Andrew Conway
Fiona Coghlan
Name: Fiona Coghlan
Sport: Ireland | RTÉ Sport & Irish Independent
DOB: 03.03.1981
Position: Former Captain of the Irish Women’s Rugby Team| Loose Head Prop
School: Holy Fatih Clontarf
From: Clontarf, Dublin
Club: UL Bohemians
Honours: 85 Caps for Ireland | Former Captain of the Irish Women’s Rugby Team | Captained Ireland to first 6 Nations title in 2013 | Made history when they beat the All Blacks in 2014 Rugby World Cup
Did you know?
- Fiona only started playing rugby when she went to University in Limerick in 2001.
- She doesn’t go anywhere without her hair dryer.
- Her first sport was Horse Riding (she never got the pony she wished for every Christmas… she got a typewriter instead!).
- She plays Ladies GAA for Clontarf.
- As well as being a PE & Maths teacher by day, Fiona is a much sought after speaker in the areas of team-work, motivation, leadership and well-being, and is a huge advocate for the promotion of Women in Sport.
- Fiona has supported many campaigns for the Irish Heart Foundation to help raise awareness in this area.
- Fiona is a Brand Ambassador for Dacia Ireland, Liberty Insurance Ireland and Druids Glen Hotel & Golf Resort.
Arthur Lanigan-O'Keeffe
Name: Arthur Lanigan-O’Keeffe
Sport: Modern Pentathlon
DOB: 13.09.1991
School: Glenstal Abbey, Co. Limerick
From: Thomastown, County Kilkenny
Honours: Arthur is currently ranked 3rd in the World and is hotly tipped to medal at Tokyo 2020 | He won bronze at the World Cup Final in Astana, Kazakhstan, June 2018 | Arthur competed at the 2012 Summer Olympics and 2016 Summer Olympics in the Modern pentathlon | Arthur finished in 8th place in the 2016 Olympics
Did you know?
- To be a Modern Pentathlete takes dedication. Arthur spends nearly every waking hour, six days a week either training, recovering or getting ready for his next session.
- Arthur’s girlriend is fellow Irish Modern Pentathlete Natalya Coyle. The duo train and compete together and make a winning team on and off the field!
- Arthur documents his training regime on his youtube channel Arthur LOK (link below).
- Arthur is an Ambassador for Optimum Nutrition.
- Arthur is a Goodwill Ambassador for Riding For The Disabled Association Of Ireland.
Isa Nacewa
Name: Isa Nacewa
Joy Neville
Name: Joy Neville
Sport: Ireland & Referee
Position: Former Captain of the Irish Women’s Rugby Team
School: Salesian Secondary School, Limerick
From: Limerick
Club: UL Bohemians | Munster
Honours:
REFEREEING HONIURS: In 2016, Joy became the first female referee to take charge of national leagues of Ireland, Wales and Italy matches as well as competitions such the British and Irish Cup, the European Rugby Challenge Cup and the Pro14. | Joy was named World Rugby Referee of the Year in 2017
RUGBY HONOURS: Joy captained the Irish Women’s Rugby team during the 2009 Women’s Six Nations Championship, leading them to their first win over France. | Joy represented Ireland at the 2006 and 2010 Women’s Rugby World Cups. | Joy was also a member of the IrelandGrand Slam winning team at the 2013 Women’s Six Nations Championship.
Did you know?
- Joy is an Ambassador for Cliona’s Foundation & The Simon Community in Limerick.
- Joy and her wife Simona live in Limerick with their two dogs, Dory and Jack.
- When she is not busy prepping for a match or refereeing, Joy is frequently booked to speak at events on many areas including leadership, motivation, team-work and performance.
- A big fan of Italian cuisine, Joy makes sure she has done enough training to enjoy all that is good about Italian food……PASTA!
- A true sports fanatic, Joy likes to cycle in her free time.
- Joy is a Brand Ambassador for Frank Hogan Motors, Limerick.
Conor O'Shea
Name: Conor O’Shea
Sport: Italy Head Coach
Position: Conor previously played at full back and occasionally at out-half and centre for Ireland, Lansdowne and London Irish
School: Terenure College, Dublin
From: Limerick
Honours: Conor coached London Irish and Harlequins | Conor has held management positions with the English Rugby Football Union and the English Institute of Sport.
