Why Injured Players Are Cash in the Attic By David Hare My S&C education started with physiotherapists. I was working in a clinic in Malahide that blended S&C with physio — something that wasn’t all that common in Ireland at the time. It was a real eye-opener for me in terms of what could be…

In 2017, I was involved with coaching the Offaly U21 footballers—it was the final year before that age grade was phased out. At the time, I was also part of the senior football management, so it was relatively straightforward for me to double up and get stuck in with the younger group. One or two…

It was 2007, and I was working in a sports performance and physiotherapy centre in Dublin’s city centre. The clinic I was with had just secured a new contract with a group of Paralympic cyclists. The owner of the facility was a keen cyclist himself, so the partnership was an exciting and natural fit for…

Quick shoutout to the SKLZ Speed Gates – cheap, cheerful, and honestly one of my favourite pieces of kit. I use them constantly with both students and athletes. Are they dual-beam or hyper-accurate? Definitely not. But they drive intent, and that’s what really matters – when kids know they’re being timed, they actually sprint hard.…

Why Constraints Make Better Coaches — Lessons from a Squash Court Gym Coaching success is often associated with high-performance centres, strength labs, and full-time squads. But the reality for most GAA coaches—especially at club and the lower levels—is far removed from that ideal. Resources are limited. Spaces are improvised. Equipment is often whatever’s lying around…

Five Things I Learned Writing This Bookby David Hare Here are five lessons I picked up while pulling this book together. If you’re a coach, player, or someone just trying to raise standards in your club—this is for you 1. Stop Obsessing Over Facilities—Start Organising Too many clubs get caught up whining about what they…

What I Would Change About Coach Education in the GAA Let me be clear right from the start — this is not a criticism of the incredible work being done in GAA coach education. Quite the opposite. I have huge respect for the people involved in developing coaches across the country, many of whom are…

Who can Take the gym sessions in Your GAA Club? What are the options?

Designing the Perfect Club or Home Gym By Coach Hare Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of designing and setting up countless gyms for GAA and Rugby clubs, as well as functional training spaces for private clients. I’ve built gyms everywhere from attic conversions in Ballymun to Georgian basements on Fitzwilliam Square, working with…

The Importance of a Strong Relationship with the Head Coach Having worked as a professional Strength & Conditioning (S&C) coach for nearly 15 years, I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with head coaches and managers across a range of sports, including Tennis, Rugby, Swimming, Sailing, Rowing, Cycling, and, of course, Gaelic Football and Hurling. One key…