The Sideline Live Podcast

On episode 256 I sit down with Stephen Aboud, High Performance manager at Italian Rugby. We explore his remarkable career across Ireland, Canada and Italy, and the lessons he has learned from working at the highest levels of international rugby.

Stephen and I met in Galway last December, I was blown away by his presentation. We aligned calendars in August and  discussed what it really takes to build elite players, create high-performance environments and develop a sustainable sporting culture?

Stephen shares plenty of lessons and insights including the following:

• Building a career in professional rugby   
• The importance of good people, character and trust in successful teams.
• The difference between elite athletes and high-performance environments.
• What is good coaching?

• No player will ever reach their best until they are dropped

• The role of attitude, patience and structure in talent development.
• Are you in the wine making or wine drinking business? 
• Lessons from rugby and high-performance sport across Ireland, Canada and Italy.

Find Stephen here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-aboud-702374b/

This episode is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sport Expo Ireland⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,  a brand-new event taking place at the Sport Ireland Campus on April 21st and 22nd, 2027.  Designed to connect stakeholders from every corner of the Irish sporting landscape. Attendees will hear from leading voices in sport, take part in interactive workshops and masterclasses, explore the latest developments in elite performance, business and technology. Whether you’re involved in elite performance, grassroots, business, or simply passionate about where Irish sport is heading, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sport Expo Ireland ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠is set to become one of the most exciting gatherings on the sporting calendar. To learn more, register your interest, and explore opportunities, visit ⁠⁠https://qrco.de/bgrRu3 ⁠⁠. Limited time offer use the code SIDELINE15 for a discount off your ⁠⁠⁠⁠@sportexpoireland⁠⁠⁠⁠ tickets.

Follow The Sideline Live Social Media channels and the host Orla here: ⁠thesidelinelive.com

⁠Recorded using Samson Q2 microphone, Edited using GarageBand Intro music, Watered Eyes by a talented Irish artist, Dillon Ward

 If you are looking to set up your own podcast get in touch with the Prymal Productions team ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.prymal.ie⁠⁠⁠

On episode 255 I am excited to speak with Mayo's sports psychologist Dr. Rachel Sheehan. Mayo broke one of the longest periods in sporting history to win a title with the news making waves across the world including New York Times, ESPN & more.

Rachel has a PHD in motivation and has worked with a number of teams in gaelic games including Mayo, Dublin and Galway Hurler's, and many private clients. Rachel has a background in elite sport specifically playing college basketball in the United States on scholarship and professionally in Spain.

Rachel and I met last October where she presented at an event and we connected straight away. She is also a regular listener to the podcast so it made for a brilliant and fun conversation. 

We discuss her time with Mayo, winning the All-Ireland, her work with the group, young players stepping up, Kobe's #onechance, working with Andy Moran and wearing the white jerseys in the All-Ireland final.

Rachel shares the importance of personal relationships, starting a book club, motivation, the importance and skill of reframing and more.

Find Rachel here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-sheehan-phd-77903b58/

This episode is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sport Expo Ireland⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,  a brand-new event taking place at the Sport Ireland Campus on April 21st and 22nd, 2027.  Designed to connect stakeholders from every corner of the Irish sporting landscape. Attendees will hear from leading voices in sport, take part in interactive workshops and masterclasses, explore the latest developments in elite performance, business and technology. Whether you’re involved in elite performance, grassroots, business, or simply passionate about where Irish sport is heading, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sport Expo Ireland ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠is set to become one of the most exciting gatherings on the sporting calendar. To learn more, register your interest, and explore opportunities, visit ⁠⁠https://qrco.de/bgrRu3 ⁠⁠. Limited time offer use the code SIDELINE15 for a discount off your ⁠⁠⁠⁠@sportexpoireland⁠⁠⁠⁠ tickets.

Follow The Sideline Live Social Media channels and the host Orla here: ⁠thesidelinelive.com

⁠Recorded using Samson Q2 microphone, Edited using GarageBand Intro music, Watered Eyes by a talented Irish artist, Dillon Ward

 If you are looking to set up your own podcast get in touch with the Prymal Productions team ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.prymal.ie⁠⁠⁠

On episode 254 I am delighted to be joined by Irish professional tennis player and the 2026 Irish open champion Conor Gannon. 

Conor grew up playing tennis in his local club in south Dublin. He dreamt of turning pro and looked up to major stars but also home-grown talent including his now close friend David O’Hare. 

Tennis has taken him across the globe. After completing his leaving cert Conor moved to the United States attending the University of Tennessee for one year before transferring to the University of Memphis. Following graduation he turned professional and over the last year and a half has been chasing his dream across the world. 

