What factors contribute to the high prevalence of ACL injuries in the GAA and why are females more at risk? Why do hurlers recover better from ACL surgery than footballers? And how are GAA players outpacing the AFL in return-to-play rates?These are just some of the findings from the biggest ever ACL study in the GAA.One of its lead authors, rehab specialist, biomechanics PhD, and Kildare S&C coach Neil Welch, breaks it all down on this week’s episode of the Humans of Gaelic podcast.He also shares advice on what players and coaches are still getting wrong in ACL rehab. In this episode, we also cover:• The role of the inter-county S&C coach in the off-season• Hamstring injuries and the best exercises to help prevent them• How to structure ACL rehab for better outcomes• Warm-up design for injury prevention• The role of movement analysis in spotting risk early• Exercises every player should be doing to protect their ACL• ACL recovery rates in GAA vs pro sports• Why female players are more at risk of ACL injuries than malesWhether you’re a coach, an athlete returning from injury, or just want to avoid common mistakes - this is essential listening.*************Time stamps:ACL injury trends in GAA (3:45)Why most rehab skips cutting work (9:00)Is NordBord testing enough? (15:30)Key benchmarks before returning to play (22:15)Hamstring strain risks during deceleration (28:00)Why multi-directional mechanics matter (35:00)What AFL can teach GAA (42:00)How to assess movement quality (47:30)*************➕ We've got some great guests coming up. Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any episodes.Stay ConnectedSubscribe to the Humans of Gaelic podcast wherever you're listening.⭐ Leave a Review: If you found value in this episode, please give it a rating and review - it helps us hugely!📢 Share the Episode: Know someone who’d benefit from this? Share it to help us spread the word!Follow Along📍 Website: humansofgaelic.com📸 Instagram: @humansofgaelic📘 Facebook: Humans of Gaelic🎥 TikTok: @humansofgaelic
Is your half-time team talk doing more harm than good? Armagh native and GAA coach Eamon Devlin is the specialist who changes the way world-class sports teams approach half-time.He worked with Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid and now Brazil, while he also consults for Argentina Rugby, several inter-county GAA teams, Premier League clubs and NBA sides to help them fix the most chaotic 15 minutes in sport.We talk about:The biggest mistakes GAA coaches make at half-timeWhat world class coaches like Carlo Ancelotti and Felipe Contepomi have in commonWhy emotional regulation is the coach’s first jobHow Real Madrid and the All-Blacks structure their team-talksWhat happens when you give out too many messages?Should the full management team go into the dressing room?Is letting your opponents wait on the pitch at HT beneficial?When should players flip the switch pre-game?Whether you're a coach or chasing an edge as a player, this episode will permanently change how you think about game day and half-time.➕ We've got some great guests coming up. Make sure you subscribe so you don't miss any episodes.****************************𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝****************************Subscribe to the Humans of Gaelic podcast wherever you're listening.Leave a Review: If you found value in this episode, please give it a rating and review. It helps us hugelyShare the Episode: Know someone who'd enjoy this show? Share it and help us spread the word!****************************𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐀𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠****************************For more performance tips, insights, and the latest updates, visit:Website: humansofgaelic.comInstagram: @humansofgaelicFacebook: Humans of GaelicTikTok: @humansofgaelic
If you’re training hard but still feeling sluggish, flat, or injured — your sleep is probably the missing piece.In this episode, elite sleep coach Tom Coleman breaks down the science behind high performance recovery, and why most GAA players are undermining their progress every night.We talk about:The most common sleep disruptors for club playersWhat evening games and late training sessions do to your nervous systemWhy caffeine timing matters more than you thinkThe 5-minute bedtime routine to help you recover fasterAnd how county players are now using sleep as a weaponWhether you're chasing fitness gains, better focus or just want to feel fresher for matches — this episode will give you a serious edge.➕ We've got some great guests coming up. Make sure you subscribe so you don't miss any episodes.****************************𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝****************************Subscribe to the Humans of Gaelic podcast wherever you're listening.Leave a Review: If you found value in this episode, please give it a rating and review. It helps us hugelyShare the Episode: Know someone who'd enjoy this show? Share it and help us spread the word!****************************𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐀𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠****************************For more performance tips, insights, and the latest updates, visit:Website: humansofgaelic.comInstagram: @humansofgaelicFacebook: Humans of GaelicTikTok: @humansofgaelic
