Masters of Science in Sports Performance

The MSc in Sports Performance is a full-time one-year postgraduate programme. The programme will prepare successful graduates for a career in sports performance analysis, specialising in strength & conditioning, video analysis and nutrition. The programme is offered by the Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences in the Faculty on Education and Health Sciences. The course will increase understanding of the processes of advanced practice in sport performance analysis, by appreciating and challenging the current practice and designing innovative alternatives. The aims and objectives of this programme, which includes a professional strength & conditioning qualification, reflect commitment to the development of insightful, competent, critical and reflective sports performance practitioners who have the following dispositions, skills, and content knowledge: • Display originality and insight in the field of strength and conditioning for team and individual sports. • Demonstrate the skills of utilising video notational analysis to provide feedback to individuals participating in strength sports and/or in a strength training environment. • Understand nutritional planning for elite sports performance. • Construct a variety of integrated training practices combining sport-specific skills and related conditioning challenges to optimise player development and progression. • Demonstrate an appreciation of current research within the area of speed sports. • Organise and perform lab and field-based skills related to research on selected human movement activity and defend the results. • Graduates will develop a sound understanding of the physiology and biomechanics background behind sports performance for speed, endurance, team and strength sports.

Higher Diploma in Science in Computing for Educators

Grade: First Class Honours This was a unique course which allows educators to engage with material that will provide them with confidence and technical skills to deliver ICT in schools for the 21st Century. The 6 certificates that make up the Higher Diploma have been carefully crafted to ensure that educators will be given opportunity to gain proficiency and to derive tangible elements for their own classrooms.

Bachelor of Technology in Education in Materials and Architectural Technology

Grade: Second Class Honour (Grade 1) Secondary school technology education teaching degree.

Strength and Conditioning Coach

Kerry GAA, based in County Kerry, Ireland, is a powerhouse in Gaelic football, boasting a rich history and numerous achievements. Kerry GAA is the most successful team in Gaelic football, having won the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship a record 37 times. Their successes span over several decades, making them a dominant force in the sport. Kerry is renowned for nurturing talented players who go on to become legends in the sport. The county has a strong tradition of developing youth players through their club and county structures, contributing significantly to the team’s success.
I currently am S&C coach for the U15 & U16 development and sub-academy squads for the 2023/24 GAA season. I have also been involved in pre-season testing for the Senior and U20 men’s teams.

Strength and Conditioning Coach

Current lead S&C coach for the professional basketball players playing with the Warriors. The Garvey’s Tralee Warriors are a prominent basketball team based in Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland, competing in the Men’s Super League, the highest level of basketball competition in Ireland.
The Warriors have experienced a remarkable rise in Irish basketball, establishing themselves as a formidable force in recent years. They have consistently performed well in the Men’s Super League, showcasing their talent and dedication on the court.
The team enjoys a passionate fanbase and significant community support in Tralee and beyond. Their home games often attract enthusiastic crowds, creating a lively and supportive atmosphere that fuels the team’s spirit and performance.
Garvey’s Tralee Warriors emphasize the development of both players and the sport in their region. They actively engage in community initiatives, youth programs, and talent development pathways, fostering a strong basketball culture and nurturing aspiring players in Kerry.

Their presence and competitiveness in the Men’s Super League contribute significantly to the growth and popularity of basketball in Ireland.

Sports Science Intern

My dissertation and course placement were conducted in conjunction with Munster Rugby’s Age-Grade Player Development 8 Week Summer Programme 2023. I was selected to present findings from this research at the National Sport and Human Performance Conference 2023.

Duties: Conducted hydration and dietary assessments of knowledge and practice across the entire squad of 28 under 18 schools’ players. Assisted in strength and conditioning and pitch sessions. Conducted daily physical markers and pre and post-game weigh-ins with players. Provided hydration and nutrition support to players throughout the summer program.

Base Operations Team Member

Responsible for landscaping and preparing the ski slopes and mountain terrain before the 2022 ski season started. Activities included setting up boundary and safety fencing, hiking routes, and signage for customer safety during the resort’s opening. Operated machinery during heavy snowfall and undertook general maintenance and upkeep of the resort for smooth daily operations.

Secondary School Teacher

Taught LCA ICT, Junior Cycle Coding, Computer Studies, and Graphics. Actively involved as a member of the ICT Team, STEAM Academy, Well-Being Committee, and Sports Coach.

National Sport and Human Performance Conference Presenter

‘Investigating nutrition and hydration knowledge and practice among age-grade rugby union players,’ Abstract poster presentation at the inaugural National Sport and Human Performance Conference, 2023.

Guinness World Record - Strength & Fitness Category

The most rugby passes in one hour by a pair is 2,608 and was achieved by Shane Scanlon and James Crean (both Ireland) in Annascaul, Kerry, Ireland, on 13 March 2021.