Podcast by The Players Voice
In our final episode of 2024, Cork's Saoirse McCarthy joined The Players Voice to chat about retaining the All-Ireland this year and to share some of the lessons learned along the way. Over the course of this wide-ranging chat, the All-Star wing-forward discusses the importance of enjoying the inter-county lifestyle, experiencing burnout and how much she has benefitted from developing as both a person and athlete. The Players Voice podcast is brought to you by the Gaelic Players Association in collaboration with Real Talks. Each episode is hosted by former Cavan player and New York manager Alan O'Mara, who works as a Mental Performance Coach in elite sports in the US and Ireland. The GPA is the representative body for high performance inter-county players. Founded by players in 1999 and strengthened by a merger with the Women's Gaelic Players Association in 2020, the GPA supports over 4,000 current male and female inter-county players, and a growing number of former players across four core pillars - Player Representation, Player Welfare, Player Development and Equality. You can learn more about their work at gaelicplayers.com. If you enjoyed this episode of The Players Voice, you can listen to previous episodes with the likes of Niall Morgan, Conor Whelan, Lauren Magee and Maria Curley. Please also rate and review the show. Thanks for listening!
Kerry's Kayleigh Cronin joined The Players Voice to chat about winning the All-Ireland this year and her decision to try life in the AFLW in 2025. In a wide-ranging chat, the two-time All Star shares some of the lessons and insights that helped Kerry end a 31 year wait for an All-Ireland title at this level. She also opens up on her growth as a leader and person both on and off the field. The Players Voice podcast is brought to you by the Gaelic Players Association in collaboration with Real Talks. Each episode is hosted by former Cavan player and New York manager Alan O'Mara, who works as a Mental Performance Coach in elite sports in the US and Ireland. The GPA is the representative body for high performance inter-county players. Founded by players in 1999 and strengthened by a merger with the Women's Gaelic Players Association in 2020, the GPA supports over 4,000 current male and female inter-county players, and a growing number of former players across four core pillars - Player Representation, Player Welfare, Player Development and Equality. You can learn more about their work at gaelicplayers.com. If you enjoyed this episode of The Players Voice, you can listen to previous episodes with the likes of Conn Kilpatrick, Amy O'Connor, Mary Hulgraine or Ciarán Kilkenny. Please also rate and review the show. Thanks for listening!
Antrim's Conor McCann joined The Players Voice to chat about his decision to step away from inter-county hurling after 14 years of stellar service. He talked about handling the transition out of the elite level of the game and why now was the right time to step away for him, his family and his club. Conor also reflected on lessons learned from the time spent wearing saffron yellow and shared his optimism for the future of Antrim hurling. The Players Voice podcast is brought to you by the Gaelic Players Association in collaboration with Real Talks. Each episode is hosted by former Cavan player and New York manager Alan O'Mara, who works as a Mental Performance Coach in elite sports in the US and Ireland. The GPA is the representative body for high performance inter-county players. Founded by players in 1999 and strengthened by a merger with the Women's Gaelic Players Association in 2020, the GPA supports over 4,000 current male and female inter-county players, and a growing number of former players across four core pillars - Player Representation, Player Welfare, Player Development and Equality. You can learn more about their work at gaelicplayers.com. If you enjoyed this episode of The Players Voice, you can listen to previous episodes with the likes of Conn Kilpatrick, Amy O'Connor, Mary Hulgraine or Ciarán Kilkenny. Please also rate and review the show. Thanks for listening!
Meath's Cillian O'Sullivan joined The Players Voice for an insightful and inspiring conversation about being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). Late in 2023 Cillian's world was turned upside down on his honeymoon when his condition deteriorated. He talks us through some of the challenges he has had to overcome on this journey and how he bounced back to represent Meath within a matter of months. A clinical psychologist by profession, he also shares fascinating insight into his mindset and coping mechanisms during difficult times. The Players Voice podcast is brought to you by the Gaelic Players Association in collaboration with Real Talks. Each episode is hosted by former Cavan player and New York manager Alan O'Mara, who works as a Mental Performance Coach in elite sports in the US. The GPA is the representative body for high performance inter-county players. Founded by players in 1999 and strengthened by a merger with the Women's Gaelic Players Association in 2020, the GPA supports over 4,000 current male and female inter-county players, and a growing number of former players across four core pillars - Player Representation, Player Welfare, Player Development and Equality. You can learn more about their work at gaelicplayers.com. If you enjoyed this episode of The Players Voice, you can listen to previous episodes with the likes of Conn Kilpatrick, Amy O'Connor, Mary Hulgraine or Ciarán Kilkenny. Please also rate and review the show. Thanks for listening!
All-Ireland winner and All-Star Conor Whelan joins us for a special episode of The Players Voice on World Mental Health Day. Fresh from a Masters in Psychology, and currently doing a PHD on the Mental Health of GAA inter-county players, Conor offers fascinating insight into some of the challenges facing modern day players. In a wide-ranging conversation about mental health and wellbeing, the Galway hurler also talks about athletic identity, challenging himself to grow as a person, changing careers and the importance of volunteering. The Players Voice podcast is brought to you by the Gaelic Players Association in collaboration with Real Talks. Each episode is hosted by former Cavan player and New York manager Alan O'Mara, who works as a Mental Performance Coach in elite sports in the US. The GPA is the representative body for high performance inter-county players. Founded by players in 1999 and strengthened by a merger with the Women's Gaelic Players Association in 2020, the GPA supports over 4,000 current male and female inter-county players, and a growing number of former players across four core pillars - Player Representation, Player Welfare, Player Development and Equality. You can learn more about their work at gaelicplayers.com. If you enjoyed this episode of The Players Voice, you can listen to previous episodes with the likes of Conn Kilpatrick, Amy O'Connor, Mary Hulgraine or Ciarán Kilkenny. Please also rate and review the show. Thanks for listening!
