The Sideline Live Podcast

The Sideline Live
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Sports
  • Updated Biweekly

The Sideline Live Podcast brings you closer to the world of sport through in-depth conversations with athletes, coaches, and experts. From high-performance insights to the untold stories, host Orla Keeling dives into the moments that shape successful careers, coaches and teams. Whether you’re a player, coach, parent, or passionate fan, this podcast offers real perspectives on success, resilience, and the ever-evolving world of sport. Social platforms: @thesidelinelive Email - thesidelinelive@gmail.com

  1. 5d ago

    #244 Eamon Fennell // Finding Success On & Off the Pitch

    On episode 244 I am joined by former Dublin and St. Vincent's footballer Eamonn Fennell. We discuss his football and professional career, setbacks, and everything in between. Eamon shares his evolution and journey not only as a footballer but also off the pitch including experiences that shaped him; growing up in a football-mad family, his transfer from O’Toole’s to St Vincent’s, and the unforgettable 2011 All-Ireland win. He also reflects on being dropped from the Dublin panel by Jim Gavin in 2013, how that disappointment drove him to reach another level, and ultimately winning a Club All-Ireland with St Vincent’s in 2014. Eamon opens up about being expelled from school at 17, the difficult impact that had on him, and how he turned things around to complete his Leaving Cert before eventually going on to study an MSc and MBA at UCD — despite not following the traditional route into third-level education. He has continued his entrepreneurial spirit building ventures of his own including a coffee shop in Donaghmede,⁠ and previously a bar on Camden street with Michael Darragh McCauley and Ross McConnell. He honestly shares his experience in finding time to do it all including work, coaching, business, training and family, and that it’s not about finding “balance”, but learning how to juggle your priorities. Find Eamon here https://www.instagram.com/eamo_fennell/ This episode is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Sport Expo Ireland⁠⁠⁠⁠,  a brand-new event taking place at the Sport Ireland Campus on April 21st and 22nd, 2027.  Designed to connect stakeholders from every corner of the Irish sporting landscape. Attendees will hear from leading voices in sport, take part in interactive workshops, explore the latest developments in elite performance, business and technology. Whether you’re involved in elite performance, grassroots, business, or simply passionate about where Irish sport is heading, ⁠⁠⁠Sport Expo Ireland ⁠⁠⁠is set to become one of the most exciting gatherings on the sporting calendar. To learn more, register your interest, and explore opportunities, visit https://qrco.de/bgrRu3  Follow The Sideline Live Social Media channels and the host Orla here:  https://linktr.ee/TheSidelineLive Recorded using Samson Q2 microphone, Edited using GarageBand Intro music, Watered Eyes by a talented Irish artist, Dillon Ward check him out ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ .  If you are looking to set up your own podcast get in touch with the Prymal Productions team ⁠⁠⁠www.prymal.ie⁠⁠⁠

