The Sideline Live Podcast

On episode 241 I sit down with former footballer Gemma McGuinness for a thoughtful conversation about retirement, identity, maximising performance and the lessons that come from taking an unconventional path.

Gemma reflects on her career from navigating the changing landscape of women’s football to finding opportunities when the traditional route wasn’t always clear. We explore her journey, the moments that shaped her perspective, the value of embracing uncertainty, and why some of the biggest opportunities happen away from sport.

Gemma highlights the the role and importance of self-reflection, why perspective matters as much as preparation, and how the pursuit of excellence doesn’t have to come at the expense of enjoying the journey.

We also discuss the realities of retirement from professional sport—how athletes can prepare for such a significant transition, why identity is such an important part of the conversation, and what support can look like during periods of change. What happens when the final whistle blows on a career you’ve dedicated your life to? How do you prepare for life beyond elite sport?

For coaches, parents and young athletes, Gemma offers valuable perspectives and insights on creating environments, supporting others and able to develop both as performers and as individuals. We talk about confidence, communication, leadership, and why the conversations happening off the pitch are often just as important as the ones taking place on it.

Whether you’re involved in sport, facing a career transition, or simply interested in maximising your performance, this episode is packed with honest reflections, and practical insights that extend far beyond football.

Follow Gemma here:

https://www.instagram.com/gemmcguinnness?igsh=ZHZiOGU5a2x0ZmE3

https://verusperformance.com

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, 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 240 I am delighted to be joined by back to back Six Nations player of the championship winner, Irish rugby international, Harlequins professional Aoife Wafer.

At just 23 years of age Aoife has cemented herself as one of the best players in the game. However to 10 year old Aoife this was all part of the plan.

Ambition, work ethic, and the power of curiosity are the pillars to the success of Wafers’ career. It has been far from smooth sailing with multiple injuries including a 2 year gap from her first to her second international cap thanks to a serious hanstring injury which not only tested her but her passion for rugby driving her to nearly give up the sport.

Thankfully she took a few steps back and found her love for the game and her passion again. Since then she has taken off on a new found trajectory and was named as the first ever back to back recipient of the 6 nations players of the tournament event.

We discuss her career, the power of curiosity, being a role model, the sacrifices, injuries, and ambition to be the best in the world.

Aoife also shares insights into the power of visualisation, connecting with fans and more.

This was a very honest and insightful chat with one of the great athletes and people of this generation… and she is certainly no where near finished yet!

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, 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 239 I am joined by Professor Tom Cosker is a Consultant Orthopaedic Oncology Surgeon at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Oxford, and Clinical Lead for the Oxford Sarcoma Service. 

He specialises in bone and soft tissue tumours, with a particular interest in upper limb surgery and reconstruction. 

Alongside his clinical work, Tom is an Associate Professor and Director of Surgical Anatomy at the University of Oxford, where he is helping to shape the next generation of surgeons.

A recognised leader in surgical training, Tom has pioneered the use of 3D printing, his work combines cutting-edge technology with practical clinical expertise, and he has published extensively on orthopaedic surgery, anatomy, and surgical training.

In this episode, Tom shares insights from his career as a surgeon, lessons from the operating theatre, high pressure environment, human potential and also reflects on the lessons learned from training and mentoring surgeons around the world.

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 238 I am very excited to be joined by Clinical Sports Psychologist Jo-Anne Browne. 

Jo-Anne is currently one of two sports clinical psychologists working in Sport Ireland and has an extensive background also working in the public sector before specialising in breath work training and working with Team Ireland writing her dissertation on the 2021 Tokyo games, and travelling to work at The Paralympic Games in 2024. 

Jo-Anne and I discuss her work and role, identity, Psychological rest and switching off, advice to coaches & parents and more. We also delve into breathing and breath work, the important parts of breathing, the individual approach and some live feedback on my own technique! 

This was a very enjoyable episode with Jo-Anne and was recorded on The Sport Ireland Campus in late May. Podcasts are a moment in time and are not a clinical resource or replacement, if you are seeking support please contact your GP, or mental health services. 

Some insights/Takeaways: 

"Name it to tame it"

"You can’t focus and process at same time"

Pick 5 downtime activities 

• It must be something that you are fully absorbed in 

"Emotion gives us meaning abut what we have experienced  - Emotion guides behaviours"

"You can’t tell your heart to slow down but you can change your breathing"

"If in doubt breathe out"

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 

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 237 I am delighted to be joined by NCAA D1 basketball player and Irish international Clinton Efinda. Clinton recently announced his transfer from UNCG to Canisius in the MACC conference. 

Clinton reflect on his journey from Nass to playing NCAA Division I basketball in the United States.  He opens up about the challenges and realities of his basketball journey, growing up in Naas playing GAA and deciding to focus on basketball, adapting to new cultures and environments, dealing with setbacks, transferring and learning what it takes to survive and thrive in the cut throat environment of basketball in the United States. 

What does it really take for an Irish athlete to break into the American college system?

The 6-foot-5 forward shares his insights into the reality of the American basketball and college system, the importance of resilience and self-belief, and how his perspective has evolved throughout his journey. 

A thoughtful conversation about ambition, maturity, work ethic, and the courage to take a chance on yourself. This is Clinton Efinda’s journey from Nass to College basketball.

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 236 of The Sideline Live Podcast I sit down with Bart McEnroe, performance consultant, coach mentor, and one of the most influential yet least public figures in Irish sport.