On this week's episode of The Players Voice, host Alan O'Mara is joined by Tipperary's Maria Curley. An experienced leader on and off the field, Curley discusses why she is as determined as ever to keep driving standards for female GAA players. She also talks about becoming an entrepreneur and shares how her physiotherapy practice has positively impacted the community through over 65 exercise classes. The Players Voice podcast is brought to you by the Gaelic Players Association in collaboration with Real Talks. Each episode is hosted by former Cavan player and New York manager Alan O'Mara, who now works as a Mental Performance Coach in elite sports in the US. The GPA is the representative body for high performance inter-county players. Founded by players in 1999 and strengthened by a merger with the Women's Gaelic Players Association in 2020, the GPA supports over 4,000 current male and female inter-county players, and a growing number of former players across four core pillars - Player Representation, Player Welfare, Player Development and Equality. You can learn more about their work at gaelicplayers.com. If you enjoyed this episode of The Players Voice, you can listen to previous episodes with the likes of Niall Morgan, Lauren Magee, Chloe Morey or Neil McManus. Please also rate and review the show. Thanks for listening!
On this week's episode of The Players Voice, host Alan O'Mara is joined by Kildare's Grace Clifford. Grace talked about the decline and rise of Kildare during her career, and why she keeps coming back for more! She also chatted about the importance of players speaking up to create lasting change, empowering young girls in sport and life, and her excitement for the future of the game. The Players Voice podcast is brought to you by the Gaelic Players Association in collaboration with Real Talks. Each episode is hosted by former Cavan player Alan O'Mara, who now works as a Mental Performance Coach in elite sports in the US. The GPA is the representative body for high performance inter-county players. Founded by players in 1999 and strengthened by a merger with the Women's Gaelic Players Association in 2020, the GPA supports over 4,000 current male and female inter-county players, and a growing number of former players across four core pillars - Player Representation, Player Welfare, Player Development and Equality. You can learn more about their work at gaelicplayers.com. If you enjoyed this episode of The Players Voice, you can listen to previous episodes with the likes of Niall Morgan, Lauren Magee, Chloe Morey or Neil McManus. Please also rate and review the show. Thanks for listening!
Mickey Quinn reflects on his decision to retire from inter-county football after 13 seasons and why now was the right time to transition out of the game.In a wide-ranging chat with the former Longford stalwart and AFL player, we looked back on lessons learned from his life in elite sport and discussed some of the highs and frustrations he experienced. We also chatted about his motivation for setting up Mickey Quinn Performance and how he plans to help individuals and teams improve going forward. The Players Voice podcast is brought to you by the Gaelic Players Association in collaboration with Real Talks. Each episode is hosted by Alan O'Mara, a former Cavan player and New York manager, who now works as a mental performance coach with elite sports teams. The GPA is the representative body for high performance inter-county players. Founded by players in 1999 and strengthened by a merger with the Women's Gaelic Players Association in 2020, the GPA supports over 4,000 current male and female inter-county players, and a growing number of former players across four core pillars - Player Representation, Player Welfare, Player Development and Equality. You can learn more about their work at gaelicplayers.com. If you enjoyed this episode of The Players Voice, you can listen to previous episodes with the likes of Niall Morgan, Lauren Magee, Chloe Morey or Neil McManus. Please also rate and review the show. Thanks for listening!
The latest episode of The Players' Voice features Derry's Conor Glass.During this conversation, Conor reflects on lessons he learned from his experience as a professional athlete in the AFL. He talks about how working with a sports psychologist helped improve both his performances and wellbeing.The Glen clubman also discusses how Derry have rebuilt confidence and a winning mentality in recent years, how much he loves being part of his home community again and the challenge of balancing life as a cafe owner, student, and inter-county footballer.The Players Voice podcast is brought to you by the Gaelic Players Association in collaboration with Real Talks. Thanks for listening!
The latest episode of The Players Voice features Cork's Amy O'Connor.Fresh from captaining the Rebel county to the All-Ireland title and winning an All-Star, Amy sat down to reflect on a memorable year and some of the lessons learned along the way.She talked about what it was like to score 3-7 in the 2023 All-Ireland final, including a hat-trick within two minutes. Incredibly, as you will hear, she was so in the zone during the game that she didn't realize she had scored three goals until after the final whistle!Amy discussed how much the GPA Jim Madden leadership programme impacted her professional development and helped her become a better and more authentic captain. She also chatted about her underage international soccer career and why her deep love for Camogie meant that it was always going to be the sport for her!The Players Voice podcast is brought to you by the Gaelic Players Association in collaboration with Real Talks. Enjoy!
The latest episode features former Galway player Alan Kerins.Back in 2001, Alan Kerins had the rare experience of playing in both the All-Ireland football and hurling finals but since then his impact has stretched far beyond the playing field. Through his charity work, Alan has raised millions of euro that has saved and changed thousands of lives in Africa.During this conversation, Alan tells us about the upcoming ‘Plant the Planet Games' which will see 50 inter-county players travel to Kenya to play in an exhibition game and plant trees to help tackle the devastating effects of climate change. This is the second year of the Plant the Planet Games and last year a group of footballers, hurlers and camogie players helped to raise over €500,000 and plant one million trees in the region in partnership with Self Help Africa. He also talked about leadership and legacy.Each episode is hosted by Alan O'Mara, a former Cavan goalkeeper who now works as a Performance and Wellbeing consultant with sports and business leaders around the world. Check out www.RealTalks.ie to learn more about Alan and his work. Thanks for listening!
The latest episode of The Players Voice features Dublin's Ciarán Kilkenny.The Castleknock clubman talks about life as a teacher, setting up a Yoga business and the importance of trying new things. He chats about his search for sport/life balance and lessons learned from pushing himself too hard.Ciarán also looks back on the high of recapturing the Sam Maguire this year and opens up on the mental and emotional challenges that came with being out of the starting team for some big championship games.The Players' Voice is brought to you by the Gaelic Players Association in collaboration with Real Talks. The podcast series is part of BEO 360, a GPA programme that empowers inter-county players across 4 key areas - life skills, wellbeing, dual career and transitions. Please go to beo360.gaelicplayers.com to learn more.Each episode is hosted by Alan O'Mara, a former Cavan goalkeeper who now works as a Performance and Wellbeing consultant with sports and business leaders around the world. Check out www.RealTalks.ie.
