Over the years I have had the privilege of working with some of the most committed and inspiring athletes in Irish sport. This is not a ranking or a definitive list, but a personal reflection on individuals who have left a lasting impression on me, not just because of their performances but because of how they lead, carry themselves, and support those around them. Each person mentioned here brought something unique to the environments we shared and their traits continue to shape how I think about leadership, performance, and growth. There are many more I could include, but these are just a few who came to mind when I sat down to reflect.
I often get asked about the great athletes I’ve worked with. Who trained the hardest? Who was the most mentally tough? Who was the strongest?

It’s made me reflect on the unique traits that define these individuals. Not just their talent, but the psychological, physical, and behavioural qualities that shape sustained excellence. What’s become clear to me is that no team is made up of one type of leader. Different personalities bring different strengths, and the best teams are made up of individuals whose standout traits complement each other.

These athletes have all had a deep impact on me, on how I think, how I coach, and how I live.

Nikki Evans – Growth Mindset
Former Ireland senior hockey player, Nikki had an incredible attitude. She was always looking to improve and trusted the process. She consistently sought out people and practices to better herself and her teammates. Her willingness to learn and evolve was a driving force behind her success.

Sean O’Brien – Physicality and Presence
In a game of rugby, I have never seen Sean O’Brien beaten physically. On the rare occasion someone got the better of him, he would respond in a way that changed the tone of the game. He could impose himself like no one else I have ever seen. He had that presence where everyone around him raised their standards.

James McCarthy – Relentless Drive and Winning Edge
Like Sean, James never took a step back. He had an extraordinary ability to physically impose himself in the moments that mattered most. What stood out even more was his timing. He could create winning moments under pressure when the team needed him most. His grit, leadership, and refusal to be outworked were defining features of the most successful Dublin teams.

Con O’Callaghan – ComposureI’ve never seen Con rattled, on or off the field. He rises to every occasion and is often the player who makes the decisive difference. Calm, consistent, and immensely talented, he’s also a genuinely good person.

Josh van der Flier – Preparation and Humility
Josh’s attention to detail in preparation is exceptional. He was meticulous in every aspect of his performance. He constantly asked questions to improve his understanding of nutrition, recovery, and lifestyle, always looking for an edge. Despite being one of the best in the world, he remains grounded and focused on learning. That humility makes him a powerful leader.

Jonny Cooper – Culture Builder and Accountability
Jonny’s work ethic and standards didn’t just benefit his own performance, they lifted everyone around him. He worked without looking for praise, always willing to help others. He held himself to the highest standard, never pointing fingers, always asking what he could do better. He is an incredible leader and someone who has supported me throughout my career.

Breda Daly – Inspiration and Perspective
Breda, a world triathlete, taught me about resilience and belief. While battling cancer, she continued to train and later returned to compete at the highest level. Her mindset, determination, and positivity continue to inspire me and others every day. She brought a perspective that reminded everyone what was truly important in sport and in life.

Jack McCaffrey – Joy and Care
Jack brings energy and fun wherever he goes. His performances are remarkable, but it’s his ability to lift a room and make people feel valued that makes him truly special. He brings joy, but also deep care and attention to those around him.

Isa Nacewa – Team-First Mentality
Isa had a unique way of bringing people together. His selflessness and commitment to the team were unmatched. He put his body through extraordinary demands and never once complained. A quiet leader with a massive impact.

Paul Flynn – Work Ethic
You cannot succeed in elite sport without work ethic, but Paul brought a level of diligence that stood out. He constantly sought insights to improve and pushed himself relentlessly in pursuit of performance.

Ashling Thompson – Discipline and Focus
I worked with Ashling during her return from an ACL rupture. Her focus, discipline, and goal orientation were extraordinary. She paid attention to every detail of her recovery and brought the same attitude to her performance. She approached her rehab with the same intensity as a final. A brilliant person to talk to about sport and life.

Diarmuid Connolly – Skill and Power
Diarmuid was a magician with a football. His balance, pace, aggression, and control made him a force of nature. I’ll never forget getting tackled by him. I felt the full force.

Johnny Sexton – Leadership and High Standards
Johnny’s presence alone could raise the standard of a team. He inspired confidence and brought a winning mentality to every environment. When Johnny was fit and ready, you knew there was a good chance the team was going to win. He demanded the best of everyone, including himself.
Caelan Doris – Authenticity and Vulnerability
A leader before he realised it. Caelan has always spoken from the heart about what matters. He was one of the first male athletes I heard speak openly about mental health. His humility and sincerity have always stood out. He has stayed true to the grounded man from the west of Ireland he is. His openness has helped others do the same.

Cian O’Sullivan – Emotional Intelligence
When Cian spoke, people listened. He combined an exceptional playing IQ with a calm, intelligent presence off the pitch. He built strong relationships and always made time to support those around him. His emotional intelligence made him the glue in many dressing rooms.

Conor O’Brien – Perspective and Resilience
Conor has an unwavering belief in himself, despite facing multiple setbacks. His ability to keep perspective on what matters, life, relationships, identity, has shaped the way he approaches sport and life. He always saw the person behind the jersey and built meaningful friendships that extended far beyond the pitch.

Paul Mannion – Performance Lifestyle and Curiosity
Paul was one of the most curious and dedicated athletes I’ve worked with. He was always searching for performance gains in nutrition, recovery, and regeneration. He often challenged my thinking and wanted to understand every detail. I even did a published case study for my postgraduate research based on his practices and their impact on performance.

There are so many more I could mention, but this is just a small cohort of athletes who have impacted me deeply. Their leadership styles, personalities, and values have shaped not only their teams but also my own outlook as a practitioner and person.
It is from learning alongside athletes like these that we have developed the tools and strategies we now share every day. If you would like to receive our 30 Ways in 30 Days performance series, packed with free resources to help you build your own path to consistency and excellence, add your email HERE