The Locker Room Podcast - from DSS Coaching

By DSS Coaching

Join the DSS Coaching crew of coaches and performance specialists, featuring Dr Ciaran Deely, Steven Poacher, Ross Bennett, Barry Mullane, and Brendan Delaney, as they dive into the dynamic world of c... more

· Sports

11 ratings

FAQs about The Locker Room Podcast - from DSS Coaching:

How many episodes does The Locker Room Podcast - from DSS Coaching have?

The podcast currently has 152 episodes available.

The Locker Room Podcast - from DSS Coaching episodes:

December 10, 2025 Coaching at Foundation & Youth Development Phases
🎙️ The Locker Room Podcast – Coaching Series
🎧 Episode: Coaching the Child & Youth Player at Foundation Phase (FP) & Youth Development Phase (YDP): How We Actually Develop Players

Host: Ciaran Deely (DSS Coaching)
Guest: Ross Bennett (Head of Integrated Performance, QPR FC)
In this episode, Ciaran is joined by Ross Bennett for a practical conversation on what long-term player development really looks like — from U9s to senior level.
📌 Topics include:
• 🔍 What “development” actually means
• 🧠 What to focus on at different age grades
• 🎯 Balancing freedom and structure
• 🎲 Why variety & unstructured play matters
• 📈 What separates players who progress

Listen here:
Apple: http://buff.ly/3mgU6IU
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/00XRjE5PtPYX66yTVaPiL2?si=d7dfd3b266cb45d1
YouTube: http://buff.ly/36sGDJ2

🎓 The Locker Room Podcast is brought to you by www.DSScoaching.ie – your home for Gaelic Football & Hurling coaching content.
🧠 Membership includes:
• Weekly GAA coaching & S&C videos
• CPD webinars, eBooklets & blogs
• Online Certificate in Sports Performance Coaching
• Private coaching forums & member discounts
💶 Membership Options:
€15/month or €150/year (2 months free!)
📲 Follow us:
Twitter: @CiDeely @DeelySport @BarryMullane1 @Ross201189 @RIVERSIDEBOY79 @Odhran13 @markdeely @BD_CorkGDC
Facebook: /DSScoaching
YouTube: DSS Coaching Channel
...more
42min
December 02, 2025Coaching Roundtable with John Divilly, Aidan O'Rourke, Shane Keegan, & Steven Poacher
🎙️ The Locker Room Podcast – Coaching Series
Hosted by: Steven Poacher (Leitrim Senior Football Manager)
Guests:
• John Divilly (Galway Senior Football Coach, 2020–2025)
• Aidan O'Rourke (Kildare Senior Football Coach)
• Shane Keegan (Wexford Senior Hurling Coach)
In this special Locker Room Podcast episode, Roscommon senior football manager Steven Poacher hosts a lively and insightful coaching roundtable ahead of the upcoming Coach Education Day at St Joseph’s High School, Newry — taking place on Saturday, December 13th, from 10:00am to 12:30pm.
Steven is joined by an all-star panel of inter-county coaches to preview the event and explore some of the key themes that will be addressed on the day.
Topics discussed in this episode include:
• 🧠 Scenario-Based Coaching – creating learning environments that reflect match demands
• 🔄 The Evolution of Gaelic Football – how tactics and styles have changed in recent seasons
• ⚙️ Preparing Players for Performance – what elite coaches focus on across physical and tactical areas
• 💬 Coaching Influences – the mentors, thinkers, and methods shaping how today’s top coaches work
Whether you're attending the Coach Education Day or simply looking to improve your coaching craft, this roundtable offers valuable insights straight from the sidelines of inter-county football and hurling.
Listen here:
Apple: http://buff.ly/3mgU6IU
Spotify: https://bit.ly/49jdA96
YouTube: http://buff.ly/36sGDJ2
The Locker Room Podcast is brought to you by www.DSScoaching.ie – your home for Gaelic Football and Hurling coaching content.
Become a DSS Coaching member to access:
Weekly video content across GAA coaching, S&C & player development
CPD webinars, downloadable eBooklets & exclusive blog content
Online Certificate in Sports Performance Coaching
Community forums & discounts on premium resources
Membership Options:
€15 for 1 month
€150 for 12 months (2 months free!)
Follow us:
Twitter: @CiDeely @DeelySport @BarryMullane1 @Ross201189 @RIVERSIDEBOY79 @Odhran13 @markdeely @BD_CorkGDC
Facebook: /DSScoaching
YouTube: DSS Coaching Channel
...more
32min
November 18, 2025 Managers, Head Coaches, Specialists & Selectors - What's the Story?
Managers, Head Coaches, Specialists, & Selectors – What’s the Story?
Hosted by: Ciaran Deely (DSS Coaching)
Guest: Ross Bennett (Head of Integrated Performance, QPR FC)