The latest episode of The Players Voice features Dublin's Lauren Magee.During this conversation, Lauren explains why Dublin's All-Ireland victory in 2023 was the sweetest of them all. She discussed how much she benefited as a person from taking a break to go traveling and what she learned from her experience in the AFLW. Lauren also opens up about losing her step-dad to suicide and her journey with grief.If you are a GPA member in the Republic of Ireland and are in need of mental health support, call 1800 98 92 85 or text ‘GPA' to 50808. From Northern Ireland, please call 0800 044 5059 or text ‘GPA' 85258.If you aren't a GPA member and need mental health support, please check out the Samaritans or Pieta House.The Players' Voice is brought to you by the Gaelic Players Association in collaboration with Real Talks. The podcast series is part of BEO 360, a GPA programme that empowers inter-county players across 4 key areas - life skills, wellbeing, dual career and transitions. Please go to beo360.gaelicplayers.com to learn more.Each episode is hosted by Alan O'Mara, a former Cavan goalkeeper who now works as a Performance and Wellbeing consultant. To find out more about his work with sports and business leaders around the world, please go to www.RealTalks.ie.
The latest episode of The Players Voice features Kerry's Martin Stackpoole.The goalkeeper joined host Alan O'Mara to open up in great detail about his gambling addiction and his recovery. Martin talks about his struggle to reach out for help, what he learned from spending time in a treatment centre and how much he is enjoying living life on his own terms again.The Players' Voice is brought to you by the Gaelic Players Association in collaboration with Real Talks. The podcast series is part of BEO 360, a GPA programme that empowers inter-county players across 4 key areas - life skills, wellbeing, dual career and transitions. Please go to beo360.gaelicplayers.com to learn more.If you are a GPA member and worried about problem gambling, call 1800 98 92 85 or text ‘GPA' to 50808 from the Republic of Ireland OR from Northern Ireland please call 0800 044 5059 or text ‘GPA' 85258. If you aren't a GPA member and need support, please check out gamblersanonymous.ie or problemgambling.ie.Each episode is hosted by Alan O'Mara, a former Cavan goalkeeper who now works as a Performance and Wellbeing consultant. To find out more about his work with sports and business leaders around the world, please go to www.RealTalks.ie.
Welcome to the latest episode of The Players Voice - where this week we are joined by Down's Fionnuala Carr. During this chat, Fionnuala opens up about the highs and lows of running her own business, MarVal Power. She talks about applying the ‘next ball' mentality she learned in sport to business, as well as dealing with self-doubt and building confidence. We also chatted about retiring from the inter-county game, the positive role Clonduff GAA club plays in her life and becoming a mother for the first time. The Players' Voice is brought to you by the Gaelic Players Association in collaboration with Real Talks. The podcast series is part of BEO 360, a GPA programme that empowers inter-county players across 4 key areas - life skills, wellbeing, dual career and transitions. Please go to beo360.gaelicplayers.com for more information. Each episode is hosted by Alan O'Mara, a former Cavan goalkeeper and a Performance and Wellbeing consultant. To find out more about his work with sports and business leaders around the world, please go to www.RealTalks.ie.
Welcome to the latest episode of The Players Voice - where this week we are joined by Kildare goalkeeper Mary Hulgraine. During this powerful and insightful conversation, Mary reflects on her well-being journey and recovery from alcohol and drug addiction. She talks about the importance of accepting help and shares some of the highs and lows of life in recovery. Mary also chats about learning to love herself, prioritising self-care and the things that help her stay well. If you are a GPA member in the Republic of Ireland and are impacted by this episode, please call 1800 98 92 85 or text ‘GPA' to 50808. From Northern Ireland please call 0800 044 5059 or text ‘GPA' 85258. If you aren't a GPA member and want to learn more about important mental health services, check out the Samaritans, Pieta House and for addiction specific services check out Cuan Mhuire. The Players' Voice is brought to you by the Gaelic Players Association in collaboration with Real Talks. The podcast series is part of BEO 360, a GPA programme that empowers inter-county players across 4 key areas - life skills, wellbeing, dual career and transitions. Please go to beo360.gaelicplayers.com for more information. Each episode is hosted by Alan O'Mara, a former Cavan goalkeeper who now works as a Performance and Wellbeing consultant. To find out more about his work with sports and business leaders around the world, please go to www.RealTalks.ie.
Welcome to the latest episode of The Players Voice - where this week we are joined by New York goalkeeper and former Down player, Mick Cunningham. One of the heroes that helped the exiles to their first ever win in the Connacht GAA championship earlier this year, Mick tells us why he moved to New York in the first place and how it has helped him to evolve as a person and a player. Away from the GAA, he is the Co-Founder and Chief Technical Officer at Zelta AI. During this conversation, Mick talks about community, mindset, dealing with mistakes, work/life balance and what he has learned from taking the road less travelled. The Players' Voice is brought to you by the Gaelic Players Association in collaboration with Real Talks. The podcast series is part of BEO 360, a GPA programme that empowers inter-county players across 4 key areas - life skills, wellbeing, dual career and transitions. Please go to beo360.gaelicplayers.com to learn more. Each episode is hosted by Alan O'Mara, a former Cavan goalkeeper who now works as a Performance and Wellbeing consultant. To find out more about his work with sports and business leaders around the world, please go to www.RealTalks.ie. To find out more about me or my work as a performance and wellbeing consultant, please go to www.RealTalks.ie.