Did you know?
- Conor is an excellent speaker and has spoken extensively across Europe to companies on management, leadership, motivation, managing people with different cultures and dealing with transition.
Andrew Porter
Name: Andrew Porter
Sport: Lesinter & Ireland
DOB: 16.01.1996
Position: Prop
School: St. Andrew’s College, Dublin
From: Dublin
Club: Leinster
Honours: Ireland
Did you know?
Andrew currently holds the Leinster squat record with an impressive weight of 301 kilos
Andrew’s family dog, Cheika, is his four-legged buddy. This Beagle has his owners besotted!
Andrew is a BIG fan of Tattos. He has a few tattoes on his left arm in honour of the memory of his mum – A roman statue as they holidayed there together as a fmaily, his mums name, Wendy, as well as a dove and roses, also a reminder of her. Andrew added to his collection by sitting for a detailed colour calf sleeve on his right leg in the summer of 2018.
Andrew loves cooking but mostly eating good food, in particular, he’s a big BBQ fan. Always consious of eating to fulfil his nutritional and fitness needs, great taste is key when it comes to him cooking up a storm or dining out in his favourite eateries.
Sarah Rowe
Name: Sarah Rowe
Sport: Mayo GAA & Ireland Soccer
DOB: 25.07.1995
Position: Forward
School: St Marys, Ballina
From: Mayo
Club: Mayo GAA
Honours: DCU O’Connor Cup Winner 2018
Did you know?
- A self-titled Queen of brunches, Sarah is a keen coffee enthusiast and is partial to pick ‘n’ mix for a treat.
- With a large following on Instagram, Sarah is just as followed for her sporting achievements as she is for her fashion sense.
- Sarah has signed with Collingwood FC for the 2019 Women’s Australian Football League.
- Sarah is a Brand Ambassador for Lidl Ireland, O’Neill’s Sportswear, Connolly Motors Ballina and Kinetica.
Rhys Ruddock
Name: Rhys Ruddock
Sport: Lesinter & Ireland
DOB: 13.11.1990
Position: Flanker
School: Millfield School
From: Dublin
Club: Leinster
Honours: Ireland (Captain) | Leinster’s youngest ever Captain
Did you know?
Rhys is the son of former Wales and Leinster coach Mike Ruddock
Likes to walk his dog Buddy in his spare time and really enjoys cooking healthy food.
Dominic Ryan
Tom Daly
Name: Tom Daly
Sport: Leinster Rugby
DOB: 31.07.1993
Position: Centre/Out half
School: St. Mary’s Knockbeg College
From: Carlow
Club: Leinster
Honours: Ireland 7’s (Captain) | Ireland U 20
Did you know?
Degree in Science now doing Masters in Physiotherapy UCD
Interested in injury prevention & rehabilition
Plays Golf
Enjoys cooking for friends & family
Mags Darcy
Name: Mags D’Arcy
Sport: Wexford Camogie & Men’s Hurling Goal Keeping Coach
DOB: 02.12.1987
Position: Goalkeeper – Wexford Camogie | Goal Keeping Coach – Wexford Men’s Hurling
School: Wexford
From: Wexford
Club: Munster
Honours: Double All Star winner | Holder of four All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship’s 2007, 2010, 2011 2012 | Holds three National League titles I – 2009, 2010 and 2011 | Ashbourne All Star Award | Mags Captained Leinster to a provincial title in 2014 | In 2017 Mags captured her first-ever county camogie senior title with St. Martin’s.
Did you know?
- Working in UCD by day, training and coaching most nights, Mags enjoys spending downtime with family and friends.
- Mags is a Brand Ambassador for Liberty Insurance, Ireland.
Mark Flanagan
Name: Mark Flanagan
Sport: Bedford Blues
DOB: 02.02.1989
Position: Lock
School: St. Finian’s College
From: Westmeath
Club: Bedford Blues
Honours: Ireland U 20
Did you know?
He has a Civil Engineering degree from UCD
Currently working part time in the UK water industry
A keen amateur cook
Getting married next year in Italy
Sinead Goldrick
Name: Sinead Goldrick
Sport: Dublin GAA
DOB: 02.05.199
Position: Wing-Back
School: Colaiste Iosagain
From: Dublin
Club: Dublin
Honours: 2017 All Ireland Winner | 6 Times All Star
Did you know?