Most Gaelic footballers — even at the top level — are still heavily one-sided. In this fascinating episode, Karol Dillon breaks down the science and psychology behind laterality, the gap between drills and decisions, and how to truly develop more two-sided players.We explore:Why elite players still avoid their weaker side under pressureHow cross-lateral athletes like David Clifford (e.g. left foot/right hand) have an advantageWhy coaching for two-footedness must start before the ball is introducedHow pressure and fatigue force players back to their dominant sideThe overlooked role of parents and informal practiceWhy coaching the “weaker side” needs a complete rethinkTactical consequences of having too many right-footed players➕ We've got some great guests coming up. Make sure you subscribe so you don't miss any episodes.****************************𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝****************************Subscribe to the Humans of Gaelic podcast wherever you're listening.Leave a Review: If you found value in this episode, please give it a rating and review. It helps us hugelyShare the Episode: Know someone who'd enjoy this show? Share it and help us spread the word!****************************𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐀𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠****************************For more performance tips, insights, and the latest updates, visit:Website: humansofgaelic.comInstagram: @humansofgaelicFacebook: Humans of GaelicTikTok: @humansofgaelic
Paudie Kissane – 2010 All-Ireland winner with Cork, now an S&C coach and owner of his own athlete development company.In this episode, we unpack:How Paudie transitioned from inter-county football to high-performance coachingThe myths around S&C in club setupsWhy most speed training is poorly implemented in GAAHow warm-ups and training loads must adapt to the new rulesWhat players and coaches can do to future-proof their performance➕ We've got some great guests coming up. Make sure you subscribe so you don't miss any episodes.****************************𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝****************************Subscribe to the Humans of Gaelic podcast wherever you're listening.Leave a Review: If you found value in this episode, please give it a rating and review. It helps us hugelyShare the Episode: Know someone who'd enjoy this show? Share it and help us spread the word!****************************𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐀𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠****************************For more performance tips, insights, and the latest updates, visit:Website: humansofgaelic.comInstagram: @humansofgaelicFacebook: Humans of GaelicTikTok: @humansofgaelic
We’ve all heard it: “he’s low on confidence.” But what if confidence isn’t actually the key to playing well? Sports psychologist Eddy Sheeky breaks down why elite players perform regardless of how they feel — and how you can too.We discuss:The myth of confidence — and why elite players perform without itThe reset triggers, breathing drills, and mindset habits used at inter-county levelHow stress outside of sport is secretly killing recovery and performanceTools for players who get sick with nerves or lose control mid-gameWhat separates consistent performers at club vs county levelThe mindset mistakes most GAA players make when things go wrongYou can follow Eddy on Instagram here: @esperformancepsychology➕ We've got some great guests coming up. Make sure you subscribe so you don't miss any episodes.****************************𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝****************************Subscribe to the Humans of Gaelic podcast wherever you're listening.Leave a Review: If you found value in this episode, please give it a rating and review. It helps us hugelyShare the Episode: Know someone who'd enjoy this show? Share it and help us spread the word!****************************𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐀𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠****************************For more performance tips, insights, and the latest updates, visit:Website: humansofgaelic.comInstagram: @humansofgaelicFacebook: Humans of GaelicTikTok: @humansofgaelic
In this episode, Tony Óg Regan shares his journey from playing in All-Ireland hurling finals with Galway, to dealing with being dropped from the panel multiple times and becoming one of Ireland’s top high-performance coaches .He discusses mental resilience, overcoming self-doubt, burnout, and the mindset needed to thrive in sport and life.In this episode, we break down:How burnout at 23 almost derailed his careerThe mindset shift that helped him recover from setbacksWhy he struggled in big finals and how he overcame mental blocksThe power of sports psychology, self-talk, and visualisationLessons from working with All-Ireland-winning teamsHow top teams like Limerick & Tipperary manage pressure and expectationsSocial media's impact on players and how to handle criticism📖 Buy Tony’s BookTimestamps:0:00 – Introduction3:45 – Losing the love for the game & overcoming burnout8:20 – The mental impact of setbacks & self-worth in sport14:30 – How testing and training smarter transformed his game21:15 – Handling pressure in big games & breaking mental barriers30:40 – The importance of mentors, sports psychology & mindset work40:15 – What makes top teams like Limerick, Ballygunner and Tipp different50:00 – Navigating retirement and finding purpose beyond sport➕ We've got some great guests coming up. Make sure you subscribe so you don't miss any episodes.