Welcome to the latest episode of The Players Voice - where this week we are joined by Clare camogie star Chloe Morey and former Tyrone player Gemma Begley, who is now the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion manager with the Gaelic Players Association. During this chat, Chloe and Gemma outline why female inter-county football and camogie teams will play the remainder of their 2023 championships under protest. They explain why players feel disrespected by the GAA, the LGFA and Camogie Association, as well as the need for a centralized Player Charter Agreement to protect player welfare. They discuss why players have run out of patience and are unified behind the need to build a better future. The Players' Voice is brought to you by the Gaelic Players Association in collaboration with Real Talks. The podcast series is part of BEO 360, a GPA programme that empowers inter-county players across 4 key areas - life skills, wellbeing, dual career and transitions. Please go to beo360.gaelicplayers.com to learn more. Each episode is hosted by Alan O'Mara, a former Cavan goalkeeper who now works as a Performance and Wellbeing consultant. To find out more about his work with sports and business leaders around the world, please go to www.RealTalks.ie. To find out more about me or my work as a performance and wellbeing consultant, please go to www.RealTalks.ie. But for now, please sit back, relax, and enjoy this episode of The Players Voice - with Chloe Morey and Gemma Begley
Welcome to the latest episode of The Players Voice - where this week we are joined by Cora Staunton. During this chat, Cora shares how she is managing the transition out of her 6 year spell as a professional athlete in the AFLW. Cora tells us about her work as part of the Galway camogie management team this season and her passion for mentoring, leading and empowering the next generation as she looks ahead to her next chapter in life. She also discusses why female inter-county players need to be better supported and the importance of players speaking up for themselves. Each episode is hosted by Alan O'Mara, a former Cavan goalkeeper who now works as a Performance and Wellbeing consultant. To find out more about his work with sports and business leaders around the world, please go to www.RealTalks.ie. The Players' Voice is brought to you by the Gaelic Players Association in collaboration with Real Talks. The podcast series is part of BEO 360, a GPA programme that empowers inter-county players across 4 key areas - life skills, wellbeing, dual career and transitions. Please go to beo360.gaelicplayers.com to learn more. But for now, please sit back, relax, and enjoy episode 29 of The Players Voice - with Cora Staunton.
The latest episode of The Players Voice features Kildare hurler James Burke. During this chat, the 2022 Christy Ring Player of the Year opens up about how bacterial meningitis once turned his whole world upside down. Contracting the rare but deadly infection was a life threatening experience, and James shares some of the unexpected lessons and perspective he was forced to learn as a young man. We also talk about his journey from hotshot rookie to team captain in a few short years, transitioning from student life to full-time employment while juggling an inter-county career and how much he has benefitted from engaging with the Gaelic Players Association. The Players' Voice is brought to you by the Gaelic Players Association in collaboration with Real Talks. The podcast series is part of BEO 360, a GPA programme that empowers inter-county players across 4 key areas - life skills, wellbeing, dual career and transitions. Please go to beo360.gaelicplayers.com to learn more. Each episode is hosted by Alan O'Mara, a former Cavan goalkeeper who now works as a Performance and Wellbeing consultant. To find out more about his work with sports and business leaders around the world, please go to www.RealTalks.ie.
This is the second part of our mental health special on The Players Voice with Antrim hurler Domhnall Nugent. Having struggled with addiction to alcohol and cocaine, Domhnall Nugent spent three months in residential rehabilitation. He is now an addiction facilitator with Cuan Mhuire and the founder of Let's Face It. In this episode, Domnhnall and host Alan O'Mara talk about developing resilience, dealing with well-being setbacks and the challenge of staying well. They also chat about the rise of cocaine in Irish society and the stigma that surrounds drugs and substance abuse. If you are a GPA member in the Republic of Ireland and are impacted by this episode, call 1800 98 92 85 or text ‘GPA' to 50808. From Northern Ireland, call 0800 044 5059 or text ‘GPA' 85258. If you aren't a GPA member and want to learn more about mental health services, please check out services like Samaritans, Pieta House or Cuan Mhuire. The Players' Voice is brought to you by the Gaelic Players Association in collaboration with Real Talks. The podcast series is part of BEO 360, a GPA programme that empowers inter-county players across 4 key areas - life skills, wellbeing, dual career and transitions. Please go to beo360.gaelicplayers.com to learn more. Each episode is hosted by Alan O'Mara, a former Cavan goalkeeper who now works as a Performance and Wellbeing consultant. To find out more about his work with sports and business leaders around the world, please go to www.RealTalks.ie.
The latest episode of The Players Voice features Antrim hurler Domhnall Nugent. Having struggled with addiction to alcohol and cocaine, Domhnall spent 3 months in residential rehabilitation. He is now an addiction facilitator for Cuan Mhuire and the founder of Let's Face It, where he releases his own weekly podcast. This conversation is a two-part mental health special, as Domnhnall and host Alan O'Mara share their respective wellbeing journeys. Together they reflect on their different experiences of hitting rock bottom, reaching out for help and key lessons learned in recovery. If you are a GPA member in the Republic of Ireland and are impacted by this episode, call 1800 98 92 85 or text ‘GPA' to 50808. From Northern Ireland, call 0800 044 5059 or text ‘GPA' 85258. If you aren't a GPA member and want to learn more about mental health services, please check out services like Samaritans, Pieta House or Cuan Mhuire. The Players' Voice is brought to you by the Gaelic Players Association in collaboration with Real Talks. The podcast series is part of BEO 360, a GPA programme that empowers inter-county players across 4 key areas - life skills, wellbeing, dual career and transitions. Please go to beo360.gaelicplayers.com to learn more. Each episode is hosted by Alan O'Mara, a former Cavan goalkeeper who now works as a Performance and Wellbeing consultant. To find out more about his work with sports and business leaders around the world, please go to www.RealTalks.ie. We hope you enjoy the first of our two-part special with Domhnall Nugent on The Players Voice!