- Sinead works in Sports PR & Marketing. If she has any free time from work and training, Sinead likes to spend it cooking up a storm in the kitchen. Delicious nutritious food is something that she is passionate about which resulted in her teaming up with Camille Thai to create a top selling dish.
Greg Jones
Name: Greg Jones
Sport: Ulster Rugby
DOB: 13.01.1996
Position: Back Row
School: St. Andrew’s College, Dublin
From: Sandycove Co. Dublin
Club: Ulster
Honours: Ireland U 20
David Ryan
Name: David Ryan
Sport: Agen Rugby
DOB: 21.04.1986
Position: Prop
From: Cork
Club: Agen
Willie Ryan
Name: Willie Ryan
Sport: Doncaster Knights
DOB: 04.12.1990
Position: Flanker
School: CBC
From: Cork
Club: Doncaster Knights
Honours: Ireland Clubs XV
Darragh Maloney
Name: Darragh Maloney
Sport: RTÉ Sport Broacaster
From: Dublin
Honours: Darragh joined RTÉ in 1995 from local Dublin radio station, FM104 | Presents weekly show Premier Soccer Saturday on RTÉ Two | Darragh has commentated on two FIFA World Cups, three European Football Championships and numerous UEFA Champions League games | During the summer months he is also a regular commentator on GAA for television and radio coverage on RTÉ. He was also one of the studio presenters for RTÉ’s day coverage of the 2012 Olympics.
Did you know:
- Darragh is happily married to wife Louise Maloney with their three children Hannah, Jack and Kate.
- Offaly footballer Matt Connor was Darragh’s hero while growing up.
- Darragh’s favourite part about his job is being able to go to the games and live the experience as if he was playing.
Richie Sadlier
Name: Richie Sadlier
Sport: RTÉ Sport & Irish Times
DOB: 14.01.1979
Position: Former Footballer for Ireland and Millwall FC (Striker)
School: St. Benildus College
From: Dublin
Honours: Richie scored 34 goals in 103 starts for Millwall
School Talks:
The topics Richie speaks to students about include mental health/wellbeing, masculinity, drugs/alcohol. Without lecturing or finger-wagging, Richie speaks candidly about his own experiences in a range of areas and shares the knowledge he has gained from working as a mental health professional. Regardless of the chosen topic area, his aim is always to support the development of adolescents.
Did you know:
- Richie loves spending time with his St Bernard, Bobbi.
- With a degree in Psychotherapy, Richie developed a Schools Programme on Mental Fitness which he has rolled out in St Benildus College and other schools.
- From personal experience and his education Richie is a popular speaker on many topics around of mental health & fitness.
- Richie has a BSc in Sports Science from the University of Surrey.
- Richie received a senior international Cap versus Russia in 2002 and was favoured to make the 23man squad for the 2002 world cup but was ruled out due to a hip injury.
Darren Sweetnam
Name: Darren Sweetnam
Sport: Munster & Ireland
DOB: 05.05.1993
Position: Fullback | Wing
School: Bandon Grammar
From: Cork
Club: Munster
Honours: Ireland
Did you know?
Darren ha splayed hockey & cricket for Ireland as well as playing hurling for Cork in an All Ireland semi final whilst still at school.
James Coughlan
Natalya Coyle
Name: Natalya Coyle
Sport: Modern Pentathlon
DOB: 11.12.1990
School: Kings Hospital, Dublin
From: Tara, Co. Meath
Honours: Natalya is currently ranked 6th in the World and is a podium prospect for Tokyo 2020 | Natalya competed in London 2012, and finished 9th(first woman to represent Ireland in the Modern Pentathlon at an Olympic games) | In Rio 2016 she finished 6th. In 2018 Natalya won a Silver Medal at a World Cup (The first ever Irish Modern Pentathlon individual medal – Male or female) | In 2017 Natalya and Arthur became Mixed Relay World Champions.
Did you know:
- Natayla studied BESS in Trinity.
- Natalya is a Brand Ambassador for Liberty Insurance, Aramark, Under Armour & Kinetica.
- Natalya is passionate about her sport and promoting it and Women in Sport and has spoken on various panels on this topic.