With plenty of challenges along the way he experienced a number of triumphs this summer including winning the Irish open and finding success in the Irish Challenger event in Dublin. Conor shares the realities of being a professional tennis player, his journey to date, his hectic travel schedule, his approach in 2026, the impact of the Irish open win and more.

He also shares his thoughts and interest in stoicism and how he is taking a fresh approach to his career ignoring rankings and focusing on the moment in front of him which has led to success already. We also have an in depth quotes discussion during the Sideline Seven.

Follow Conor here 

https://www.instagram.com/conorgannon__/ 

This episode is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sport Expo Ireland⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,  a brand-new event taking place at the Sport Ireland Campus on April 21st and 22nd, 2027.  Designed to connect stakeholders from every corner of the Irish sporting landscape. Attendees will hear from leading voices in sport, take part in interactive workshops and masterclasses, explore the latest developments in elite performance, business and technology. Whether you’re involved in elite performance, grassroots, business, or simply passionate about where Irish sport is heading, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sport Expo Ireland ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠is set to become one of the most exciting gatherings on the sporting calendar. To learn more, register your interest, and explore opportunities, visit ⁠⁠https://qrco.de/bgrRu3 ⁠⁠. Limited time offer use the code SIDELINE15 for a discount off your ⁠⁠⁠⁠@sportexpoireland⁠⁠⁠⁠ tickets.

Follow The Sideline Live Social Media channels and the host Orla here: ⁠thesidelinelive.com

⁠Recorded using Samson Q2 microphone, Edited using GarageBand Intro music, Watered Eyes by a talented Irish artist, Dillon Ward

 If you are looking to set up your own podcast get in touch with the Prymal Productions team ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.prymal.ie⁠⁠⁠

On episode 253 I am delighted to be joined by former mayo footballer and now CEO of the GPA Tom Parsons.

Tom is known for his time playing with Mayo, including a long road to recovery following a freak accident where he dislocated his knee, ruptured and tore multiple ligaments and strctures in the joint. Despite this and thanks to a tweet he shared while on morphine in hospital he returned to play football for Mayo.

His TG4 Laochra Gael is an inspiring programe and worth a watch for all in particular athletes recovering from serious injury and a prevalent topic of this interview.

Tom has been on my list to speak with since the start of the podcast as he shares his story and experience from injury, road to recovery, athlete identity, resilience and advice for athletes and those around them.

Tom also shares the importance of filling your life with more than just sport, how being dropped from Mayo reshaped his outlook as a player, the 9 boxes to define balance, his career pathway and more.

This is a honest and fascinating chat with a deep thinker and a gentleman. Tom thanks for your time and insights!

Please note this episode was recorded in August.

This episode is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sport Expo Ireland⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,  a brand-new event taking place at the Sport Ireland Campus on April 21st and 22nd, 2027.  Designed to connect stakeholders from every corner of the Irish sporting landscape. Attendees will hear from leading voices in sport, take part in interactive workshops and masterclasses, explore the latest developments in elite performance, business and technology. Whether you’re involved in elite performance, grassroots, business, or simply passionate about where Irish sport is heading, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sport Expo Ireland ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠is set to become one of the most exciting gatherings on the sporting calendar. To learn more, register your interest, and explore opportunities, visit ⁠⁠https://qrco.de/bgrRu3 ⁠⁠. Limited time offer use the code SIDELINE15 for a discount off your ⁠⁠⁠⁠@sportexpoireland⁠⁠⁠⁠ tickets.

Follow The Sideline Live Social Media channels and the host Orla here: ⁠thesidelinelive.com

⁠Recorded using Samson Q2 microphone, Edited using GarageBand Intro music, Watered Eyes by a talented Irish artist, Dillon Ward

 If you are looking to set up your own podcast get in touch with the Prymal Productions team ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.prymal.ie⁠⁠⁠

On episode 252 I am thrilled to be joined NBA Golden State Warriors assistant coach Ron Adams

With 5 decades of NBA experience, Adams has worked alongside some of the game’s greatest coaches and players, helping shape championship-caliber teams and elite defenses along the way. There was so much to unpack with Ron this convention could have continued for hours.