The latest episode of The Players Voice features two Cork legends, Orlagh Farmer and Orla Finn. This is a special conversation between the best of friends as they look back on the journey that saw them grow together as both players and people. The pair were part of multiple All-Ireland winning campaigns - including the 6 in row teams from 2011 to 2016. Earlier this year, both Farmer and Finn announced their retirement from the inter-county game. They open up about life lessons they learned along the way and what it has been like to transition out of the inter-county game. The Players' Voice is brought to you by the Gaelic Players Association in collaboration with Real Talks. The podcast series is part of BEO 360, a GPA programme that empowers inter-county players across 4 key areas - life skills, wellbeing, dual career and transitions. Please go to beo360.gaelicplayers.com to learn more. Each episode is hosted by Alan O'Mara, a former Cavan goalkeeper who now works as a Performance and Wellbeing consultant. To find out more about his work with sports and business leaders around the world, please go to www.RealTalks.ie.
Dublin All-Star and All-Ireland winner Leah Caffrey joins The Players Voice for a wide-ranging conversation about life on and off the field. Leah spoke to us from Ballymaloe Cookery School, where she is currently navigating a significant career change and challenging herself to be much more than just a footballer. She also talks about the highs of winning multiple All-Ireland's, benefitting from time away from the inter-county scene, as well as the importance of friendships and connection in sport. The Players' Voice is brought to you by the Gaelic Players Association in collaboration with Real Talks. The podcast series is part of BEO 360, a GPA programme that empowers inter-county players across 4 key areas - life skills, wellbeing, dual career and transitions. Please go to beo360.gaelicplayers.com to learn more. Each episode is hosted by performance and well-being consultant Alan O'Mara. To find out more about Alan's work with sports and business leaders around the world, please go to www.RealTalks.ie.
Antrim All-Star Jane Adams joins The Players Voice this week to reflect on important lessons in life, sport and business. In this wide-ranging conversation with host Alan O'Mara, Jane shares her journey to self-acceptance and happiness, after initially struggling to accept that she was gay. Jane highlights how resilience, courage and adaptability have helped her to navigate the ups and downs of business. Her portfolio in Belfast includes Manny's, the well known fish and chip shops, and Pizza Guyz. She also speaks about the life changing legacy of the Good Friday Agreement ahead of the 25 year anniversary, and shares her passions and hopes for a united Ireland in the future. The Players' Voice is brought to you by the Gaelic Players Association in collaboration with Real Talks. The podcast series is part of BEO 360, a GPA programme that empowers inter-county players across 4 key areas - life skills, wellbeing, dual career and transitions. Please go to beo360.gaelicplayers.com to learn more. Each episode is hosted by performance and well-being consultant Alan O'Mara. To find out more about Alan's work as a performance and wellbeing consultant with sports and business leaders around the world, please go to www.RealTalks.ie. (Photo Credit: Hugh Russell, The Irish News)
Louth captain Sam Mulroy joins The Players Voice to talk about life, leadership and legacy. Sam chats to Alan O'Mara about trying to create meaningful change in Louth, his take on the role of a captain and how growing off the field as a person has helped to make him a better player. He looks back on his struggles to find purpose and direction in life outside of GAA and learn how a life-changing work placement propelled him forward. He now runs his own business called Sam Mulroy Fitness. The Players' Voice is brought to you by the Gaelic Players Association in collaboration with Real Talks. The podcast series is part of BEO 360, a GPA programme that empowers inter-county players across 4 key areas - life skills, wellbeing, dual career and transitions. Please go to beo360.gaelicplayers.com to learn more. Each episode is hosted by performance and well-being consultant Alan O'Mara.To find out more about Alan's work as a performance and wellbeing consultant with sports and business leaders around the world, please go to www.RealTalks.ie.
Welcome to The Players' Voice - a podcast brought to you by the Gaelic Players Association in collaboration with Real Talks. For the first episode of 2023, our host Alan O'Mara was joined by Tyrone's All-Ireland winner and All-Star goalkeeper, Niall Morgan. During the conversation, Niall talks about the challenge of juggling family, sport and career commitments. He reflects on the highs of winning the All-Ireland championship and chats about the need for himself and Tyrone to get back to basics this season. He also discusses the importance of switching off, developing confidence and remembering that there is a person behind each and every inter-county player. This podcast series is brought to you as part of BEO 360, a GPA programme that empowers inter-county players across 4 key areas - life skills, wellbeing, dual career and transitions. Please go to beo360.gaelicplayers.com to learn more. To find out more about Alan O'Mara's work as a performance and wellbeing consultant with sports and business leaders around the world, please go to www.RealTalks.ie.
Welcome to this very special episode of The Players Voice, a podcast brought to you by the Gaelic Players Association in collaboration with Real Talks. 2022 has been an incredible year for The Players Voice and our 20 episodes were streamed all over the world. The Players Voice will be returning in 2023 but before we look forward to next year, we wanted to reflect on some of the best bits so far. During each unique conversation with our host Alan O'Mara, we took you inside the minds of some of Ireland's most inspiring athletes and role models - and covered some very important topics. We talked about things like addiction, leadership, sexuality, resilience, entrepreneurship, sport-life balance, eating disorders, retirement, identity and much, much more. Thank you to each and every player who shared their stories, insights and experiences so openly and honestly for our listeners. We are privileged to know that these conversations have helped others get through challenging times and to reach out for help. Learn more about the GPA's Beo 360 programme and the four key pillars of well-being, life-skills, transitions and dual-career by going to www.beo360.gaelicplayers.com To find out more about Alan O'Mara's work as a performance and wellbeing consultant, go to www.RealTalks.ie
For the twentieth and final episode of The Players Voice series this year we were joined by Limerick's Barry Hennessy. The multiple All-Ireland winner opens up about his eating disorder and mental health challenges. Barry also reflects on Limerick's recent dominance of the All-Ireland hurling championship, provides fascinating insights into his relationship with fellow Limerick goalkeeper Nickie Quaid and discusses the importance of humility on and off the field. Each episode of this series is hosted by Alan O'Mara, a former Cavan goalkeeper now working as a performance and wellbeing coach with sports and business leaders around the world. If you are a GPA member and impacted by this conversation, please call the GPA's 24/7 helpline on 1800 98 92 85 or text ‘GPA' to 50808 from the Republic of Ireland. From Northern Ireland call 0800 044 5059 or text ‘GPA' 85258. If you aren't a GPA member and are impacted by this conversation, please check out bodywhys.ie for more information on eating disorders, body image issues and support services. Thanks for listening!