In this thought-provoking episode of The Locker Room Podcast, Ciaran is joined by Ross Bennett, Head of Integrated Performance at QPR FC, to unpack the ever-evolving world of coaching and management structures in modern sport.

Drawing on his experience across professional football and multi-disciplinary performance environments, Ross brings clarity to the often-muddled landscape of roles—whether you're dealing with managers, selectors, head coaches, or performance specialists.

This episode explores:

• The current coaching and support structure in professional football —and how it compares to setups in Gaelic Games.
• The evolution of terminology: from “selectors” to “specialists”—what's in a name, and does it matter?
• Building effective backroom teams—common mistakes and lessons from professional setups.
• Advice for GAA clubs: how to use a Head of Methodology/Coaching; having a sounding board; getting the best out of your staff; and how to pick a starting team!
• Striking the right balance between challenge and support in coaching dynamics.

Whether you’re managing a county panel or setting up a club coaching team, this episode offers practical insight on structuring your environment for success.

Listen here:
Apple: http://buff.ly/3mgU6IU

Spotify: https://bit.ly/49jdA96

YouTube: http://buff.ly/36sGDJ2

The Locker Room Podcast is brought to you by www.DSScoaching.ie
– your home for Gaelic Football and Hurling coaching content.

Become a DSS Coaching member to access:
- Weekly video content across GAA coaching, S&C & player development
- CPD webinars, downloadable eBooklets & exclusive blog content
- Online Certificate in Sports Performance Coaching
- Community forums & discounts on premium resources

Membership Options:
€15 for 1 month
€150 for 12 months (2 months free!)

Follow us:
Twitter: @CiDeely @DeelySport @BarryMullane1 @Ross201189 @RIVERSIDEBOY79 @Odhran13 @markdeely @BD_CorkGDC
Facebook: /DSScoaching
YouTube: DSS Coaching Channel
...more
45min
August 07, 2025 Colm Crowley - Little Puckers, Youth Coaching, & Building Grassroots GAA
🎙️ The Locker Room Podcast – Coaching Series
Hosted by: Brendan Delaney (DSS Coaching)
Guest: Colm Crowley (Founder of Little Puckers & GAA Coach Developer)
🎧 Episode Title: Colm Crowley – Little Puckers, Youth Coaching & Building Grassroots GAA
In this episode of The Locker Room Podcast, Brendan sits down with Colm Crowley, founder and owner of Little Puckers and an experienced Award 2 Hurling and Football Coach. Colm has worked with Cork, Dublin, and Sligo GAA as a Games Development Officer and coached multiple club and county teams across Ireland.
From grassroots to county level, Colm shares why he’s passionate about youth development over elite adult coaching—and how initiatives like Little Puckers are shaping the future of GAA.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
•⁠ ⁠🏑 The story behind Little Puckers and how it’s introducing kids to hurling in a fun, inclusive way.
•⁠ ⁠💡 The inspirations that drove Colm into youth coaching and GAA development roles.
•⁠ ⁠🛠 Key coaching initiatives he’s proud of and how they fit in the GAA world.
•⁠ ⁠📖 His core coaching values & philosophy—and his one piece of advice for new coaches.
•⁠ ⁠⚡ Quick-fire insights on great coaches, key players to watch, mistakes learned from, and what he’d change in GAA coaching.
Listen here:
Apple: http://buff.ly/3mgU6IU
Spotify: https://bit.ly/49jdA96
YouTube: http://buff.ly/36sGDJ2
The Locker Room Podcast is brought to you by www.DSScoaching.ie – your home for Gaelic Football and Hurling coaching content.
Become a DSS Coaching member to access:
•⁠ ⁠Weekly video content across GAA coaching, S&C & player development
•⁠ ⁠CPD webinars, downloadable eBooklets & exclusive blog content
•⁠ ⁠Online Certificate in Sports Performance Coaching
•⁠ ⁠Community forums & discounts on premium resources
Membership Options:
€15 for 1 month
€150 for 12 months (2 months free!)
Follow us:
Twitter: @CiDeely @DeelySport @BarryMullane1 @Ross201189 @RIVERSIDEBOY79 @Odhran13 @markdeely @BD_CorkGDC
Facebook: /DSScoaching
YouTube: DSS Coaching Channel
...more
1h 2min
July 02, 2025 Shane Keegan on "GAA Coaching, League of Ireland, & Youth Player Development"
The Locker Room Podcast – Coaching Series
Hosted by: Ciaran Deely (DSS Coaching)
Guest: Shane Keegan (Head of Coaching & Games, Laois GAA)