We discussed:

• ​What separates the best from the rest
• ​Steph, KD, Draymond Green
• ​Lessons from sport & coaching
• ​Coaching defence, philosophy & motivation
• ​Warriors winning formula
• ​The importance of team connection
• ​What it takes to win an NBA championship

This episode is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sport Expo Ireland⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,  a brand-new event taking place at the Sport Ireland Campus on April 21st and 22nd, 2027.  Designed to connect stakeholders from every corner of the Irish sporting landscape. Attendees will hear from leading voices in sport, take part in interactive workshops and masterclasses, explore the latest developments in elite performance, business and technology. Whether you’re involved in elite performance, grassroots, business, or simply passionate about where Irish sport is heading, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sport Expo Ireland ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠is set to become one of the most exciting gatherings on the sporting calendar. To learn more, register your interest, and explore opportunities, visit ⁠⁠https://qrco.de/bgrRu3 ⁠⁠. Limited time offer use the code SIDELINE15 for a discount off your ⁠⁠⁠⁠@sportexpoireland⁠⁠⁠⁠ tickets.

Follow The Sideline Live Social Media channels and the host Orla here: ⁠https://linktr.ee/TheSidelineLive

⁠Recorded using Samson Q2 microphone, Edited using GarageBand Intro music, Watered Eyes by a talented Irish artist, Dillon Ward

 If you are looking to set up your own podcast get in touch with the Prymal Productions team ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.prymal.ie⁠⁠⁠

On episode 251 I am delighted to be joined by Michael Darragh Macauley, one of the defining figures of Dublin’s golden era. The Ballyboden St Enda’s man won an incredible eight All-Ireland titles, alongside 10 Leinster titles and five National Football League medals. He was a two-time All Star and was named GAA/GPA Footballer of the Year in 2013 after a standout season with Dublin. Known for his explosive, aggressive style and fiercely competitive personality, he became a central character in one of the most dominant teams in Gaelic football. After retiring from inter-county football in 2021, Michael Darragh has continued to build a career focused on community, fitness, media and making an impact beyond sport.

In this episode we go back to the serious knee injury at 20 that threatened to end his football career before it had truly begun.Michael Darragh explains how rejection from the Dublin panel, a summer playing football in San Francisco and rediscovering his love for the game changed his trajectory.We explore the culture inside the Dublin dressing room and the mentality that helped them claim 6 All-Ireland titles in a row. He shares what he learned from Pat Gilroy’s management style and why internal competition was such a crucial part of Dublin’s success.We discuss the major defeats that shaped the team and how Dublin turned painful losses into lessons that fuelled their dominance. Michael Darragh opens up about the death of his father in 2013 and how that difficult period influenced his Footballer of the Year season.

We explore his identity away from the traditional image of a professional athlete, from basketball and hip-hop influences to maintaining a life outside football. Finally, we discuss retirement, finding purpose beyond elite sport, community work, and the legacy he hopes to leave behind.

Note this was recorded in late July.

This episode is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sport Expo Ireland⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,  a brand-new event taking place at the Sport Ireland Campus on April 21st and 22nd, 2027.  Designed to connect stakeholders from every corner of the Irish sporting landscape. Attendees will hear from leading voices in sport, take part in interactive workshops and masterclasses, explore the latest developments in elite performance, business and technology. Whether you’re involved in elite performance, grassroots, business, or simply passionate about where Irish sport is heading, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sport Expo Ireland ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠is set to become one of the most exciting gatherings on the sporting calendar. To learn more, register your interest, and explore opportunities, visit ⁠⁠https://qrco.de/bgrRu3 ⁠⁠. Limited time offer use the code SIDELINE15 for a discount off your ⁠⁠⁠⁠@sportexpoireland⁠⁠⁠⁠ tickets.

Follow The Sideline Live Social Media channels and the host Orla here: ⁠https://linktr.ee/TheSidelineLive

⁠Recorded using Samson Q2 microphone, Edited using GarageBand Intro music, Watered Eyes by a talented Irish artist, Dillon Ward

 If you are looking to set up your own podcast get in touch with the Prymal Productions team ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.prymal.ie⁠⁠⁠

On episode 250 I am delighted to be joined by Paul Talty, a highly experienced Strength & Conditioning coach who has worked across elite sport in particular swimming and gaelic games, helping athletes maximise performance.

We compare the worlds of Olympic sport and GAA, exploring the differences in structure, preparation, pillars of success, self care in coaching and more. We explore the principles that underpin elite coaching across Olympic sport and GAA, from the importance of consistency to the small details that can make the difference on the biggest stage.

Having spent years working alongside elite athletes, Paul has gained a unique insight into what separates talented players from those who consistently perform when it matters most with key pillars include consistency, preparation and creating the habits required to perform at the highest level.Paul takes us behind the scenes of Paris 2024 and how careful preparation, from managing the Olympic environment to creating familiar routines, helped athletes perform under pressure and win multiple olympic medals. From managing pressure and big moments with different individuals across the games, including Daniel Wiffen’s approach to learning vs winning.