****************************𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝****************************Subscribe to the Humans of Gaelic podcast wherever you're listening.Leave a Review: If you found value in this episode, please give it a rating and review. It helps us hugelyShare the Episode: Know someone who'd enjoy this show? Share it and help us spread the word!****************************𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐀𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠****************************For more performance tips, insights, and the latest updates, visit:Website: humansofgaelic.comInstagram: @humansofgaelicFacebook: Humans of GaelicTikTok: @humansofgaelic
Pre-season is where teams lay the foundation for success, butmany get it wrong—leading toavoidable injuries, burnout, and underperformance when it matters most.In this episode,Rob Mulcahy, Head of Athletic Development at Setanta College and former Clare senior football S&C coach, breaks downthe most common mistakes and how to avoid them.We discuss:-Why most teams neglect a proper needs analysis (and how it impacts results)-The importance of movement quality before chasing strength numbers-How testing should actually inform training—not just be a numbers game-The right way to integrate conditioning with skill work for better performance-Why gradual load management is key to staying injury-free-How coaching should adapt based on the experience level of players-The role of reflective practice in making better coaching decisions-Why underage success means nothing without long-term developmentThis episode isa must-listen for GAA coaches and players who want totrain smarter, avoid burnout, and maximise performance this season.➕ We've got some great guests coming up.Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any episodes.Stay ConnectedSubscribe to the Humans of Gaelic podcast wherever you're listening.⭐Leave a Review: If you found value in this episode, please give it a rating and review—it helps us hugely!📢Share the Episode: Know someone who’d benefit from this? Share it to help us spread the word!Follow Along📍 Website:humansofgaelic.com📸 Instagram:@humansofgaelic📘 Facebook:Humans of Gaelic🎥 TikTok: @humansofgaelic
Paul Flanagan’s inter-county journey is one of perseverance and mental resilience.After first breaking onto the Clare hurling panel for the All-Ireland win in 2013, he didn’t make his first senior championship start until 10 seasons later aged 28.He finished the season with an All-Star nomination and retired last year after winning his second Celtic Cross. We discuss:🧠 How he stayed motivated despite years of setbacks💪 The impact of studying performance psychology on his game🏆 Lessons from his All-Ireland-winning Clare team⚡ How he helps athletes as a mental skills coachA brilliant episode for players looking to develop the mental edge needed to thrive at the highest level.➕ We've got some great guests coming up. Make sure you subscribe so you don't miss any episodes.****************************𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝****************************Subscribe to the Humans of Gaelic podcast wherever you're listening.Leave a Review: If you found value in this episode, please give it a rating and review. It helps us hugelyShare the Episode: Know someone who'd enjoy this show? Share it and help us spread the word!****************************𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐀𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠****************************For more performance tips, insights, and the latest updates, visit:Website: humansofgaelic.comInstagram: @humansofgaelicFacebook: Humans of GaelicTikTok: @humansofgaelic
Tipperary's Conor Sweeney has recently retired after 15 years of senior inter-county football. We discuss:🏐 The ‘massive relief’ of stepping away from county football🎯 Mastering free-taking – are great kickers born or made?🔥 The conversation that changed everything in his career💪 Balancing football, life, and the sacrifices required to succeedIf you're curious about what it really takes to make it at the top level and how the best free-takers practice, you'll enjoy this.➕ We've got some great guests coming up. Make sure you subscribe so you don't miss any episodes.****************************𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝****************************Subscribe to the Humans of Gaelic podcast wherever you're listening.Leave a Review: If you found value in this episode, please give it a rating and review. It helps us hugelyShare the Episode: Know someone who'd enjoy this show? Share it and help us spread the word!****************************𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐀𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠****************************For more performance tips, insights, and the latest updates, visit:Website: humansofgaelic.comInstagram: @humansofgaelicFacebook: Humans of GaelicTikTok: @humansofgaelic