Episode Title: Shane Keegan – GAA Coaching, League of Ireland, & Youth Player Development

In this episode of The Locker Room Podcast, Ciaran sits down with Shane Keegan, one of the most versatile and experienced coaches in Irish sport. With a UEFA Pro Licence and managerial stints across the League of Ireland—plus current roles in both Gaelic Football and Hurling—Shane brings a rare blend of multi-sport insight and player development expertise.

Now Head of Coaching & Games with Laois GAA and a dual club manager with JK Brackens in Tipperary, Shane shares grounded reflections and valuable lessons for coaches across codes and levels.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

•  What coaching across soccer, football, and hurling has taught Shane about managing environments and developing players.
•  The role of the coach vs. the manager—and what truly makes a good one.
•  His priorities in Laois GAA around elite development, club support, and coaching standards.
•  Managing dual players and dual teams—and what others can learn from his club experiences.
•  The impact of new FRC rules on youth development, and advice for underage coaches navigating these changes.

Listen here:
Apple: http://buff.ly/3mgU6IU
Spotify: https://bit.ly/49jdA96
YouTube: http://buff.ly/36sGDJ2
----------------

The video is brought to you by the people at www.DSScoaching.ie

Join today to get exclusive access to our upcoming coaching & sport science webinars, weekly videos of Gaelic football, Hurling, and S&C practices and activities, along with blogs, vlogs, member-led discussions.

Sign up to the DSS Coaching Platform today for great rates:

€15 for 1 month
€150 for 12 months (2 months free)

As part of your DSS Coaching membership, you will get access to Gaelic Football Practices & Games, fitness and gym programmes for your players & coaches, session plans, fitness sessions, videos, blogs, vlogs, gym programmes, videos of training games & practices

Also discounted prices on Gaelic Football and Hurling Games eBooklets.

Also check out our extremely popular new Online Certificate in Sports Performance Coaching

Remember to SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel Find us on Facebook: / DSScoaching

Find us on Twitter at: @DeelySport @CiDeely @Ross201189 @RIVERSIDEBOY79 @Odhran13 @BarryMullane1 @Stevie_poacher @markdeely @BD_CorkGDC

