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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 development

This 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.

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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 coach

A 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.

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𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝

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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 hugely

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𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐀𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠

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For more performance tips, insights, and the latest updates, visit:Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠humansofgaelic.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@humansofgaelic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Humans of Gaelic⁠⁠⁠

TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@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 succeed

If 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.

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𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝

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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 hugely

Share the Episode: Know someone who'd enjoy this show? Share it and help us spread the word!

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𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐀𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠

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For more performance tips, insights, and the latest updates, visit:Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠humansofgaelic.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@humansofgaelic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠Humans of Gaelic⁠⁠

TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@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.

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𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝

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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 hugely

Share the Episode: Know someone who'd enjoy this show? Share it and help us spread the word!

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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.

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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 hugely

Share 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 performance

You can follow Kevin Mulcahy on social media here:

Instagram: @tmc_performance_coaching

Twitter: @movementcoachkm

And if you want to purchase one of his training plans, go here:

https://marketplace.trainheroic.com/brand/tmc-performance-kevin-coach-owner-operator

https://tmcperform.gumroad.com

We've got some great guests coming up. Make sure you subscribe so you don't miss any episodes.

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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 hugely

Share 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.

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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 hugely

Share 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 coaching

You 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