Clare footballer Eoin Cleary has recently returned to the county panel after taking a year out. We chat about:- The craic and benefits of a summer playing football in Chicago- His battle with osteitis pubis and how he recovered - Burnout after 10 years playing senior inter-county football- What football's new rules means for forwards➕ We've got some great guests coming up. Make sure you subscribe so you don't miss any episodes.****************************𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝****************************Subscribe to the Humans of Gaelic podcast wherever you're listening.Leave a Review: If you found value in this episode, please give it a rating and review. It helps us hugelyShare the Episode: Know someone who'd enjoy this show? Share it and help us spread the word!****************************𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐀𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠****************************For more performance tips, insights, and the latest updates, visit:Website: humansofgaelic.com Instagram: @humansofgaelic Facebook: Humans of Gaelic TikTok: @humansofgaelic
AFLW Talent ID & Elite Coach Mike Currane joins us to explore how players can successfully transition to Australian Rules.We chat about: - Why Irish players have excelled in making the move to AFLW - The journey from being scouted to securing a contract - The key physical traits that AFL and AFLW clubs prioritise - What Irish players can realistically expect to earn You can follow Mike at @AFLW_Ireland➕ We've got some great guests coming up. Make sure you subscribe so you don't miss any episodes.****************************𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝****************************Subscribe to the Humans of Gaelic podcast wherever you're listening.Leave a Review: If you found value in this episode, please give it a rating and review. It helps us hugelyShare the Episode: Know someone who'd enjoy this show? Share it and help us spread the word!****************************𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐀𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠****************************For more performance tips, insights, and the latest updates, visit: Website: humansofgaelic.com Instagram: @humansofgaelic Facebook: Humans of Gaelic TikTok: @humansofgaelic
S&C Coach Kevin Mulcahy joins me to discuss the new Gaelic football rules and their impact on strength and conditioning for players.We discuss: The new Gaelic football rules and the S&C training players now need Managing injury risks with less recovery time Why some county teams are doing too much high-intensity work Incentivising solo & go in training The athletic profile now required for middle-third players Off-season training strategies for peak performanceYou can follow Kevin Mulcahy on social media here:Instagram: @tmc_performance_coachingTwitter: @movementcoachkmAnd if you want to purchase one of his training plans, go here:https://marketplace.trainheroic.com/brand/tmc-performance-kevin-coach-owner-operatorhttps://tmcperform.gumroad.com➕ We've got some great guests coming up. Make sure you subscribe so you don't miss any episodes.****************************𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝****************************Subscribe to the Humans of Gaelic podcast wherever you're listening.Leave a Review: If you found value in this episode, please give it a rating and review. It helps us hugelyShare the Episode: Know someone who'd enjoy this show? Share it and help us spread the word!****************************𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐀𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠****************************For more performance tips, insights, and the latest updates, visit: Website: humansofgaelic.com Instagram: @humansofgaelic Facebook: Humans of Gaelic TikTok: @humansofgaelic
Drewe Broughton, known as The Fear Coach, is the latest guest on the podcast.We discuss: His journey from professional football to performance coaching Facing internal battles with fear and self-doubt Consistency and authenticity in high-pressure environments Working with elite athletes, including Tyrone's Conor Meyler Key mindset shifts for performing under pressure The dangers of over-preparation and how to balance it How pressure can be seen as a privilege Emotional intelligence for athletes➕ We've got some great guests coming up. Make sure you subscribe so you don't miss any episodes.****************************𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝****************************Subscribe to the Humans of Gaelic podcast wherever you're listening.Leave a Review: If you found value in this episode, please give it a rating and review. It helps us hugelyShare the Episode: Know someone who'd enjoy this show? Share it and help us spread the word!****************************𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐀𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠****************************For more performance tips, insights, and the latest updates, visit: Website: humansofgaelic.com Instagram: @humansofgaelic Facebook: Humans of Gaelic TikTok: @humansofgaelic
