Louise founded the Tír na nÓg Orphanage, a sanctuary that has transformed the lives of countless children in one of Africa's most poverty-stricken areas.This episode introduces you to the incredible work Louise has accomplished, building a sustainable facility that supports children from infancy to adulthood, equipping them with education and opportunities to break the cycle of poverty. Discover how you can contribute to this life-changing cause, whether through child sponsorship or donations, and become a part of a story that continues to make a profound impact.Join us as we learn from Louise's journey and her unwavering commitment to fostering change, one child at a time. Help us support that change by contributing to the fundraiser I've set up for listeners of the podcast; http://bit.ly/4fypLSh   Watch Kilimanjaro Mama on Youtube - https://youtu.be/2IYoOKNVoyw?si=hwjGa8nLBbCpxJxX Finally, I'd like to sincerely thank MFC Sports who have come on board as main sponsors of the podcast series and look forward to developing a productive relationship moving forward.

In this week's episode, the last of the series, I wanted to provide a recap of some of the brilliant messages shared by all the various guests along the way. I'd like to say a sincere thanks to all of those people who have come on and shared their vast knowledge with us and I'd also like to thank all of you that have listened, shared, and contributed to the fundraiser along the way. I want to say a big thank you to PST Sport for their continued support as title sponsor for this project. Go to pstsport.com for world class delivery of all your artificial grass pitch needs. Similar to both of the previous two seasons, I've set up this podcast with a dual purpose in mind, firstly to provide some thoughtful debate for coaches, but I've also linked up with the Lily Daly Foundation, who are a new charity raising funds for the heart ward in Crumlin children's hospital and Ronald McDonald house. For more info, listen to the podcast about the Lily Daly Foundation. If you found some value in the podcast, it would be great if you could donate any amount, no matter how small to the Lily Daly Foundation through the link here: https://bit.ly/3t9EtfI  If you enjoyed this episode, click on the like button, please share it around, leave a review and follow the podcast. You can also check out Game Sense Coaching who run an online GAA coaching platform that advocates for a games-based approach that is suitable for teams of all ages. www.gamesensecoaching.com Thanks for listening.

In this week's episode, I got the opportunity to pick the brains of Dr Mark O'Sullivan, originally from Cork, the 'accidental' academic is now an associate professor of football at the Norwegian School of Sports Science and formerly head of youth development at AIK Stockholm who specialises in skill acquisition, coaching, as well as coach and youth development. Mark is regarded as being at the cutting edge of a new wave of thinking about how best to coach our young sports people. This is an episode not to be missed. I want to say a big thank you to PST Sport for their continued support as title sponsor for this project. Go to pstsport.com for world class delivery of all your artificial grass pitch needs. Similar to both of the previous two seasons, I've set up this podcast with a dual purpose in mind, firstly to provide some thoughtful debate for coaches, but I've also linked up with the Lily Daly Foundation, who are a new charity raising funds for the heart ward in Crumlin children's hospital and Ronald McDonald house. For more info, listen to the podcast about the Lily Daly Foundation. If you found some value in the podcast, it would be great if you could donate any amount, no matter how small to the Lily Daly Foundation through the link here: https://bit.ly/3t9EtfI  If you enjoyed this episode, click on the like button, please share it around, leave a review and follow the podcast. You can also check out Game Sense Coaching who run an online GAA coaching platform that advocates for a games-based approach that is suitable for teams of all ages. www.gamesensecoaching.com Thanks for listening.