    #244 Eamon Fennell // Finding Success On & Off the Pitch

  2. Aug 6

    #243 Ange Kelly // Building championship teams

    On episode 243, I sit down with legendary soccer coach Ange Kelly to explore the philosophy that has shaped one of the most respected coaching careers in football. From winning 5 in a row national championships alongside icons like Mia Hamm and learning under the legendary Pat Summitt, to developing professional players and empowering young women long after they leave the pitch. We discuss winning, coaching, building a championship team. Kelly also reflects on a career-defining injury that forged her own resilience as a player and not only being part of success but building teams that thrive together. She explains why talent alone never wins, why consistency separates greatness from potential, and why every successful team needs both stars and selfless players. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why coaching is ultimately about developing strong people, not just winning games.The winning formula behind championship cultures.The leadership lessons Ange learned during a 16-year mentorship with Pat Summitt.Why “greatness” is built through consistency—not flashes of brilliance.Why she doesn’t like the word potential How elite teams balance superstar talent with selfless role players.The mindset that helped Kelly overcome adversity and shape a remarkable coaching career.Why the greatest coaching success is measured years after the final whistle. This is a conversation about leadership, legacy, and finding the true meaning and purpose behind success. This episode was organised as part of the promotion for a 3-part docuseries “Raising Her Game” that explores the concurrent rise of Title IX, women's sports and U.S. Soccer. This is done through the eyes and experiences of the Texas Longhorns' soccer team during their conference championship run in 2022 under coach Ange Kelly. Watch the documentary here https://victoryplus.com/series/RaisingHerGame This episode is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Sport Expo Ireland⁠⁠⁠⁠,  a brand-new event taking place at the Sport Ireland Campus on April 21st and 22nd, 2027.  Designed to connect stakeholders from every corner of the Irish sporting landscape. Attendees will hear from leading voices in sport, take part in interactive workshops, explore the latest developments in elite performance, business and technology. Whether you’re involved in elite performance, grassroots, business, or simply passionate about where Irish sport is heading, ⁠⁠⁠Sport Expo Ireland ⁠⁠⁠is set to become one of the most exciting gatherings on the sporting calendar. To learn more, register your interest, and explore opportunities, visit https://qrco.de/bgrRu3  Follow The Sideline Live Social Media channels and the host Orla here:  ⁠https://linktr.ee/TheSidelineLive⁠ Recorded using Samson Q2 microphone, Edited using GarageBand Intro music, Watered Eyes by a talented Irish artist, Dillon Ward check him out ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠ .  If you are looking to set up your own podcast get in touch with the Prymal Productions team ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.prymal.ie⁠⁠⁠⁠

    #243 Ange Kelly // Building championship teams

  3. Jul 30

    #242 Stephen Smith // Sole in One

    On episode 242 I sit down with entrepreneur and previously intercounty footballer Stephen Smith, founder of Sole in One—an innovative product transforming any footwear into golf shoes. What started as a solution to the frustration of travelling with bulky golf shoes, and a college project has become a business tackling one of golf’s biggest barriers to entry. But this conversation goes far beyond business. Smith opens up about the reality of entrepreneurship—the highs of making global sales, the lows of entrepreneurship, and why building a strong network of mentors has been a key part to his journey. Stephen shares the process and work behind the brand, the lessons he has learned and plenty of movie references throughout. We also dive into the difficult decision to step back from inter-county football to pursue his business. Rather than losing his identity, Smith found a new perspective, discovering that football became an escape from work instead of another source of pressure—ultimately improving his performances on the pitch. Along the way, he shares his advice for anyone building a brand, so if you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, an athlete navigating life beyond their sport, or someone looking for inspiration to back yourself, this episode is packed with honest insights, practical takeaways, and a reminder that every successful journey starts by solving a real problem. Find Sole in one here https://www.instagram.com/soleinone1?igsh=MTFicmY2b2Q0OTAyaA== https://soleinone1.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoouHc9rMLGUzKkC34sYSL8v5ejFOBaQKnPlj1hx1o0UrJp_H_GV Stephen’s LinkedIn https://ie.linkedin.com/in/stephen-smith52 This episode is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Sport Expo Ireland⁠⁠⁠⁠,  a brand-new event taking place at the Sport Ireland Campus on April 21st and 22nd, 2027.  Designed to connect stakeholders from every corner of the Irish sporting landscape. Attendees will hear from leading voices in sport, take part in interactive workshops, explore the latest developments in elite performance, business and technology. Whether you’re involved in elite performance, grassroots, business, or simply passionate about where Irish sport is heading, ⁠⁠⁠Sport Expo Ireland ⁠⁠⁠is set to become one of the most exciting gatherings on the sporting calendar. To learn more, register your interest, and explore opportunities, visit https://qrco.de/bgrRu3  Follow The Sideline Live Social Media channels and the host Orla here:  ⁠https://linktr.ee/TheSidelineLive⁠ Recorded using Samson Q2 microphone, Edited using GarageBand Intro music, Watered Eyes by a talented Irish artist, Dillon Ward check him out ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠ .  If you are looking to set up your own podcast get in touch with the Prymal Productions team ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.prymal.ie⁠⁠⁠⁠

