LIMERICK and Thomond Park will play host to some of the sports’ industries top performing coaches and experts as they share their thoughts during the BDO Get BACk Challenge Sports and coaching conference to be held on Thursday, October 22.
Open to the public and coaches from all sporting codes, participants at the evening session will hear from Ireland’s Grand Slam winning coach Declan Kidney as well as the National Director of the English Institute of Sport and RTE analyst Conor O’Shea, who, incidentally, was born in Limerick, along with leading sports psychologist and former Armagh footballer, Enda McNulty.
“The conference is one of two major events we organise annually through the BDO Get BACk Challenge. The last two sports conferences attracted almost 1,000 coaches and parents to listen to some of the most renowned experts in the area of coach practice and development, and this year, all proceeds will go to Special Olympics Ireland”.
That is according to Brian McGann of BDO Simpson Xavier, who explained the organisers delight of engaging the national rugby coach in Declan Kidney to share his thoughts on coaching.
“Apart from the obvious Grand Slam win, one of the most memorable moments during the euphoria of the team’s success was Declan’s recognition of the work on the ground by coaches and parents around the country”.
With the ability to offer his experiences from his UK base, Conor O’Shea, son of Kerry football legend Jerome O’Shea, will offer examples of best practice in coaching being examined in the UK and Europe.
Added McGann: “Conor brings a unique insight as a former international player and now through his role at the English Institute of Sport.
“Enda McNulty, an All Ireland medal winner with Armagh, has developed one of the fastest growing reputations as a sports psychologist, having worked with some of the country’s leading sports people and teams, and we are delighted to have him join us”.
For the grassroots coach, this is an opportunity to listen to experts who work day in and day out developing new approaches to team and individual preparation and it will benefit anyone with any involvement in sports, either as an athlete or as a coach.
€20 pre- booked tickets will gain admission on the night and contacting 061-421103 or www.thomondpark.ie will get you more information.
Pictured at the announcement of BDO Get BACK Challenge Sports & Coaching Conference in Thomond Park are Jean De Villiers, Munster Rugby, Brian McGann BDO Simpson Xavier, Elaine Barry, Limerick City Local Sports Partnership, and Barry Murphy, Munster Rugby.