Bart has worked alongside some of the country’s leading managers, including Pat Gilroy, Mickey Harte and Jack O’Connor, helping teams develop what he calls “intelligent performance” through better communication, clearer thinking, and a deeper understanding of human behaviour.

The conversation explores why emotional health is central to performance, how coaches can create environments where athletes flourish, and why understanding human needs may be the missing piece in many high-performance teams. Bart also shares practical lessons from decades spent working with elite teams, coaches, business leaders, and organisations across Ireland and beyond.

Whether you’re a coach, athlete, parent, or leader, this episode offers a fascinating insight into the psychology behind success and the power of helping people become the best version of themselves.

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 235 I am delighted to be joined by Gearóid McDaid, one of Ireland’s most accomplished surfers, and 2025 European champion.

Gearóid shares his journey from Sligo to the world stage. We discuss the realities of building a professional surfing career from Ireland. From being a solo athlete on the world stage, sponsorship, travel and competition without an agent, coach or manager, Gearóid shares an honest insight into life on the professional circuit.

He is an 8 time irish champion, European silver medalist in 2023 which he upgraded to gold last summer 

The conversation explores what Ireland still lacks in developing world-class surfers, whether Olympic inclusion has changed the landscape of the sport, how surfers actually improve their craft, surfing a barrel wave, social media presence and competing in the swells and ever changing environments.

A fascinating conversation about professional surfing, pursuing a minority sport in Ireland, performance and the pursuit of excellence on the waves.

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!

Find Gearoid here

https://www.instagram.com/gearoidmcdaid/

https://www.youtube.com/@gearoidmcdaid676

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 

Episode 234 is a special episode in collaboration with Impact Players. 

Co founded by Lisa Strutt and Sinead Sharkey Steenson Impact Players is an annual conference event for ambitious women in business and sport, designed to supercharge your leadership game. 

I was thrilled to host a live panel at impact players conference 2026 in early May with a theme of “a life in sport”. On the panel I am joined by Shirley McCay world silver hockey medalist and the most capped man or women from the island of Ireland, Paula Stewart Vice President of Ulster rugby, Neve Platt of Newcastle United and  amateur jockey Toni Quail. 

Their stories are not just about winning—they're about influence, growth, decision-making, and navigating the world of sport. 

We discuss their journeys in sport, resilience, being a woman in a male dominated space, leadership, lessons and insights from their careers and more. So whether you're a coach, athlete, leader, parent, or simply someone striving to be better at what you do, there's something here for you.

To find out more about Impact players see here

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 233 I am joined by Ashley Ducharme head of growth at Moolah Kicks and former college basketball player at Brown University.

Ashley is the number 2 and first ever hire for Moolah Kicks, a pioneering women-owned basketball footwear brand dedicated exclusively to female athletes founded in 2020 by Natalie White, a former Boston College basketball player.

Ashley is Passionate about growing opportunities for women and girls in sport. She plays a key role in expanding the brand’s reach on and off the court, community engagement, and athlete partnerships.

A former college basketball player, Ducharme combines her deep understanding of the game with an entrepreneurial mindset, helping drive Moolah Kicks’ mission to provide high-performance footwear designed specifically for women’s feet. Through her role, she continues to drive growth, innovation, representation, and assist with the growth of women’s basketball at every level.

We discuss her role at Moolah kicks, how to pick designs and colours, the growth and potential of the brand, NIL and college basketball, working with Dick's sporting goods, focusing on grassroots, WNBA and more!

We also chat about her basketball career, life in a start up, growing up in a basketball family, supporting her sister Caroline at UCONN and more.

Moolah Kicks moolahkicks.com @moolahkicks

Find Ashley here https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-ducharme-a65180168/ Email [email protected]

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 232 I am joined by Bernard Jackman, a former professional rugby player, coach, and now a performance consultant, guest speaker and respected voice in Irish sport.

Bernard is a former pro Rugby player who played for Connacht, Leinster, Sale Sharks and an Irish international. He has been head coach in FC Grenoble, France and at the Dragons in Wales. Bernard is one of only a small number of Irish rugby players to have won a Six Nations, European Cup, Challenge Cup and a Magners League Medal.

Since retiring from professional rugby he has moved into coaching and high-performance leadership. Bernard has built a diverse career across coaching, media, athlete development and performance consultancy, working with teams and organisations both within and beyond rugby. His work has also extended into other sporting environments, including collaborations with Horse Sport Ireland and involvement around the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Jackman grew up on the Wicklow/Carlow border he grew up on a cattle farm which led to a different path to elite sport. We discuss how this affected his career and upbringing. Bernard shares his advice to parents with children on the elite sporting pathway and also offered insights to current athletes on developing their professional development and working during their sporting career.

A major part of Bernard’s professional development came through his master’s research, where he travelled across the world studying some of the leading high-performance teams and organisations in sport including Manchester United, Dyson, Sydney Swans, Toyota, Melbourne Storm, Just Eat and more. Through visiting elite environments and learning directly from coaches, athletes and performance leaders, he gained valuable insight into the habits, cultures and systems that underpin sustained success at the highest level.

In this episode, we discuss Bernard’s journey through professional sport, working with Enda NcNulty, learning from Alex Ferguson, Brian O’Driscoll and Jonny Sexton, his approach to retirement, transitioning into coaching, high-performance environments, and the lessons he has taken from working across multiple sports.

The conversation also explores performance, elite sport, and what high performance really looks like behind the scenes in sport & business.

Find Bernard here https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernardjackman

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