Humans of Gaelic

Kevin O'Brien
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Conversations with experts, coaches and players, exploring elite performance in S&C and the GAA.

  1. The hidden reason for ACL injuries in GAA & why females are far more at risk

    11/13/2025

    The hidden reason for ACL injuries in GAA & why females are far more at risk

    What factors contribute to the high prevalence of ACL injuries in the GAA and why are females more at risk? Why do hurlers recover better from ACL surgery than footballers? And how are GAA players outpacing the AFL in return-to-play rates? These are just some of the findings from the biggest ever ACL study in the GAA. One of its lead authors, rehab specialist, biomechanics PhD, and Kildare S&C coach Neil Welch, breaks it all down on this week’s episode of the Humans of Gaelic podcast. He also shares advice on what players and coaches are still getting wrong in ACL rehab. In this episode, we also cover:• The role of the inter-county S&C coach in the off-season• Hamstring injuries and the best exercises to help prevent them• How to structure ACL rehab for better outcomes• Warm-up design for injury prevention• The role of movement analysis in spotting risk early• Exercises every player should be doing to protect their ACL• ACL recovery rates in GAA vs pro sports• Why female players are more at risk of ACL injuries than males Whether you’re a coach, an athlete returning from injury, or just want to avoid common mistakes - this is essential listening. ************* Time stamps: ACL injury trends in GAA (3:45) Why most rehab skips cutting work (9:00) Is NordBord testing enough? (15:30) Key benchmarks before returning to play (22:15) Hamstring strain risks during deceleration (28:00) Why multi-directional mechanics matter (35:00) What AFL can teach GAA (42:00) How to assess movement quality (47:30) ************* ➕ We've got some great guests coming up. Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any episodes. 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 benefit from this? Share it to help us spread the word! Follow Along 📍 Website: humansofgaelic.com📸 Instagram: @humansofgaelic📘 Facebook: Humans of Gaelic🎥 TikTok: @humansofgaelic

    45 min
  2. The truth about half-time team talks: from an expert with Brazil & GAA counties

    07/09/2025

    The truth about half-time team talks: from an expert with Brazil & GAA counties

    Is your half-time team talk doing more harm than good?  Armagh native and GAA coach Eamon Devlin is the specialist who changes the way world-class sports teams approach half-time. He worked with Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid and now Brazil, while he also consults for Argentina Rugby, several inter-county GAA teams, Premier League clubs and NBA sides to help them fix the most chaotic 15 minutes in sport. We talk about: The biggest mistakes GAA coaches make at half-timeWhat world class coaches like Carlo Ancelotti and Felipe Contepomi have in commonWhy emotional regulation is the coach’s first jobHow Real Madrid and the All-Blacks structure their team-talksWhat happens when you give out too many messages?Should the full management team go into the dressing room?Is letting your opponents wait on the pitch at HT beneficial?When should players flip the switch pre-game? Whether you're a coach or chasing an edge as a player, this episode will permanently change how you think about game day and half-time. ➕ 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 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

    54 min
  3. Sleep expert for GAA: The truth about Whoop, naps, blue light, caffeine & alcohol

    06/05/2025

    Sleep expert for GAA: The truth about Whoop, naps, blue light, caffeine & alcohol

    If you’re training hard but still feeling sluggish, flat, or injured — your sleep is probably the missing piece.In this episode, elite sleep coach Tom Coleman breaks down the science behind high performance recovery, and why most GAA players are undermining their progress every night. We talk about: The most common sleep disruptors for club players What evening games and late training sessions do to your nervous system Why caffeine timing matters more than you think The 5-minute bedtime routine to help you recover faster And how county players are now using sleep as a weapon Whether you're chasing fitness gains, better focus or just want to feel fresher for matches — this episode will give you a serious edge. ➕ 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 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

    50 min
  4. Why can’t more Gaelic footballers use both feet? Are we coaching the solo wrong?

    05/21/2025

    Why can’t more Gaelic footballers use both feet? Are we coaching the solo wrong?