John McGrath is a former GAA player, an international rower, a circus strong man, a world record holder and so on... The 6'6" Irish man lives in Paarl, South Africa and has earned renown as a strength and conditioning coach working with rugby players, the South African women’s tug-of-war team, and, most famously, Olympic silver medal and World Athletics Championship gold medal long jumper, Luvo Manyonga.  Luvo came from a poverty stricken local township, and John tells of the incredible story how the pair struck up a strong bond that saw the young South African athlete kick an addiction to crystal meth and go on to achieve athletic greatness in both the Olympics and World Championships. This is an interesting listen about a fascinating journey. I want to say a big thank you to PST Sport for their continued support as title sponsor for this project. Go to pstsport.com for world class delivery of all your artificial grass pitch needs. Similar to both of the previous two seasons, I've set up this podcast with a dual purpose in mind, firstly to provide some thoughtful debate for coaches, but I've also linked up with the Lily Daly Foundation, who are a new charity raising funds for the heart ward in Crumlin children's hospital and Ronald McDonald house. For more info, listen to the podcast about the Lily Daly Foundation. If you found some value in the podcast, it would be great if you could donate any amount, no matter how small to the Lily Daly Foundation through the link here: https://bit.ly/3t9EtfI  If you enjoyed this episode, click on the like button, please share it around, leave a review and follow the podcast. You can also check out Game Sense Coaching who run an online GAA coaching platform that advocates for a games-based approach that is suitable for teams of all ages. www.gamesensecoaching.com Thanks for listening.

John O'Connor is this week's guest on the podcast - owner of Target Nutrition and head performance nutritionist with the Kerry senior football team.  This episode is slightly different to previous efforts, where we talk all things food and nutrition information and misinformation. As parents, how do we fuel our young sports mad children? As coaches, how do help kids develop positive long-term associations with food, nutrition and hydration. I found this a really informative chat about a subject that can be hugely confusing given the overload of information out there on the subject. I want to say a big thank you to PST Sport for their continued support as title sponsor for this project. Go to pstsport.com for world class delivery of all your artificial grass pitch needs. Similar to both of the previous two seasons, I've set up this podcast with a dual purpose in mind, firstly to provide some thoughtful debate for coaches, but I've also linked up with the Lily Daly Foundation, who are a new charity raising funds for the heart ward in Crumlin children's hospital and Ronald McDonald house. For more info, listen to the podcast about the Lily Daly Foundation. If you found some value in the podcast, it would be great if you could donate any amount, no matter how small to the Lily Daly Foundation through the link here: https://bit.ly/3t9EtfI  If you enjoyed this episode, click on the like button, please share it around, leave a review and follow the podcast. You can also check out Game Sense Coaching who run an online GAA coaching platform that advocates for a games-based approach that is suitable for teams of all ages. www.gamesensecoaching.com Thanks for listening.

I want to say a big thank you to PST Sport for their continued support as title sponsor for this project. Go to pstsport.com for world class delivery of all your artificial grass pitch needs. Niall O'Mahony is this weeks guest - a lecturer and PhD candidate working in the health and leisure department of MTU Kerry campus who is currently coaching the Kerry minor football team. Previously he would have coached the Kerry under 20 side under Declan O'Sullivan, and before that he worked for 3 seasons as S & C coach with the Kerry senior squad.  Niall combines the latest coaching science research with the real-world practical applications and listeners will come away with some fantastic insights on the use of questioning as well as a more nuanced approach to games based coaching. Similar to both of the previous two seasons, I've set up this podcast with a dual purpose in mind, firstly to provide some thoughtful debate for coaches, but I've also linked up with the Lily Daly Foundation, who are a new charity raising funds for the heart ward in Crumlin children's hospital and Ronald McDonald house. For more info, listen to the podcast about the Lily Daly Foundation. If you found some value in the podcast, it would be great if you could donate any amount, no matter how small to the Lily Daly Foundation through the link here: https://bit.ly/3t9EtfI  If you enjoyed this episode, click on the like button, please share it around, leave a review and follow the podcast. You can also check out Game Sense Coaching who run an online GAA coaching platform that advocates for a games-based approach that is suitable for teams of all ages. www.gamesensecoaching.com Thanks for listening.      

