The Mike Quirke Podcast

Mike's last guest on the podcast is performance coach Patrick Harding. You may have seen him working closely with Formula 1 driver Alex Albon in Netflix's Drive to Survive, but that isn't his only role, he also works with elite boxers such as Michael Conlon, amongst others. He tells Mike about all he's learned in his still growing career across a multitude of sports. Donate to Temple Street Children's Hospital HERE!

One of the top analysts in the country, Ray Boyne joins Mike Quirke on this week's episode. First starting with the Dublin minors in the 2003, he has worked with multiple senior inter-county set-ups since, including the All-Ireland winning Tipperary hurling side.  He gives plenty of insights from such a successful career and also explains some simple ways that coaches can use basic analysis to help kids continue to improve in whatever sport they are playing. Donate to Temple Street Children's Hospital HERE!

Co. Mayo's Barry Solan is Mike's guest this week. As Arsenal's first-team strength & conditioning coach for the last six years, he shares his knowledge from working at such a high level and also reveals what it's like behind-the-scenes at an elite Premier League club. Donate to Temple Street Children's Hospital HERE!

Joining Mike this week is Jonny McMurty. Originally from Northern Ireland, he currently lives in Brisbane Australia where he has been coaching high-performance age-grade rugby for almost 10 years. He is also currently working with the University of Queensland and Rugby Australia to look at players' engagement and understanding the requirements for successful motivation. Donate to Temple Street Children's Hospital HERE!

Kilkenny camogie legend Ann Downey joins Mike for episode nine. She talks through her journey from player to coach and manager, how her philosophies like complete honesty and 'happy person, happy player' guided her coaching journey and her desire to see more former female players taking up management roles. Donate to Temple Street Children's Hospital HERE!

Mike Quirke is joined by sport psychology lecturer Alan Ringland. He takes us through his wish for coaches to engage in more deliberate play as opposed to deliberate practice, he breaks down the different priorities for coaches and discusses provoking player-led discussion within your team. Donate to Temple Street Children's Hospital HERE!

Joe O'Connor joins Mike this week. Currently a lecturer in health and leisure at MTU Tralee, he has also been the S&C coach for All-Ireland winning hurling sides Clare in 2013 and more recently Limerick in 2018. Despite coming from an athletics background, Joe has now too ventured over into the worlds of golf and equestrianism. Some may also be familiar with him as the referee on Ireland's Fittest Family for 5 years. Donate to Temple Street Children's Hospital HERE!

This week Mike is joined by Nick Potter, director of High Performance and Sports Science at Duke University men's basketball. Working with one of the most legendary coaches in basketball Mike Krzyzewski - better known as Coach K - Nick gives an insight into the elusive world of college sports in the States. Donate to Temple Street Children's Hospital HERE!

Derek McGrath, a former Waterford hurler and experienced coach, shares his journey from player to manager, revealing insights from both sides of the field. He discusses the importance of developing young players and a coaching style that balances personal accountability with team culture. Derek emphasizes measuring success through player growth rather than just trophies. He also explores applying neuroscience to coaching and the significance of creating a trusting environment for athletes, highlighting fun and engagement in keeping youth involved in sports.

Dave Power is the PGA club pro in Tralee golf club. He joins Mike this week to discuss his journey from receiving a golf scholarship to an American university to finding his path coaching players of all ages on surrounded by the beauty of County Kerry. Donate to Temple Street Children's Hospital HERE!