Coach's Lab with John Murphy

Preparing Dingle & Ballygunner for All-Ireland Success | Shane O’Rourke & Darragh Mulcahy

Join my weekly coaching & performance email list: https://fhs-performance.kit.com/4d8709e773 [https://fhs-performance.kit.com/4d8709e773] What does physical preparation look like inside two of the best club teams in Ireland? In this episode of Coach’s Lab, I’m joined by Shane O'Rourke (Dingle) and Darragh Mulcahy (Ballygunner), the strength & conditioning coaches behind the reigning All-Ireland club football and hurling champions. We discuss how elite club teams manage: * Conditioning and athletic development * Gym integration within busy club schedules * County player management * Recovery and load monitoring * Second team fixtures and player availability * Aerobic conditioning, speed and repeat sprint work * Communication across the backroom team * Building player buy-in and long-term trust This is a practical conversation about the realities of club GAA and how successful teams balance performance, workload and preparation across long seasons. A valuable listen for GAA coaches, S&C coaches, athletic development coaches and players interested in high-performance club environments.

Meeting Children's Psychological Needs Through Sport | Colman Noctor PhD

Join my weekly coaching & performance email list: https://fhs-performance.kit.com/4d8709e773 [https://fhs-performance.kit.com/4d8709e773] What do kids actually need from sport — and are we getting it wrong? In this episode of Coach’s Lab, I sit down with Colman Noctor, child and adolescent psychotherapist, to explore the role sport plays in the psychological, social and emotional development of young people. We move beyond drills, fitness and results to look at the real impact coaching has on children, and how small changes in approach can shape their long-term experience in sport. We discuss: * What children need from sport at different ages * The balance between fun, development and competition * Why more kids are dropping out of sport * The influence of parents, coaches and environment * Coaching your own child and managing expectations * What to say (and not say) after games A thought-provoking episode for coaches, parents, teachers and anyone involved in youth sport, focused on creating environments where kids can enjoy, develop and stay involved for life.

How & Why Matter More Than What in Coaching | Orlaith Curran PhD

Join my weekly coaching & performance email list: https://fhs-performance.kit.com/4d8709e773 [https://fhs-performance.kit.com/4d8709e773] How you coach — and why you do what you do — often matters more than the programme itself. In this episode, I’m joined by Orlaith Curran, Head of Athletic Performance for Women’s Sevens and Pathway in the IRFU, to explore what really matters when working with female athletes. Rather than getting caught up in exercises or session plans, this conversation focuses on the bigger picture — coaching approach, communication, environment and understanding the athlete in front of you. We discuss: * Why the “how” and “why” matter more than the “what” * Key considerations when training female athletes * Differences in volume, intensity and conditioning demands * Injury risk, athletic development and pathway structures * The importance of education, buy-in and player understanding * Building environments that support performance and development A practical and thought-provoking episode for GAA, rugby and field sport coaches, S&C practitioners, and anyone working with female athletes.

Creating Meaningful Experiences in Youth Sport | Dr Richard Bowles

Join my weekly coaching & performance email list: https://fhs-performance.kit.com/4d8709e773 [https://fhs-performance.kit.com/4d8709e773] 📥 Resources discussed in this episode: Meaning in Youth Sport (MiYS): https://www.mic.ul.ie/sites/default/files/uploads/639/Getting%20Started%20with%20MiYS%202023%20ENG%20fnl.pdf [https://www.mic.ul.ie/sites/default/files/uploads/639/Getting%20Started%20with%20MiYS%202023%20ENG%20fnl.pdf] Voice & Choice in PE: https://www.irishprimarype.com/student-voice-in-pe/ [https://www.irishprimarype.com/student-voice-in-pe/] Drowning in the Shallow – The 3Ps: https://drowningintheshallow.wordpress.com/2026/02/22/the-3ps-that-underpin-meaningful-pe/ [https://drowningintheshallow.wordpress.com/2026/02/22/the-3ps-that-underpin-meaningful-pe/] What makes a meaningful experience in sport? In this episode, we explore how coaches can move beyond drills and results to focus on what really matters — player experience, engagement and long-term participation. We discuss key ideas from Meaningful Experiences in Youth Sport (MiYS), along with practical concepts like voice and choice and the 3Ps framework, and how they can be applied in real coaching environments. We cover: * What players actually remember from sport * How to create engaging and enjoyable sessions * The role of autonomy and player voice * Balancing challenge and enjoyment * Practical ways to improve your coaching sessions A valuable listen for coaches, teachers, parents and anyone working with young athletes looking to create more impactful and meaningful sporting experiences.

Should We Stream Players in Underage GAA? | David Moran

Join my weekly coaching & performance email list: https://fhs-performance.kit.com/4d8709e773 [https://fhs-performance.kit.com/4d8709e773] Should underage players be streamed by ability in Gaelic Games? In this episode, I’m joined by David Moran, postdoctoral researcher at DCU and coach developer, to explore one of the most debated topics in youth sport — ability grouping and streaming in underage teams. We discuss research examining the experiences of players, parents and coaches in clubs that stream players at U13, U15 and U17 level. Rather than framing streaming as simply “good” or “bad,” the conversation focuses on how it is implemented and the impact it can have on player development, challenge, belonging and motivation. We cover: * Why streaming is becoming more common in large clubs * Potential benefits of appropriate challenge and stable teams * The risks of rigid streaming structures * Movement between teams and maintaining development opportunities * Resource allocation across A, B and C teams * Differences in boys’ and girls’ experiences * Why lower-tier teams still care deeply about competing and winning A thought-provoking conversation for coaches, club leaders, parents and coach developers navigating how best to structure underage teams in growing clubs.