I want to say a big thank you to PST Sport for their continued support as title sponsor for this project. Go to pstsport.com for world class delivery of all your artificial grass pitch needs. Stephen Lavin played senior inter-county football for Limerick for the best part of 13 years. Having finished playing several years ago, the school principal now finds himself as the head of the Limerick GAA football development squads, following on from the foundations laid of Paul Kinnerk. Stephen coaches UL's sigerson team and during covid, himself and his two brothers started a passion project that is now Game Sense coaching. The website is a fantastic resource for GAA coaches with huge amounts of detailed information for coaches of all age groups. We get into the nuts and bolts of his philosophy on coaching, the overlap between teaching and coaching, lessons learned from Paul Kinnerk and plenty more. Similar to both of the previous two seasons, I've set up this podcast with a dual purpose in mind, firstly to provide some thoughtful debate for coaches, but I've also linked up with the Lily Daly Foundation, who are a new charity raising funds for the heart ward in Crumlin children's hospital and Ronald McDonald house. For more info, listen to the podcast about the Lily Daly Foundation. If you found some value in the podcast, it would be great if you could donate any amount, no matter how small to the Lily Daly Foundation through the link here: https://bit.ly/3t9EtfI  If you enjoyed this episode, click on the like button, please share it around, leave a review and follow the podcast. You can also check out Game Sense Coaching who run an online GAA coaching platform that advocates for a games-based approach that is suitable for teams of all ages. www.gamesensecoaching.com Thanks for listening.      

I want to say a big thank you to PST Sport for their continued support as title sponsor for this project. Go to pstsport.com for world class delivery of all your artificial grass pitch needs. This week's guest is Liam McHale is a household name throughout Ireland for his contribution and prowess both on the football field and particularly the hardwood. Assisted by his brothers Sean and Anthony, brother-in-law Paul McStay and honorary Mayo man Deora Marsh, he helped to catapult his hometown Ballina to the forefront of Irish basketball and indeed Irish sport. Here he discusses those heady basketball days and how he's used the lessons learned along the way to transition into the world of GAA coaching to club and county Similar to both of the previous two seasons, I've set up this podcast with a dual purpose in mind, firstly to provide some thoughtful debate for coaches, but I've also linked up with the Lily Daly Foundation, who are a new charity raising funds for the heart ward in Crumlin children's hospital and Ronald McDonald house. For more info, listen to the podcast about the Lily Daly Foundation. If you found some value in the podcast, it would be great if you could donate any amount, no matter how small to the Lily Daly Foundation through the link here: https://bit.ly/3t9EtfI  If you enjoyed this episode, click on the like button, please share it around, leave a review and follow the podcast. You can also check out Game Sense Coaching who run an online GAA coaching platform that advocates for a games-based approach that is suitable for teams of all ages. www.gamesensecoaching.com Thanks for listening.

I want to say a big thank you to PST Sport for their continued support as title sponsor for this project. Go to pstsport.com for world class delivery of all your artificial grass pitch needs. This week's guest was David Baird who has coached youth football for over 15 years and is currently a UEFA A Licence and UEFA Elite Youth A Licence candidate. He currently works as a Coach Educator and Football Development Officer for the Scottish Football Association. Prior to this he spent time coaching in the United States of America and the United Arab Emirates. David is clearly passionate about increasing participation and performance in youth sport and his creation; scoreboard soccer is a really interesting twist on how to keep kids more engaged during practice and is definitely worth checking out for all coaches out there. Similar to both of the previous two seasons, I've set up this podcast with a dual purpose in mind, firstly to provide some thoughtful debate for coaches, but I've also linked up with the Lily Daly Foundation, who are a new charity raising funds for the heart ward in Crumlin children's hospital and Ronald McDonald house. For more info, listen to the podcast about the Lily Daly Foundation. If you found some value in the podcast, it would be great if you could donate any amount, no matter how small to the Lily Daly Foundation through the link here: https://bit.ly/3t9EtfI  If you enjoyed this episode, click on the like button, please share it around, leave a review and follow the podcast. You can also check out Game Sense Coaching who run an online GAA coaching platform that advocates for a games-based approach that is suitable for teams of all ages. www.gamesensecoaching.com Thanks for listening.