Host Alan O'Mara gets inside the mind of Lee Keegan on this week's episode. The Mayo legend reflects on his GAA journey to date and explains how becoming a father has widened his perspective in both sport and life. Lee talks about the frustration of appearing in, but not winning any, of his 7 All-Ireland final appearances and chats about his plans for the 2023 season. He discusses the challenges of physical and mental burnout, changing the culture in Mayo GAA and how much he has benefited from engaging with the GPA and going back to college to develop himself as a leader and a person. This podcast series is brought to you as part of BEO 360, a GPA programme that empowers inter-county players across 4 key areas - life skills, wellbeing, dual career and transitions. Please go to beo360.gaelicplayers.com to learn more. Our host Alan O'Mara is a Performance and Wellbeing coach with sports and business leaders around the world. Learn more about his work at www.realtalks.ie
We are delighted to welcome Limerick's Dan Morrissey onto the podcast this week. Dan chats to our host, Alan O'Mara, about what it has been like to win four of the last five All-Ireland Hurling championships and shares his journey on and off the field. [Text Wrapping Break]He also discusses the role of sports psychology, the importance of belief and confidence and how grateful he is to be part of this golden generation of Limerick hurlers. The Players' Voice is a podcast brought to you by the Gaelic Players Association in collaboration with Real Talks. The podcast series is brought to you as part of BEO 360, a GPA programme that empowers inter-county players across 4 key areas - life skills, wellbeing, dual career and transitions. Please go to beo360.gaelicplayers.com to learn more. To find out more about Alan O'Mara's work as a performance and wellbeing consultant, please go to www.RealTalks.ie or find him on Twitter and Instagram at @aomthecat. Thanks for listening!
This is the second part of a two part interview with Offaly legend Niall McNamee. Here he opens up about life in recovery from gambling addiction and how he has maintained his well-being since his last bet almost 11 years ago. Niall also discusses how he uses his own struggles to help other people in difficulty and the rise of problem gambling in sport and wider society. In part one of this conversation, Niall reflected on his sporting career to date and his journey as a successful entrepreneur. You can find that episode by searching ‘The Players Voice' on whatever podcast platform you prefer. Earlier in this series,Tyrone's All Ireland winning midfielder Conn Kilpatrick shared his experience of gambling addiction and recovery, so please feel free to check that out also. If you are a GPA member and worried about problem gambling, call 1800 98 92 85 or text ‘GPA' to 50808 from the Republic of Ireland OR from Northern Ireland please call 0800 044 5059 or text ‘GPA' 85258. If you aren't a GPA member and need support, please check out gamblersanonymous.ie OR problemgambling.ie Finally - this podcast is brought to you as part of BEO 360, a GPA programme that empowers inter-county players across 4 key areas - life skills, wellbeing, dual career and transitions. Please go to beo360.gaelicplayers.com to learn more.
On the podcast this week is Niall McNamee, who has been one of the most dangerous and consistent forwards in Gaelic Football since making his Offaly debut in 2003. In part one of this two-part interview, Niall reflects on his sporting career to date, why he came out of retirement after one season away from the inter-county game and whether he plans to keep playing at the top level in 2023. Niall also shares his journey as an entrepreneur, which began by googling ‘how to make football socks' after a conversation with a teammate. Since then his company Twelves has gone from strength to strength selling sportswear to people and teams around the world. They just recently launched a brand new football boot that Niall has been working on for two and a half years. Part 2 of this interview will be released soon and will explore Niall's journey as a recovering gambling addict, the role of gambling in sports and wider society and helpful tips and insights for those experiencing problem gambling. If you are listening to this, make sure to subscribe to The Players Voice, so you don't miss the second part of our conversation. This podcast is brought to you as part of BEO 360, a GPA programme that empowers inter-county players across 4 key areas - life skills, wellbeing, dual career and transitions. Please go to beo360.gaelicplayers.com to learn more. Thanks for listening!
Ashling Thompson was a key figure on the Cork camogie team that won four All-Ireland's in the last decade and she also lifted the O'Duffy Cup as captain in 2015. She explains why she is still so driven to return Cork back to the promised land after back to back All-Ireland final defeats and describes the pain she has been feeling since the final whistle went in this year's championship decider. As well as her many highs and lows on the field, Ashling has been open and honest in the past about mental health challenges and her struggles off the field. During this conversation, Ashling provides so much insight into her experience with depression, anxiety and panic attacks and explains how self-awareness and emotional intelligence have positively impacted her life in recent years. This podcast is brought to you as part of BEO 360, a GPA programme that empowers inter-county players across 4 key areas - life skills, wellbeing, dual career and transitions. Please go to beo360.gaelicplayers.com to learn more.
Our host, Alan O'Mara, is joined this week by Tipperary's Aishling Moloney. Since breaking on to the inter-county scene in 2017, Aishling has become one of the most feared forwards in gaelic football. She was a key player on the Tipperary ladies' football team that won 2 Intermediate All-Ireland titles and was voted Player of the Year in 2019. Unfortunately the 2022 season played out without Moloney on the field, as the Tipperary ace battled to overcome an ACL injury and the complications that followed post-surgery. Aishling is open and honest about how the last 13 months have challenged her, both mentally and physically, in ways she never imagined. The sharpshooter shares some of the lessons she has learned on the long and winding road to recovery and why she is returning to gaelic games as both a better person and athlete. She also discusses heart troubles, how much things have improved for female GAA players in recent seasons and the challenges her inter-county peers are still facing. The Players' Voice is a podcast brought to you by the Gaelic Players Association in collaboration with Real Talks. BEO 360 is a GPA programme that empowers inter-county players across 4 key areas - life skills, wellbeing, dual career and transitions. Please go to beo360.gaelicplayers.com to learn more. To listen to previous episodes with leading inter-county GAA players like Patrick Horgan and Vikki Wall, make sure to subscribe by searching 'The Players Voice' on whichever podcast platform you prefer. And while there, you would really be helping us out if you rated or reviewed the show. To find out more about Alan O'Mara's work as a performance and wellbeing consultant, go to www.RealTalks.ie. Thanks for listening!