- With a ruthless training regime, Natalya has little time for much else but food is very important for her feeling and recovery. Previously she teamed up with Camille Thai to come up with a nutritious dish.
Richard Dunwoody
Name: Richard Dunwoody MBE
Sport: Champion Jockey & Adventurer
DOB: 18.01.1964
From: Belfast
Honours:
- 3 Time Champion Jockey
- Richard was the only jockey of his generation to win the ‘Big Three’ National Hunt races following wins on West Tip (Aintree Grand National 1986), Charter Party (Cheltenham Gold Cup 1988) and Kribensis (Champion Hurdle 1990).
- He also partnered the great Desert Orchid to 7 victories.
- Richard was awarded an MBE for his services to sport in 1993
Did you know:
- Richard has travelled extensively to some 90 countries.
- In 2003 Richard competed in the inaugural Polar Race to the Magnetic North Pole and in 2008 he completed an unsupported expedition to the South Pole, travelling around 700 miles on skis.
- In 2017, to raise funds for Sarcoma UK he walked the length of Japan’s three largest islands covering over 2000 miles in 101 days.
- With his knowledge of Sport at the top level and what it takes to survive in extreme environments, Richard has been delivering presentations to the business world for over 15 years.
Craig Doyle
Name: Craig Doyle
Sport: BT Sport Presenter
DOB: 17.12.1970
From: Dublin
Did you know:
- Craig has worked on a variety of TV shows on BBC, ITV and RTE.
- Craig is the lead rugby anchor for BT Sport rugby coverage & their MotoGP coverage.
- Craig is a successful triathlete having completed his first event in 2006 and representing Ireland at the World Championships in Germany a year later.
Mark Rohan
Name: Mark Rohan
Sport: Former Paralympian
DOB: 26.07.1981
From: Westmeath
Biography:
- Mark is a double Paralympic Gold Medal winner in London 2012
- Mark is a three-time H1 (Hand-Cycling) World champion in 2010-2011
Did you know:
- Mark Rohan is a former Westmeath U21 footballer from Ballynahown near Athlone
- Mark has also represented Ireland at wheelchair basketball and tennis, before discovering hand-cycling in 2009.
- Mark received his Bsc in Sports Management in UCD and his MBA in Sports Management at Real Madrid University
- After spending each winter in the Algarve preparing for the upcoming season during his professional cycling career he gained a wealth of knowledge of cycling in the Algarve & now Mark manages the day-to-day operations of The Bike Shed in Quinta Do Lago
Martin Johnson CBE
Name: Martin Johnson CBE
Sport: Rugby World Cup Winner
DOB: 09.03.1970
From: Solihull, UK
Biography:
- Martin captained England to glory in the 2003 Rugby World Cup.
- Johnson captained the Lions on the 1997 tour to South Africa and again in 2001 on their tour to Australia.
- In 2008 Martin became the England team manager. Under his management England won the 2011 Six Nations Championship their first since 2003
Did you know:
- Martin’s only Senior rugby club was Leicester Tigers, spanning 16 seasons.
Jenny Murphy
Name: Jenny Murphy
Sport: Leinster & Ireland Rugby
DOB: 30.05.1989
From: Kildare
Honours:
- Grand Slam Winner 2013
- World Cup Semi-finalist 2014
- 6 Nations Winner 2015
Did you know
- Jenny is working in PepTalk, engaged in Work Place Wellbeing
- Jenny is a qualified PE Teacher.
- Jenny is a sports nut having played Soccer and GAA growing up.
- Jenny loves spending time doodling and drawing and is very creative.
- Jenny can talk passionately about a number of topics such as Wellbeing, Resilience & Goal Setting.
Ronan 'Gara
Name: Ronan O’Gara
Sport: La Rochelle Rugby Coach
DOB: 07.07.1977
From: Cork
Honours:
- 128 Irish Caps
- 2 British & Irish Lions Caps
- Kicked the winning drop goal in the Grand Slam win over Wales
- 2 Heineken Cup medals with Munster
- 2010 ERC European Player of the Year
- 2016 Inducted into the IRUPA Hall of Fame
Did you know
- Ronan was the defence coach with Racing 92 2013-2017. He then went to the Crusaders as the Assistant Backs Coach. In 2019 Ronan took over the role of Head Coach of La Rochelle.
- Ronan is married to Jessica and they have 5 children.