    #242 Stephen Smith // Sole in One

  4. Jul 23

    #241 Gemma McGuinness // Retirement & Reflection in sport

    On episode 241 I sit down with former footballer Gemma McGuinness for a thoughtful conversation about retirement, identity, maximising performance and the lessons that come from taking an unconventional path. Gemma reflects on her career from navigating the changing landscape of women’s football to finding opportunities when the traditional route wasn’t always clear. We explore her journey, the moments that shaped her perspective, the value of embracing uncertainty, and why some of the biggest opportunities happen away from sport. Gemma highlights the the role and importance of self-reflection, why perspective matters as much as preparation, and how the pursuit of excellence doesn’t have to come at the expense of enjoying the journey. We also discuss the realities of retirement from professional sport—how athletes can prepare for such a significant transition, why identity is such an important part of the conversation, and what support can look like during periods of change. What happens when the final whistle blows on a career you’ve dedicated your life to? How do you prepare for life beyond elite sport? For coaches, parents and young athletes, Gemma offers valuable perspectives and insights on creating environments, supporting others and able to develop both as performers and as individuals. We talk about confidence, communication, leadership, and why the conversations happening off the pitch are often just as important as the ones taking place on it. Whether you’re involved in sport, facing a career transition, or simply interested in maximising your performance, this episode is packed with honest reflections, and practical insights that extend far beyond football. Follow Gemma here: https://www.instagram.com/gemmcguinnness?igsh=ZHZiOGU5a2x0ZmE3 https://verusperformance.com This episode is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Sport Expo Ireland⁠⁠⁠⁠,  a brand-new event taking place at the Sport Ireland Campus on April 21st and 22nd, 2027.  Designed to connect stakeholders from every corner of the Irish sporting landscape. Attendees will hear from leading voices in sport, take part in interactive workshops, explore the latest developments in elite performance, business and technology. Whether you’re involved in elite performance, grassroots, business, or simply passionate about where Irish sport is heading, ⁠⁠⁠Sport Expo Ireland ⁠⁠⁠is set to become one of the most exciting gatherings on the sporting calendar. To learn more, register your interest, and explore opportunities, visit https://qrco.de/bgrRu3  Follow The Sideline Live Social Media channels and the host Orla here:  ⁠https://linktr.ee/TheSidelineLive⁠ Recorded using Samson Q2 microphone, Edited using GarageBand Intro music, Watered Eyes by a talented Irish artist, Dillon Ward check him out ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠ .  If you are looking to set up your own podcast get in touch with the Prymal Productions team ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.prymal.ie⁠⁠⁠⁠

    #241 Gemma McGuinness // Retirement & Reflection in sport

  5. Jul 14

    #240 Aoife Wafer // The Power of Curiosity

    On episode 240 I am delighted to be joined by back to back Six Nations player of the championship winner, Irish rugby international, Harlequins professional Aoife Wafer. At just 23 years of age Aoife has cemented herself as one of the best players in the game. However to 10 year old Aoife this was all part of the plan. Ambition, work ethic, and the power of curiosity are the pillars to the success of Wafers’ career. It has been far from smooth sailing with multiple injuries including a 2 year gap from her first to her second international cap thanks to a serious hanstring injury which not only tested her but her passion for rugby driving her to nearly give up the sport. Thankfully she took a few steps back and found her love for the game and her passion again. Since then she has taken off on a new found trajectory and was named as the first ever back to back recipient of the 6 nations players of the tournament event. We discuss her career, the power of curiosity, being a role model, the sacrifices, injuries, and ambition to be the best in the world. Aoife also shares insights into the power of visualisation, connecting with fans and more. This was a very honest and insightful chat with one of the great athletes and people of this generation… and she is certainly no where near finished yet! This episode is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠Sport Expo Ireland⁠⁠⁠,  a brand-new event taking place at the Sport Ireland Campus on April 21st and 22nd, 2027.  Designed to connect stakeholders from every corner of the Irish sporting landscape. Attendees will hear from leading voices in sport, take part in interactive workshops, explore the latest developments in elite performance, business and technology. Whether you’re involved in elite performance, grassroots, business, or simply passionate about where Irish sport is heading, ⁠⁠⁠Sport Expo Ireland ⁠⁠⁠is set to become one of the most exciting gatherings on the sporting calendar. To learn more, register your interest, and explore opportunities, visit https://qrco.de/bgrRu3  Follow The Sideline Live Social Media channels and the host Orla here:  ⁠https://linktr.ee/TheSidelineLive⁠ Recorded using Samson Q2 microphone, Edited using GarageBand Intro music, Watered Eyes by a talented Irish artist, Dillon Ward check him out ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠ .  If you are looking to set up your own podcast get in touch with the Prymal Productions team ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.prymal.ie⁠⁠⁠⁠