...more
1h 7min
June 19, 2025 Developing Hurling in Emerging Counties - with Ronan Sheehan
Hosted by: Ciaran Deely (DSS Coaching)
Guest: Ronan Sheehan (Manager, Down Senior Hurling Team)
In this compelling episode of The Locker Room Podcast – Coaching Series, Ciaran is joined by Ronan Sheehan, the influential manager of the Down Senior Hurling Team. Since taking over in 2019, Ronan has guided Down's promotion from the Christy Ring Cup, maintained their Joe McDonagh Cup status, and, most recently, earned promotion to Division 1B of the National League in 2025.
A hands-on coach who remains deeply committed to underage and grassroots levels, Ronan brings sharp insight and long-term thinking to the conversation—making this episode essential listening for those serious about developing hurling beyond the traditional strongholds.
Topics covered in this episode include:
• 🛤️ Ronan’s coaching journey to county manager, and why he still stays involved at underage and grassroots level.
• 🧠 His player-first coaching philosophy and the steps Down have taken to become a model of hurling development in non-traditional areas.
• 📆 The structural challenges facing hurling in the GAA calendar—and how reforms could better support counties beyond the strongholds.
• 🌍 The cultural influences that shape Ronan’s leadership—his grá for Cork hurling, Celtic FC, and his views on Irish identity and unity.
Listen here:
Apple: http://buff.ly/3mgU6IU
Spotify: https://bit.ly/49jdA96
YouTube: http://buff.ly/36sGDJ2
----------------
The video is brought to you by the people at www.DSScoaching.ie
Join today to get exclusive access to our upcoming coaching & sport science webinars, weekly videos of Gaelic football, Hurling, and S&C practices and activities, along with blogs, vlogs, member-led discussions.
Sign up to the DSS Coaching Platform today for great rates:
€15 for 1 month
€150 for 12 months (2 months free)
As part of your DSS Coaching membership, you will get access to Gaelic Football Practices & Games, fitness and gym programmes for your players & coaches, session plans, fitness sessions, videos, blogs, vlogs, gym programmes, videos of training games & practices
Also discounted prices on Gaelic Football and Hurling Games eBooklets.
Also check out our extremely popular new Online Certificate in Sports Performance Coaching
Remember to SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel Find us on Facebook: / DSScoaching
Find us on Twitter at: @DeelySport @CiDeely @Ross201189 @RIVERSIDEBOY79 @Odhran13 @BarryMullane1 @Stevie_poacher @markdeely @BD_CorkGDC
...more
1h 18min
June 10, 2025 Coaching the Goalkeeper in Gaelic Games - with Dr. Donal Hughes
Hosted by: Ciaran Deely (DSS Coaching)
Guest: Dr Donal Hughes (Goalkeeping Coach, Academic & Innovator)
In this engaging episode of The Locker Room Podcast – Coaching Series, Ciaran sits down with Dr Donal Hughes, one of the most forward-thinking voices in Gaelic football goalkeeping. With a coaching approach shaped by experience, innovation, and a passion for the position, Donal has carved a unique path that blends multi-sport insight and on-the-ground goalkeeping practice.
You can reach out to Donal by email on [email protected]
And follow him on Twitter/X @GAKeeperCoach or Instagram @donaldochughesgkcoaching
The conversation delves into a range of fascinating topics that will resonate with coaches, players, and analysts alike, including:
• 🧤 Donal’s unconventional journey into goalkeeper coaching and why he chose to take a different route than the traditional badges path.

• ⚽ His coaching principles around key areas such as positioning, movement, handling, shot-stopping, kick-outs, and the all-important mentality of a goalkeeper.

• 🔄 How the modern goalkeeper’s role has evolved—and whether recent FRC rule changes are restricting their impact or allowed goalkeepers to instead focus on 1st principles.

• 🧑‍🎓 Development advice for underage team coaches, including what separates top-level GKs from the rest.

• 📋 Practical insights into structuring training sessions, integrating GKs with team training, and supporting them effectively on game-day.

Whether you’re an underage coach, club manager, or working in an inter-county setup, this episode offers invaluable perspectives on the goalkeeping position in Gaelic football—past, present, and future.
🔊 Listen in for grounded coaching advice and plenty of takeaways to implement in your own sessions.
Listen here:
Apple: http://buff.ly/3mgU6IU
Spotify: https://bit.ly/49jdA96
YouTube http://buff.ly/36sGDJ2
-------------------
The video is brought to you by the people at www.DSScoaching.ie
Join today to get exclusive access to our upcoming coaching & sport science webinars, weekly videos of Gaelic football, Hurling, and S&C practices and activities, along with blogs, vlogs, member-led discussions.
Sign up to the DSS Coaching Platform today for great rates:
€15 for 1 month
€150 for 12 months (2 months free)
As part of your DSS Coaching membership, you will get access to Gaelic Football Practices & Games, fitness and gym programmes for your players & coaches, session plans, fitness sessions, videos, blogs, vlogs, gym programmes, videos of training games & practices
Also discounted prices on Gaelic Football and Hurling Games eBooklets.
Also check out our extremely popular new Online Certificate in Sports Performance Coaching
Remember to SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel
Find us on Facebook: / DSScoaching
Find us on Twitter at: @DeelySport @CiDeely @Ross201189 @RIVERSIDEBOY79 @Odhran13 @BarryMullane1 @Stevie_poacher @markdeely @YearOfTheMurph @BD_CorkGDC

