The Mike Quirke Podcast

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.    

Join Dr. Ed Coughlan, an expert in skill acquisition, as he dives into the nuances of coaching and skill development. He emphasizes the need for creating optimal environments that foster athletes' performance under pressure, moving beyond traditional drills. Key topics include enhancing decision-making through game-based coaching, promoting creativity in youth sports, and the importance of context in skill training. Dr. Coughlan also highlights how interactive coaching can empower young athletes, making learning both engaging and effective.

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.    

Des Ryan, a renowned expert in youth athletic development with a rich background at Arsenal and Irish Rugby, shares his insights on coaching young athletes. He emphasizes the importance of creating supportive environments and nurturing long-term growth. Des advocates for multi-sport participation, highlighting its benefits over early specialization. He also discusses evolving coaching techniques that promote critical thinking and collaboration. Lastly, he shares his vision for fostering an inclusive sports community at the University of Galway.

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.  

Tony Holler, a Hall of Fame sprint coach and creator of the 'Feed the Cats' philosophy, shares groundbreaking insights into speed training. He discusses the shift from traditional conditioning to prioritizing speed, which promotes athlete enjoyment and performance. Holler emphasizes the balance of training and recovery, advocating against burnout and early specialization. With innovative coaching strategies and a focus on sprinting potential, he inspires coaches to enhance athletic capabilities while fostering a supportive environment for young athletes.

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.