    #240 Aoife Wafer // The Power of Curiosity

  6. Jul 8

    #239 Professor Tom Cosker // Lessons from the operating theatre

    On episode 239 I am joined by Professor Tom Cosker is a Consultant Orthopaedic Oncology Surgeon at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Oxford, and Clinical Lead for the Oxford Sarcoma Service.  He specialises in bone and soft tissue tumours, with a particular interest in upper limb surgery and reconstruction.  Alongside his clinical work, Tom is an Associate Professor and Director of Surgical Anatomy at the University of Oxford, where he is helping to shape the next generation of surgeons. A recognised leader in surgical training, Tom has pioneered the use of 3D printing, his work combines cutting-edge technology with practical clinical expertise, and he has published extensively on orthopaedic surgery, anatomy, and surgical training. In this episode, Tom shares insights from his career as a surgeon, lessons from the operating theatre, high pressure environment, human potential and also reflects on the lessons learned from training and mentoring surgeons around the world. This episode is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠Sport Expo Ireland⁠⁠⁠,  a brand-new event taking place at the Sport Ireland Campus on April 21st and 22nd, 2027.  Designed to connect stakeholders from every corner of the Irish sporting landscape. Attendees will hear from leading voices in sport, take part in interactive workshops and masterclasses, explore the latest developments in elite performance, business and technology. Whether you’re involved in elite performance, grassroots, business, or simply passionate about where Irish sport is heading, ⁠⁠⁠Sport Expo Ireland ⁠⁠⁠is set to become one of the most exciting gatherings on the sporting calendar. To learn more, register your interest, and explore opportunities, visit https://qrco.de/bgrRu3  Follow The Sideline Live Social Media channels and the host Orla here:  ⁠https://linktr.ee/TheSidelineLive⁠ Recorded using Samson Q2 microphone, Edited using GarageBand Intro music, Watered Eyes by a talented Irish artist, Dillon Ward check him out ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠ .  If you are looking to set up your own podcast get in touch with the Prymal Productions team ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.prymal.ie⁠⁠⁠⁠

