Conversations with players, coaches, and experts, exploring the human side of elite performance in the GAA. We’ll delve into the personal journeys that shaped t...
#15 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 BookTimestamps:0:00 – Introduction3:45 – Losing the love for the game & overcoming burnout8:20 – The mental impact of setbacks & self-worth in sport14:30 – How testing and training smarter transformed his game21:15 – Handling pressure in big games & breaking mental barriers30:40 – The importance of mentors, sports psychology & mindset work40:15 – What makes top teams like Limerick, Ballygunner and Tipp different50:00 – 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
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47:19
#14 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 developmentThis 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 ConnectedSubscribe 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
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40:22
#13 How studying psychology transformed an inter-county career at 28
Paul Flanagan’s inter-county journey is one of perseverance and mental resilience.After first breaking onto the Clare hurling panel for the All-Ireland win in 2013, he didn’t make his first senior championship start until 10 seasons later aged 28.He finished the season with an All-Star nomination and retired last year after winning his second Celtic Cross. We discuss:🧠 How he stayed motivated despite years of setbacks💪 The impact of studying performance psychology on his game🏆 Lessons from his All-Ireland-winning Clare team⚡ How he helps athletes as a mental skills coachA brilliant episode for players looking to develop the mental edge needed to thrive at the highest level.➕ We've got some great guests coming up. Make sure you subscribe so you don't miss any episodes.****************************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
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41:29
#12 The conversation that changed everything, ‘relief’ of retiring & mastering free-taking
Tipperary's Conor Sweeney has recently retired after 15 years of senior inter-county football. We discuss:
🏐 The ‘massive relief’ of stepping away from county football
🎯 Mastering free-taking – are great kickers born or made?
🔥 The conversation that changed everything in his career
💪 Balancing football, life, and the sacrifices required to succeed
If you're curious about what it really takes to make it at the top level and how the best free-takers practice, you'll enjoy this.
➕ We've got some great guests coming up. Make sure you subscribe so you don't miss any episodes.
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𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝
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Subscribe to the Humans of Gaelic podcast wherever you're listening.
Leave a Review: If you found value in this episode, please give it a rating and review. It helps us hugely
Share the Episode: Know someone who'd enjoy this show? Share it and help us spread the word!
****************************
𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐀𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠
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For more performance tips, insights, and the latest updates, visit:
Website: humansofgaelic.com
Instagram: @humansofgaelic
Facebook: Humans of Gaelic
TikTok: @humansofgaelic
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35:13
#11 How a GAA summer in America refreshes mind and body, plus osteitis pubis recovery tips
Clare footballer Eoin Cleary has recently returned to the county panel after taking a year out.
We chat about:
- The craic and benefits of a summer playing football in Chicago
- His battle with osteitis pubis and how he recovered
- Burnout after 10 years playing senior inter-county football
- What football's new rules means for forwards
➕ We've got some great guests coming up. Make sure you subscribe so you don't miss any episodes.
****************************
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
Conversations with players, coaches, and experts, exploring the human side of elite performance in the GAA. We’ll delve into the personal journeys that shaped their careers and examine aspects like training, mindset, and what it takes to perform at the highest level.
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