    Most Gaelic footballers — even at the top level — are still heavily one-sided. In this fascinating episode, Karol Dillon breaks down the science and psychology behind laterality, the gap between drills and decisions, and how to truly develop more two-sided players. We explore: Why elite players still avoid their weaker side under pressureHow cross-lateral athletes like David Clifford (e.g. left foot/right hand) have an advantageWhy coaching for two-footedness must start before the ball is introducedHow pressure and fatigue force players back to their dominant sideThe overlooked role of parents and informal practiceWhy coaching the “weaker side” needs a complete rethinkTactical consequences of having too many right-footed players➕ 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 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

    43 min
  5. Why you’re not getting faster for GAA – and what your warm-ups are missing

    04/09/2025

    Why you’re not getting faster for GAA – and what your warm-ups are missing

    Paudie Kissane – 2010 All-Ireland winner with Cork, now an S&C coach and owner of his own athlete development company. In this episode, we unpack: How Paudie transitioned from inter-county football to high-performance coaching The myths around S&C in club setups Why most speed training is poorly implemented in GAA How warm-ups and training loads must adapt to the new rules What players and coaches can do to future-proof their performance ➕ 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 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

    48 min
  6. Why GAA players don’t need to feel confident to perform — mental tools that actually work

    03/27/2025

    Why GAA players don’t need to feel confident to perform — mental tools that actually work

    We’ve all heard it: “he’s low on confidence.” But what if confidence isn’t actually the key to playing well? Sports psychologist Eddy Sheeky breaks down why elite players perform regardless of how they feel — and how you can too. We discuss: The myth of confidence — and why elite players perform without itThe reset triggers, breathing drills, and mindset habits used at inter-county levelHow stress outside of sport is secretly killing recovery and performanceTools for players who get sick with nerves or lose control mid-gameWhat separates consistent performers at club vs county levelThe mindset mistakes most GAA players make when things go wrong You can follow Eddy on Instagram here: @esperformancepsychology ➕ 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 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.com⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@humansofgaelic⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠Humans of Gaelic⁠⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠@humansofgaelic⁠⁠⁠

    52 min
  7. How to overcome mental blocks, burnout & being dropped from a county panel (twice)

    02/19/2025

    How to overcome mental blocks, burnout & being dropped from a county panel (twice)

    In this episode, Tony Óg Regan shares his journey from playing in All-Ireland hurling finals with Galway, to dealing with being dropped from the panel multiple times and becoming one of Ireland’s top high-performance coaches . He discusses mental resilience, overcoming self-doubt, burnout, and the mindset needed to thrive in sport and life. In this episode, we break down: How burnout at 23 almost derailed his careerThe mindset shift that helped him recover from setbacksWhy he struggled in big finals and how he overcame mental blocksThe power of sports psychology, self-talk, and visualisationLessons from working with All-Ireland-winning teamsHow top teams like Limerick & Tipperary manage pressure and expectationsSocial media's impact on players and how to handle criticism 📖 Buy Tony’s Book Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction 3:45 – Losing the love for the game & overcoming burnout 8:20 – The mental impact of setbacks & self-worth in sport 14:30 – How testing and training smarter transformed his game 21:15 – Handling pressure in big games & breaking mental barriers 30:40 – The importance of mentors, sports psychology & mindset work 40:15 – What makes top teams like Limerick, Ballygunner and Tipp different 50:00 – Navigating retirement and finding purpose beyond sport ➕ 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 wherever you're listening.Leave a Review: If you found value in this episode, please give it a rating and review. It helps us hugelyShare 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.comInstagram: @humansofgaelicFacebook: Humans of GaelicTikTok: @humansofgaelic

    47 min
  8. The biggest GAA pre-season S&C mistakes (that lead to injuries & poor performance)

    02/13/2025

    The biggest GAA pre-season S&C mistakes (that lead to injuries & poor performance)

    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. 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 benefit from this? Share it to help us spread the word! Follow Along 📍 Website:humansofgaelic.com 📸 Instagram:@humansofgaelic 📘 Facebook:Humans of Gaelic 🎥 TikTok: @humansofgaelic

    40 min
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About

Conversations with experts, coaches and players, exploring elite performance in S&C and the GAA.

Information

  • Creator
    Kevin O'Brien
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Kevin O'Brien
  • Show Website
    Humans of Gaelic