    #239 Professor Tom Cosker // Lessons from the operating theatre

  7. Jul 2

    #238 Jo-Anne Browne // Clinical Sports Psychologist

    On episode 238 I am very excited to be joined by Clinical Sports Psychologist Jo-Anne Browne.  Jo-Anne is currently one of two sports clinical psychologists working in Sport Ireland and has an extensive background also working in the public sector before specialising in breath work training and working with Team Ireland writing her dissertation on the 2021 Tokyo games, and travelling to work at The Paralympic Games in 2024.  Jo-Anne and I discuss her work and role, identity, Psychological rest and switching off, advice to coaches & parents and more. We also delve into breathing and breath work, the important parts of breathing, the individual approach and some live feedback on my own technique!  This was a very enjoyable episode with Jo-Anne and was recorded on The Sport Ireland Campus in late May. Podcasts are a moment in time and are not a clinical resource or replacement, if you are seeking support please contact your GP, or mental health services.  Some insights/Takeaways:  "Name it to tame it" "You can’t focus and process at same time" Pick 5 downtime activities  It must be something that you are fully absorbed in "Emotion gives us meaning abut what we have experienced  - Emotion guides behaviours" "You can’t tell your heart to slow down but you can change your breathing" "If in doubt breathe out" This episode is sponsored by ⁠⁠Sport Expo Ireland⁠⁠,  a brand-new event taking place at the Sport Ireland Campus on April 21st and 22nd, 2027.  Designed to connect stakeholders from every corner of the Irish sporting landscape. Attendees will hear from leading voices in sport, take part in interactive workshops and masterclasses, explore the latest developments in elite performance, business and technology. Whether you’re involved in elite performance, grassroots, business, or simply passionate about where Irish sport is heading, ⁠⁠Sport Expo Ireland ⁠⁠is set to become one of the most exciting gatherings on the sporting calendar. To learn more, register your interest, and explore opportunities, visit https://qrco.de/bgrRu3  Follow The Sideline Live Social Media channels and the host Orla here:  https://linktr.ee/TheSidelineLive Recorded using Samson Q2 microphone, Edited using GarageBand Intro music, Watered Eyes by a talented Irish artist, Dillon Ward check him out ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ .  If you are looking to set up your own podcast get in touch with the Prymal Productions team ⁠⁠⁠www.prymal.ie⁠⁠⁠

    #238 Jo-Anne Browne // Clinical Sports Psychologist

  8. Jun 24

    #237 Clinton Efinda // From Naas to Division 1 college basketball

    On episode 237 I am delighted to be joined by NCAA D1 basketball player and Irish international Clinton Efinda. Clinton recently announced his transfer from UNCG to Canisius in the MACC conference.  Clinton reflect on his journey from Nass to playing NCAA Division I basketball in the United States.  He opens up about the challenges and realities of his basketball journey, growing up in Naas playing GAA and deciding to focus on basketball, adapting to new cultures and environments, dealing with setbacks, transferring and learning what it takes to survive and thrive in the cut throat environment of basketball in the United States.  What does it really take for an Irish athlete to break into the American college system? The 6-foot-5 forward shares his insights into the reality of the American basketball and college system, the importance of resilience and self-belief, and how his perspective has evolved throughout his journey.  A thoughtful conversation about ambition, maturity, work ethic, and the courage to take a chance on yourself. This is Clinton Efinda’s journey from Nass to College basketball. This episode is sponsored by Sport Expo Ireland,  a brand-new event taking place at the Sport Ireland Campus on April 21st and 22nd, 2027.  Designed to connect stakeholders from every corner of the Irish sporting landscape. Attendees will hear from leading voices in sport, take part in interactive workshops and masterclasses, explore the latest developments in elite performance, business and technology. Whether you’re involved in elite performance, grassroots, business, or simply passionate about where Irish sport is heading, Sport Expo Ireland is set to become one of the most exciting gatherings on the sporting calendar. To learn more, register your interest, and explore opportunities, visit https://qrco.de/bgrRu3 Follow The Sideline Live Social Media channels and the host Orla here:  https://linktr.ee/TheSidelineLive Recorded using Samson Q2 microphone, Edited using GarageBand Intro music, Watered Eyes by a talented Irish artist, Dillon Ward check him out ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ .  If you are looking to set up your own podcast get in touch with the Prymal Productions team ⁠⁠⁠www.prymal.ie⁠⁠⁠

    #237 Clinton Efinda // From Naas to Division 1 college basketball
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About

The Sideline Live Podcast brings you closer to the world of sport through in-depth conversations with athletes, coaches, and experts. From high-performance insights to the untold stories, host Orla Keeling dives into the moments that shape successful careers, coaches and teams. Whether you’re a player, coach, parent, or passionate fan, this podcast offers real perspectives on success, resilience, and the ever-evolving world of sport. Social platforms: @thesidelinelive Email - thesidelinelive@gmail.com

Information

  • Creator
    The Sideline Live
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    233
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © The Sideline Live
  • Show Website
    The Sideline Live Podcast

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