Cavan footballer and former Collingwood player Aishling Sheridan is the latest guest on the podcast.We discuss: Her decision to step away from AFLW The recruitment process and trials Navigating her early years in Australia during Covid Melbourne living Training week structure at Collingwood Key S&C tips from AFL Pre-game journaling Media training and building a personal brand Working in online coachingYou can follow Aishling here: https://www.instagram.com/aishlingsheridan/https://www.instagram.com/at_aish_fit/ ➕We've got some great guests coming up. Make sure you subscribe so you don't miss any episodes.****************************𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝****************************Subscribe to the Humans of Gaelic podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.Leave a Review: If you found value in this episode, please consider giving it a rating and leaving a review. It helps us grow and reach more listeners!Share the Episode: Know someone who could benefit from today’s discussion? Pass it along and spread the word!****************************𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐀𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠****************************For more performance tips, insights, and the latest updates, visit: Website: humansofgaelic.com Instagram: @humansofgaelic Facebook: Humans of Gaelic TikTok: @humansofgaelic
Great chat with Laois footballer Kieran Lillis on this week’s show. We discuss: Huge success he enjoyed early in his career The lifestyle habits needed to play at inter-county level Key S&C metrics he looks to hit How he mentally preps for big games Growing up with Zach Tuohy His experience of training with elite athletes in Kenya ➕We've got some great guests coming up. Make sure you subscribe so you don't miss any episodes.****************************𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝****************************Subscribe to the Humans of Gaelic podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.Leave a Review: If you found value in this episode, please consider giving it a rating and leaving a review. It helps us grow and reach more listeners!Share the Episode: Know someone who could benefit from today’s discussion? Pass it along and spread the word!****************************𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐀𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠****************************For more performance tips, insights, and the latest updates, visit: Website: humansofgaelic.com Instagram: @humansofgaelic Facebook: Humans of Gaelic TikTok: @humansofgaelic
I’m joined by sports psychologist Kelley Fay on this week’s show. She currently works with the Roscommon men’s and Meath ladies footballers. She has been part of the Royals’ backroom team for a number of years, including their back-to-back All-Ireland successes.In the past, Kelley has worked with Team GB, Ulster Rugby, plus a host of individual athletes across GAA and rugby, athletics, golf, gymnastics, skiing, snowboarding and others.We discuss: Lack of confidence in Irish athletes Strategies for building confidence How to deal with tough defeats Psychological traits of elite athletes Wound up or calm before games? Resilience & belief of elite athletes Enjoying the occasion & creating a positive team culture Body language in high pressure situations Creating a player-led culture You can follow Kelley here: https://www.instagram.com/kf_performance/➕We've got some great guests coming up. Make sure you subscribe so you don't miss any episodes.
Conor McDonald has been on the road for 12 seasons with Wexford hurlers.Over the past year he has battled nerve damage in his back that he feared would rule him out for the entire 2024 season.He opens up about the low point of not being able to lift his infant daughter up out of her bed, to the difficulties of navigating a lengthy rehab with no finish line in sight.We discuss: The long road to recovery Mental aspect of being injured Making Wexford debut at 17 Great days with Naomh Eanna Wexford’s up and down 2024 season His advice to young hurlers
There is a lot players will learn from this conversation with one of Ireland’s leading sports nutritionists.We discuss: * Life in the Kerry dressing room * How to nail the basics of nutrition * Importance of individualisation* Caffeine & Performance* Recovery* Post-Game fuelling* Drinking after games* Body composition changes during the season* AFL vs GAA nutritionYou can follow John O'Connor on Instagram here: www.instagram.com/target.nutrition/Or head over to his website www.targetnutrition.ie
Ashling Thompson is coming fresh off the back of her sixth All-Ireland victory. We chat about: ACL comeback journey Chasing the one percenters in S&C and nutrition Missed chance to equalise in 2022 All-Ireland final Handling on-field targeting by opponents Interest in sports psychology Life after camogie