Paul shares his “Golden Rule” of performance: showing up every day, building good habits and avoiding the things that compromise consistency.We also down the three pillars of great coaching — technical knowledge, application and interpersonal skills — and why building trust with athletes is just as important as the programme itself. Paul shares his thoughts on self-care in coaching, sleep, exercise, managing workload and continuing to develop as a practitioner.Ultimately, this is a conversation about the small things that compound over time — and why consistency, preparation and people remain the key ingredients of elite performance.

Find Paul here

https://www.linkedin.com/in/paultalty/

https://www.instagram.com/bannerperformance/

This episode is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sport Expo Ireland⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,  a brand-new event taking place at the Sport Ireland Campus on April 21st and 22nd, 2027.  Designed to connect stakeholders from every corner of the Irish sporting landscape. Attendees will hear from leading voices in sport, take part in interactive workshops and masterclasses, explore the latest developments in elite performance, business and technology. Whether you’re involved in elite performance, grassroots, business, or simply passionate about where Irish sport is heading, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sport Expo Ireland ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠is set to become one of the most exciting gatherings on the sporting calendar. To learn more, register your interest, and explore opportunities, visit ⁠⁠https://qrco.de/bgrRu3 ⁠⁠. Limited time offer use the code SIDELINE15 for a discount off your ⁠⁠⁠⁠@sportexpoireland⁠⁠⁠⁠ tickets. Discounted tickets and support the podcast… a double win!Follow The Sideline Live Social Media channels and the host Orla here: ⁠https://linktr.ee/TheSidelineLive⁠Recorded using Samson Q2 microphone, Edited using GarageBandIntro music, Watered Eyes by a talented Irish artist, Dillon Ward check him out ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠ . If you are looking to set up your own podcast get in touch with the Prymal Productions team ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.prymal.ie⁠⁠⁠

On episode 249 I’m delighted to be joined by former Tyrone footballer and All-Ireland winner Conor Meyler.

A key part of Tyrone’s 2021 All-Ireland winning team, Conor enjoyed an outstanding career that also included three Ulster titles, an All-Ireland U21 medal, a Sigerson Cup with St Mary’s and an All-Star award. After a decade at inter-county level, a series of serious injuries ultimately forced him to walk away from the game at just 31.

We discuss the reality of retirement when it isn’t entirely your choice, the identity void that can come with leaving elite sport, and the lessons Conor learned about what really drives performance. We explore his shift from chasing physical metrics and working harder to understanding self-awareness, courage, trust and the “invisibles” that create high-performing teams.

We also get into the wider player welfare challenges within Gaelic Games, the demands placed on players balancing club, county, college, work and travel, and what needs to change to protect athletes.

Conor also shares what comes next — from performance coaching and leadership consultancy to his PhD research — and why “Trust and Faith” has become his guiding mantra for the next chapter.

A fascinating conversation about elite performance, injury, identity, leadership, player welfare and finding purpose beyond the game.

Find Conor here: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/conor-meyler 

https://www.instagram.com/conormeyler/ 
This episode is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sport Expo Ireland⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,  a brand-new event taking place at the Sport Ireland Campus on April 21st and 22nd, 2027.  Designed to connect stakeholders from every corner of the Irish sporting landscape. Attendees will hear from leading voices in sport, take part in interactive workshops and masterclasses, explore the latest developments in elite performance, business and technology. Whether you’re involved in elite performance, grassroots, business, or simply passionate about where Irish sport is heading, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sport Expo Ireland ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠is set to become one of the most exciting gatherings on the sporting calendar. To learn more, register your interest, and explore opportunities, visit https://qrco.de/bgrRu3 . Limited time offer use the code SIDELINE15 for a discount off your ⁠⁠⁠⁠@sportexpoireland⁠⁠⁠⁠ tickets. Discounted tickets and support the podcast… a double win!

Follow The Sideline Live Social Media channels and the host Orla here: 

https://linktr.ee/TheSidelineLive

Recorded using Samson Q2 microphone, Edited using GarageBand

Intro music, Watered Eyes by a talented Irish artist, Dillon Ward check him out ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ . 

If you are looking to set up your own podcast get in touch with the Prymal Productions team ⁠⁠⁠www.prymal.ie⁠⁠⁠ 

On episode 248 I am delighted to be joined by Dr Aoife Lane, Head of Sport and Health Sciences at TUS and a leading voice in research around women and girls in sport. 

What happens when the science behind sport doesn’t adequately account for half of the population?  

We explore the gender data gap in sports science and why so much of what we know about performance, injury and health has historically been built around male athletes.

Aoife shares her perspective on female athlete health, academic research, female mentors in Gaelic games, mide research, female sporting structures and systems, 

We discuss the importance of creating better research and better support systems for girls as they progress through sport, and why the experiences of young female athletes need to be understood much earlier.