Our host Alan O'Mara is joined this week by Cork's Patrick Horgan. 2022 was a year to remember for the 34-year-old, as he became the top scorer of all-time in the hurling championship and a dad for the first time. Horgan explains why he is determined to continue playing for Cork next season. He also discusses how the game still finds new ways to challenge him after 15 campaigns at the elite level, and how he dealt with being dropped from the Cork starting team this summer. He shares how working with a sports psychologist helped achieve better sport/life balance and how much he has enjoyed founding Pro-Hurling, Ireland's first hurling e-academy. To find out more, go to www.ProHurling.ie This podcast is brought to you as part of BEO 360, a GPA programme that empowers inter-county players across 4 key areas - life skills, wellbeing, dual career and transitions. To find out more about our host Alan O'Mara and his work as a performance and wellbeing consultant, please go to www.RealTalks.ie. Thanks for listening!
Conor McDonald's rise to the top level of inter-county hurling was meteoric. In 2013, when most people his age were worried about the leaving cert, Conor was already living his dream having played for the Wexford minors, u21s and then the senior team in the space of a few short weeks. He was just 17 when he made his senior debut. He won three Leinster u21 titles in a row and helped Wexford win their first Leinster senior title for 15 years back in 2019. Conor has known who he was as a hurler since a very young age but his journey for self-discovery as a person is ongoing. He talks about fear of failure, identity, asking for help, developing weaknesses, entrepreneurship and much more. This podcast is brought to you as part of BEO 360, a GPA programme that empowers inter-county players across 4 key areas - life skills, wellbeing, dual career and transitions. Please go to beo360.gaelicplayers.com to learn more. To find out more about Alan O'Mara's work as a performance and wellbeing consultant, please go to www.RealTalks.ie
Vikki Wall speaks about how her life has changed since she became an All-Ireland champion and how adaptability, trust and vulnerability were at the heart of Meath's success. She also discusses the verbal abuse she has received over the years, her search for sport/life balance, and how much she is looking forward to becoming a professional athlete later this year in the Australian Football League. The Players' Voice is a podcast brought to you by the Gaelic Players Association in collaboration with Real Talks. Hosted by Alan O'Mara, this series features some of Ireland's most inspiring athletes. Please go to beo360.gaelicplayers.com to learn more about BEO 360, a GPA programme that empowers inter-county players across 4 key areas - life skills, wellbeing, dual career and transitions. To find out more about Real Talks and their work as performance and wellbeing consultants, please go to www.RealTalks.ie. Thanks for listening!
Our host Alan O'Mara is joined on the podcast this week by Lisa O'Rourke. On May 19, O'Rourke captured the hearts of the nation when she picked up the gold medal in the light middleweight division at the World Boxing Championships in Turkey. This was the 20 year old's first ever appearance at the world championships but she is anything but an overnight success. Earlier this year she also won at the European u22 championships. We talk about life lessons learned from her climb through the boxing ranks, the benefit of having a sister, Aoife, who is an Olympic boxer, and why she still makes time to play inter-county football for Roscommon, and helped them win the Division 3 National League title this season. This podcast is brought to you as part of BEO 360, a GPA programme that empowers inter-county players across 4 key areas - life skills, wellbeing, dual career and transitions. Please go to beo360.gaelicplayers.com to learn more.
We were joined this week by Colm Begley of Laois, who officially announced his retirement from the inter-county game. Colm made his senior debut in 2005 but life soon took him in a very different direction. That direction was Down Under, when he secured a professional contract with Australian Football League team Brisbane Lions. Colm's rise through the ranks of a new sport was remarkable and he was voted club rookie of the year in 2007. The Stradbally man played four years in the AFL before deciding to return home. Back in Ireland, he enjoyed 12 more seasons in the blue and white of Laois and learned the importance of developing Colm Begley the person, as well as the athlete. Transition was a key theme throughout this episode as Colm reflected on life lessons gathered from experiencing two elite sports. He is now the Player Welfare and Engagement Manager with the Gaelic Players Association. This podcast is brought to you as part of BEO 360, a GPA programme that empowers inter-county players across 4 key areas - life skills, wellbeing, dual career and transitions. Please go to beo360.gaelicplayers.com to learn more. To find out more about our host, Alan O'Mara, and his work as a performance and wellbeing consultant with sports teams and companies, please go to www.RealTalks.ie Enjoy The Players Voice with Colm Begley!
We are joined this week by Aisling Maher. Aisling is a respected leader on the Dublin camogie team, an All-Star, an artist, a member of the GPA's LGBTQ+ working group and the co-founder and CEO of Mooze Vegan. She talks about the importance of living an authentic life, her experience coming out to family, friends and teammates and her passion to drive equality, diversity and inclusivity. She also calls for straight allies to step up in the GAA world and in wider society. The Players' Voice is a podcast brought to you by the Gaelic Players Association in collaboration with Real Talks. Hosted by Alan O'Mara, a former Cavan goalkeeper now working as a performance and wellbeing consultant, this series takes you inside the minds of inspiring inter-county GAA players. If you have enjoyed any of the episodes so far, please leave a review on whatever podcast platform you prefer to help us reach more listeners. Please go to beo360.gaelicplayers.com to learn more about BEO 360, a GPA programme that empowers inter-county players across 4 key areas - life skills, wellbeing, dual career and transitions. To learn more about Alan O'Mara's work, check out www.realtalks.ie.