...more
1h 14min
May 13, 2025 Dr John Murphy - Integrating Modern Coaching and Sport Science into Gaelic Games
Hosted by: Barry Mullane & Brendan Delaney (DSS Coaching)
Guest: Dr John Murphy (Lecturer in Coaching & Sport Science, SETU Waterford)
In this insightful episode of The Locker Room Podcast – Coaching Series, Barry and Brendan are joined by Dr John Murphy, a respected coach, sport scientist, and academic currently based at South East Technological University (SETU) Waterford. Known for his evidence-informed approach, John brings a unique blend of practical and academic experience to the conversation, drawing on his current research in development squads within Camogie.
The discussion explores a wide range of thought-provoking topics for coaches and practitioners, including:
• ⚡ The evolving physical demands of hurling and how they are being tracked and responded to.
• 🔬 The integration of sport science into coaching environments to enhance performance and long-term development.
• 🧠 Balancing the physical and mental demands on teenage boys and girls in high-performance youth sport.
• 🔁 Planning for appropriate recovery between games in congested schedules.
• 💥 Applying Bielsa’s “Murderball” concept within a Gaelic Games context to push intensity and tactical learning.
• 📚 Best pedagogical practices for hurling coaches working across all age groups, focusing on athlete engagement and development.
Whether you’re a coach, teacher, or sport scientist, this episode offers plenty of food for thought on how modern methods and research can be practically applied in the GAA world.
🔊 Tune in to hear how the blend of science and coaching is shaping the future of Gaelic Games.
Listen here:
Apple: buff.ly/3mgU6IU
Spotify: https://bit.ly/49jdA96
YouTube: buff.ly/36sGDJ2
-----------------------
The Locker Room Podcast is brought to you by the people at www.DSScoaching.ie
Join today to get exclusive access to our upcoming coaching & sport science webinars, weekly videos of Gaelic football, Hurling, and S&C practices and activities, along with blogs, vlogs, member-led discussions.
Sign up to the DSS Coaching Platform today for great rates:
€15 for 1 month
€150 for 12 months (2 months free)
As part of your DSS Coaching membership, you will get access to Gaelic Football Practices & Games, fitness and gym programmes for your players & coaches, session plans, fitness sessions, videos, blogs, vlogs, gym programmes, videos of training games & practices
Also discounted prices on Gaelic Football and Hurling Games eBooklets.
Also check out our extremely popular new Online Certificate in Sports Performance Coaching
Remember to SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel Find us on Facebook: / DSScoaching
Find us on Twitter at: @DeelySport @CiDeely @Ross201189 @RIVERSIDEBOY79 @Odhran13 @BarryMullane1 @Stevie_poacher @markdeely @BD_CorkGDC
...more
55min
April 23, 2025 Dr Luke Woodhouse - Lessons from High Performance Sport
Hosted by Ross Bennett – The Locker Room Podcast (Performance Series)

This episode features Dr. Luke Woodhouse, PhD in Sport & Exercise Science, with experience across elite teams like the Saudi Olympic team, Wasps RFC, Leicester Tigers, England Cricket and more 🏉🏏⚽

They dive into some top insights:
•🧠 Luke’s journey across elite sports organisations
•🚨 Dealing with redundancy & preparing for career shifts
•🏏 Early days of S&C in professional cricket
•🔁 Transitioning between sports (rugby, cricket, football)
•🤝 What makes a successful MDT (Multidisciplinary Team)

Listen here:
Apple: buff.ly/3mgU6IU
Spotify: https://bit.ly/49jdA96
YouTube: buff.ly/36sGDJ2