We also look at the role of research in shaping coaching and high-performance environments, and how evidence can be translated into practical changes for athletes, coaches and sporting organisations. How do we improve sharing research with those involved in sport rather than remaining inside academic journals?

Aoife also reflects on leadership in sport, the importance of female role models and her involvement in the development of women in roles across gaelic games and sports science in Ireland. 

Finally, we look ahead at where women’s sport needs to go next — and what needs to change in research, education, coaching and high-performance sport to create a more equal playing field.

Find Aoife here 

Email [email protected]

https://tus.ie/staff-directory/dr-aoife-lane/ 

ie.linkedin.com/in/aoife-lane-a6a22b35 

This episode is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sport Expo Ireland⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,  a brand-new event taking place at the Sport Ireland Campus on April 21st and 22nd, 2027.  Designed to connect stakeholders from every corner of the Irish sporting landscape. Attendees will hear from leading voices in sport, take part in interactive workshops and masterclasses, explore the latest developments in elite performance, business and technology. Whether you’re involved in elite performance, grassroots, business, or simply passionate about where Irish sport is heading, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sport Expo Ireland ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠is set to become one of the most exciting gatherings on the sporting calendar. To learn more, register your interest, and explore opportunities, visit https://qrco.de/bgrRu3 . Limited time offer use the code SIDELINE15 for a discount off your ⁠⁠⁠@sportexpoireland⁠⁠⁠ tickets. Discounted tickets and support the podcast… a double win!

Follow The Sideline Live Social Media channels and the host Orla here: 

https://linktr.ee/TheSidelineLive

Recorded using Samson Q2 microphone, Edited using GarageBand

Intro music, Watered Eyes by a talented Irish artist, Dillon Ward check him out ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ . 

If you are looking to set up your own podcast get in touch with the Prymal Productions team ⁠⁠⁠www.prymal.ie⁠⁠⁠ 

On episode 247 I am joined by Dublin’s 1983 All-Ireland winning Captain and player of the year, one of the most respected figures in the history of Dublin Gaelic football Tommy Drumm. 

His football journey began with Whitehall Colmcilles, and continued through Dublin's underage ranks, including the 1975 All-Ireland Under-21 final, before he established himself as a senior inter-county player. 

Tommy represented Dublin at senior level from 1976 to 1984, establishing himself as one of the best defenders of his generation and becoming a key member and leader of the famous Dublin teams of the late 1970s and early 1980s.

During his inter-county career, Tommy won three All-Ireland Senior Football Championships, five Leinster titles. Four All-Stars, 

Tommy captained Dublin to their first All-Ireland Senior Football title in six years in 1983 when Dublin defeated Galway with Tommy lifting Sam Maguire as captain. 

He would return as Dublin captain in 1984, leading the team to another Leinster title and back to the All-Ireland final, before retiring at just 28 to move abroad and focus on his professional career.

Away from the football field, Tommy went on to build a very successful career in the construction industry.

Drumm became Managing Director of Collen Construction, combining his practical experience in construction and leadership. 

During our chat Tommy offers a unique perspective on Dublin football — from the legendary teams of the 1970s and 1980s, the dressing room and approach by Kevin Heffernan, captaining Dublin to All-Ireland glory, and the characters and stories behind one of the most memorable eras in GAA history, to leadership, business and finding success in sport and business.

This episode is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sport Expo Ireland⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,  a brand-new event taking place at the Sport Ireland Campus on April 21st and 22nd, 2027.  Designed to connect stakeholders from every corner of the Irish sporting landscape. Attendees will hear from leading voices in sport, take part in interactive workshops and masterclasses, explore the latest developments in elite performance, business and technology. Whether you’re involved in elite performance, grassroots, business, or simply passionate about where Irish sport is heading, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sport Expo Ireland ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠is set to become one of the most exciting gatherings on the sporting calendar. To learn more, register your interest, and explore opportunities, visit https://qrco.de/bgrRu3 . Limited time offer use the code SIDELINE15 for a discount off your ⁠⁠⁠@sportexpoireland⁠⁠⁠ tickets. Discounted tickets and support the podcast… a double win!

Follow The Sideline Live Social Media channels and the host Orla here: 

https://linktr.ee/TheSidelineLive

Recorded using Samson Q2 microphone, Edited using GarageBand

Intro music, Watered Eyes by a talented Irish artist, Dillon Ward check him out ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ . 

If you are looking to set up your own podcast get in touch with the Prymal Productions team ⁠⁠⁠www.prymal.ie⁠⁠⁠