We are joined this week by former Wicklow footballer and managing director of Nutriquick, Dean Siney, who recently made a €9 million business deal with Aldi. Dean talks to our host Alan O'Mara about the entrepreneurial journey that stemmed from an idea in his head. Dean began operating from his home kitchen and eventually became a leading brand for healthy, convenient food. They now employ more than 50 people in his hometown of Blessington. Dean Siney's story is one full of courage and passion and the conversation features so many insights on leadership, starting a business, work/life balance and much more.
Welcome to The Players' Voice - a podcast brought to you by the Gaelic Players Association in collaboration with Real Talks. We are joined this week by Neil McManus, who at 33 years of age has more than 100 inter-county appearances for Antrim under his belt. He opens up about his love for hurling and Cushendall and, thanks to the longevity of his playing career, the joy he now gets from hurling with the sons of former teammates. This is a conversation about an athlete embracing his leadership qualities to create a more fulfilling life, the importance of personal development and much, much more. Our host, Alan O'Mara, is a former Cavan goalkeeper and Real Talks Founder, now working as a performance and wellbeing consultant. This podcast is brought to you as part of BEO 360, a GPA programme that empowers inter-county players across 4 key areas - life skills, wellbeing, dual career and transitions. Please go to beo360.gaelicplayers.com to learn more.
We are joined on The Players' Voice podcast by Conn Kilpatrick, an All-Ireland winning midfielder with Tyrone in 2021, who opens up in great detail about his gambling addiction. He talks about the web of lies he spun to hide his secret, the ups and downs of recovery, bouncing back from a relapse and repairing damaged relationships with family and friends. This is a powerful listen full of honesty, insight and courage that will help many people and communities. We also discuss the joy he has experienced from representing and winning with Tyrone and Edendork, climbing the steps of the Hogan Stand to lift the Sam Maguire Cup and living a more authentic, balanced life.
Our host Alan O'Mara, is joined this week by Louise Galvin. From Finuge in Co. Kerry, our guest is a trailblazer who has played both international basketball and rugby for Ireland as well as inter-county football. She discusses the many highs and important life lessons learned on her unique journey and offers fascinating insights into imposter syndrome, growth mindset, leadership and the importance of integration in the GAA. She also shares the difficulties that have stemmed from inequality or lack of resources over the years - including Ireland's disappointing home performance in the 2017 Rugby World Cup. This episode was recorded just as Louise began maternity leave, so we talked about how pregnancy challenges athletes both physically and mentally. This is the first time for as long as Galvin can remember that she hasn't been an active member of a team, but she hopes to be back on a court or field soon. This podcast is brought to you as part of BEO 360, a GPA programme that empowers inter-county players across 4 key areas - life skills, wellbeing, dual career and transitions. Go to beo360.gaelicplayers.com to learn more. We hope you sit back, relax and enjoy The Players Voice with Louise Galvin.
This week our host Alan O'Mara is joined by Kate Keaney, who was called up to the Donegal seniors at 15 years of age after experiencing All-Ireland minor success and then became a key leader in successful senior teams. In 2022, a new adventure across the Atlantic awaits, where Kate will be working as a sports scientist with the USA's international soccer teams. We discuss her excitement for this incredible opportunity and how much she has already enjoyed supporting elite teams around the world. Kate also shares how struggles with concussion significantly impacted her day to day life and how participating in the GPA's Madden Leadership Programme had a transformational impact on her personal journey. This podcast is brought to you as part of BEO 360, a GPA programme that empowers inter-county players across 4 key areas - life skills, wellbeing, dual career and transitions. Please go to www.beo360.gaelicplayers.com to learn more.
In this episode, Chloe Morey and Séadna Morey join the Players' Voice. Cousins born ten days apart, they grew up together in Clare and broke through to the senior hurling and camogie teams as teenagers respectively. They discuss the pros and cons of reaching the pinnacle of the game at such a young age, the challenge of finding balance in their adult lives and why they both took a break from the inter-county scene after more than a decade of service. They now run Morey Movement together, a fitness facility in their hometown of Sixmilebridge. This podcast is brought to you as part of BEO 360, a GPA programme that empowers inter-county players across 4 key areas - life skills, wellbeing, dual career and transitions. Please go to www.beo360.gaelicplayers.com to learn more. For more information on Alan O'Mara and his work as a performance and wellbeing consultant, visit www.RealTalks.ie, or follow Alan on Twitter @aomthecat.
The Players' Voice is a podcast brought to you by the Gaelic Players Association in collaboration with Real Talks. Hosted by former Cavan goalkeeper Alan O'Mara, each episode takes you inside the minds of inspiring inter-county GAA players as they talk about life on and off the field. The series starts with former Mayo footballer and current CEO of the Gaelic Players Association, Tom Parsons. He discusses the many highs and lows he experienced while playing for Mayo between 2008 and 2020, including a horrific leg injury, and being dropped from the squad. He also explains how a journey of self-discovery has made him a more resilient person and leader, and how proud he is to represent and support inter-county players in his role. This podcast is brought to you as part of BEO 360, a GPA programme that empowers inter-county players across 4 key areas - life skills, wellbeing, dual career and transitions. Please go to www.beo360.gaelicplayers.com to learn more. For more information on Alan O'Mara and his work as a performance and wellbeing consultant, visit www.RealTalks.ie, or follow Alan on Twitter @aomthecat.
Ahead of World Mental Health Day on Sunday, the GPA have partnered with SilverCloud to offer members a new online support platform to help them look after their mental health. To mark the new service The Players' Voice speaks to Tyrone's All-Ireland winner Conor Meyler and from SilverCloud Dr. Derek Richards.
Down footballer Kevin McKernan shares his story about a recent health scare with The Players' Voice.
On The Players Voice we mark the launch of our Official Charity Partnership with Cliona's Foundation and speak to Tom Parsons about his role as GPA CEO.