A must-listen for anyone into high performance sport, coaching, or S&C excellence!
-----------------------
The Locker Room Podcast is brought to you by the people at www.DSScoaching.ie
Join today to get exclusive access to our upcoming coaching & sport science webinars, weekly videos of Gaelic football, Hurling, and S&C practices and activities, along with blogs, vlogs, member-led discussions.
Sign up to the DSS Coaching Platform today for great rates:
€15 for 1 month
€150 for 12 months (2 months free)
As part of your DSS Coaching membership, you will get access to Gaelic Football Practices & Games, fitness and gym programmes for your players & coaches, session plans, fitness sessions, videos, blogs, vlogs, gym programmes, videos of training games & practices
Also discounted prices on Gaelic Football and Hurling Games eBooklets.
Also check out our extremely popular new Online Certificate in Sports Performance Coaching
Remember to SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel Find us on Facebook: / DSScoaching
Find us on Twitter at: @DeelySport @CiDeely @Ross201189 @RIVERSIDEBOY79 @Odhran13 @BarryMullane1 @Stevie_poacher @markdeely @YearOfTheMurph @BD_CorkGDC

...more
57min
February 25, 2025 'Keep one, tweak one, scrap one! The FRC new rules get asked the question'
With Ciaran Deely, Alan Mullen, & Brendan Delaney.
This is part of the Coaching Series of The Locker Room Podcast

The DSS Coaching crew analyse and discuss each of the 7 new rule enhancements for men's Gaelic football.
They put forward which specific ones they believe are:
- good for the game
- need changing
- and do not make sense

Also, they discuss the implications for youth games and club matches, and why the referees are on a hiding to nothing!
Finally, Ciaran tells of his 'go & bounce', Brendan on his non-scoring attacking runs from full back, and Alan on supporters putting on northern accents to get the management team punished.
Links to podcasts here 🔗 ⬇️
Apple:
buff.ly/3mgU6IU
Spotify:
https://bit.ly/49jdA96
Youtube
buff.ly/36sGDJ2
-----------------------
The Locker Room Podcast is brought to you by the people at www.DSScoaching.ie
Join today to get exclusive access to our upcoming coaching & sport science webinars, weekly videos of Gaelic football, Hurling, and S&C practices and activities, along with blogs, vlogs, member-led discussions.
Sign up to the DSS Coaching Platform today for great rates:
€15 for 1 month
€150 for 12 months (2 months free)
As part of your DSS Coaching membership, you will get access to Gaelic Football Practices & Games, fitness and gym programmes for your players & coaches, session plans, fitness sessions, videos, blogs, vlogs, gym programmes, videos of training games & practices
Also discounted prices on Gaelic Football and Hurling Games eBooklets.
Also check out our extremely popular new Online Certificate in Sports Performance Coaching
Remember to SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel Find us on Facebook: / DSScoaching
And check out our new Data Analysis and Data Visualisation business at www.SportHorizon.co.uk Where we have just launched our 4th online course- 'Power BI for S&C Coaches - Level 1', to go alongside our other very popular courses 'Power BI for Sport Scientists - Level 1 and 2' and 'Tableau for Sport Scientists - Level 1'.
All courses can be found at: https://www.sporthorizon.co.uk/
Find us on Twitter at: @DeelySport @CiDeely @Ross201189 @RIVERSIDEBOY79 @Odhran13 @BarryMullane1 @Stevie_poacher @markdeely @YearOfTheMurph @BD_CorkGDC

...more
1h 28min

FAQs about The Locker Room Podcast - from DSS Coaching:

How many episodes does The Locker Room Podcast - from DSS Coaching have?

The podcast currently has 152 episodes available.

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The Locker Room Podcast - from DSS Coaching

FAQs about The Locker Room Podcast - from DSS Coaching:

How many episodes does The Locker Room Podcast - from DSS Coaching have?

The Locker Room Podcast - from DSS Coaching episodes:

FAQs about The Locker Room Podcast - from DSS Coaching:

How many episodes does The Locker Room Podcast - from DSS Coaching have?

More shows like The Locker Room Podcast - from DSS Coaching

The Football Pod

The GAA Social

Coach's Lab with John Murphy