SETU hosted the 2024 Gaelic Games performance analysis community of practice seminar on the Kilkenny Road Campus in Carlow on Saturday 9 November.
Strengthening connections and enhancing a community
The seminar saw performance analysts from across the country come together to strengthen connections and further enhance their tight-knit community in Ireland. Since its inception in 2018, SETU have hosted the event on its campus in Carlow. The number of attendees present at the seminar has steadily increased in recent years, as the performance analyst community further develops and grows in Ireland.
Speaking on the event, Johnny Bradley the Programme Director for the Master of Science in Sports Performance Analysis at SETU, stated, “We are thrilled to host this event and bring together such a dedicated community of performance analysts within the GAA. It was inspiring to see so many practitioners eager to enhance their skills for the season ahead, it was also great to see many of our MSc Sports Performance Analysis alumni now thriving in key roles across the industry”.
Showcasing industry voices
The day kicked off with nearly 80 performance analysts in attendance from across the country ready to share, collaborate and learn from one another. Throughout the day, industry leaders took part in presentations and panel discussions, providing insight into several important topics within the world of performance analysis. These topics included how performance analysis can enhance the coaching process, how to start your own analysis business and discussions on performance analysis in other sports.
Among the speakers was SETU graduate, Kevin McGuigan, who completed his M.Sc. in Sports Performance and Analysis at SETU’s Kilkenny Road campus in Carlow. Kevin has been practicing as a performance analyst for the last 15 years. Now working as Head of Performance Analysis with Swim Ireland, Kevin helped the Ireland swimming team to three medals in the Paris Olympics earlier this year.
The group also heard from Evan Talty from iGaelicCoach, Brian Fitzpatrick from BF Analysis, Colm Nally from GAA Football Review Committee, Lisa Fallon from FIFA and Brian McClelland, another SETU M.Sc. in Sports Performance and Analysis graduate, currently working with Sport Ireland. As part of his role, Brian works with a wide range of sports, including diving, equestrian and modern pentathlon. In 2024 Brian worked with Track Cycling at the Paralympic Games, helping Team Ireland to a silver medal in the female tandem track event.
Group learning and new perspectives
In the afternoon, attendees participated in several breakout sessions, providing them the opportunity to discuss, reflect and share their own experiences with the aim of identifying best practice within the performance analysis industry.
Speaking about the event, Jack Cooney, GAA's National Player Development Lead, said, "It is amazing to see so many dedicated people come together here at SETU to learn from leaders in the field. Performance analysis is a key discipline in the Gaelic Games Sports Science Framework and is now so important in how teams prepare in the GAA. It is inspiring to see so many people eager to further develop their skills and knowledge. This event is so beneficial for these coaches”.
