Dr Stephen Behan MSc, PhD

Email: stephen.behan@dcu.ie

Key Research Interests: 

• Sport and Physical Activity participation

• Data in Sport

• Coaching

Stephen is an Assistant Professor at the School of Health and Human Performance in Dublin City University. He primarily teaches within the MSc and Professional Doctorate programs in Elite Performance (Sport) and maintains broad research interests spanning sports analytics, sports performance, coaching, talent development, and health promotion. Stephen is especially passionate about promoting physical activity among children and currently leads several national initiatives, including the Moving Well-Being Well project and the Vision Sports project, while also contributing to the Children's Sport Participation and Physical Activity survey.

Additionally, Stephen is a Funded Investigator with the Insight Research Centre for Data Analytics and collaborates on various sports-related projects with leading organisations such as the GAA, Premiership Rugby, and the Premier League. As an active practitioner, he has extensive coaching experience and currently serves as the Lead Performance Analyst for the Dublin Senior Football team.

Highlighted Publications:

1. Behan, S., Belton, S., Peers, C., O¡¯Connor, N. E., & Issartel, J. (2019). Moving Well-Being Well: Investigating the maturation of fundamental movement skill proficiency across sex in Irish children aged five to twelve. Journal of sports sciences, 37(22), 2604-2612.
2. Peers, C., Issartel, J., Behan, S., O'Connor, N., & Belton, S. (2020). Movement competence: Association with physical self-efficacy and physical activity. Human movement science, 70, 102582.
3. Behan, S., Belton, S., Peers, C., O¡¯connor, N. E., & Issartel, J. (2022). Exploring the relationships between fundamental movement skills and health related fitness components in children. European journal of sport science, 22(2), 171-181.
4. Shelley, A., Taylor, J., MacNamara, ?., Sajwan, V., Scriney, M., McCarthy, N., ... & Behan, S. (2025). The impact of high-potential status on progression and conversion within a male rugby union talent system. Journal of Sports Sciences, 1-12.

5. Flynn, L., Millar, K., Belton, S., O'Connor, N., Meegan, S., Britton, U., & Behan, S. (2024). Investigating physical activity levels in adults who are blind and vision impaired. Disability and Health Journal, 17(3), 101594.

    

Link to ORCID Profile

Dr Sarahjane Belton

Email: sarahjane.belton@dcu.ie

Key Research Interests:  Physical and Health literacy in adolescents; Rehabilitation programmes for chronic illness; Intervention development and evaluation

Sarahjane is an Associate Professor of Physical Education at the School of Health and Human Performance at DCU. Sarahjane researches in the field of childhood physical activity and health, encompassing all related aspects from physical activity and fitness, motivation and attitudes, to fundamental movement skill abilities. Much of her work centres on developing and evaluating physical literacy and health literacy intervention programmes, from pre-school level up to post primary.  She lead on, and been involved in, the development, evaluation and dissemination of many national youth school based physical and health literacy interventions including Y-PATH (Youth-Physical Activity Towards Health), Moving Well Being Well, Kids Active, and LifeLab, has collaborated with many national agencies in this endeavour, and has published numerous text books and papers in this field. Sarahjane is also interested in the role of autonomic dysfunction in a range of chronic illnesses, and the development of rehabilitation intervention programmes targeting recovery from the perspective of autonomic function.

Highlighted Publications:

1. Smith, C.; Belton, S.; Issartel, J.; Meegan, S.; Goss, H.R. (2024) 'Lifelab Dublin; a process evaluation of a pilot health literacy intervention for socioeconomically disadvantaged adolescents'. Curriculum Studies in Health and Physical Education, . [Link] [DOI]

    

2. Britton, ?.; Belton, S.; Peers, C.; Issartel, J.; Goss, H.; Roantree, M.; Behan, S. (2023) 'Physical literacy in children: Exploring the construct validity of a multidimensional physical literacy construct'. European Physical Education Review, 29 . [Link] [DOI]

    

3. Belton S, Sheridan K. 'The Second Arrow': A Collaborative Autoethnographic Exploration of What Can Be Learned From One Long COVID Journey. Health Expectations. 2025 Jun;28(3):e70227. doi: 10.1111/hex.70227. PMID: 40265979; PMCID: PMC12015975. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12015975/

    

4. Belton, S.;O¡¯Brien, W.;Murtagh, E.;Costa, J.;Issartel, J.;McGann, J.;Manninen, M. (2022) 'A new curriculum model for second-level physical education: Y-PATH PE4Me'. Curriculum Studies in Health and Physical Education, . [Link] [DOI]

    

5. Sarahjane Belton1*, Sinead Connolly2, Cameron Peers3, Hannah Goss1, Marie Murphy4, Elaine Murtagh5, Jennifer Kavanagh6, M¨¦abh Corr7, Kyle Ferguson8 and Wesley O¡¯Brien9 (2022) 'Are all domains created equal? An exploration of stakeholder views on the concept of physical literacy'. BMC Public Health, . [DOI]

Link to ORCID Profile

Dr Aoife Burke BSc, PhD, CAT

Email: aoife.burke@dcu.ie

Key Research Interests: 

• Running biomechanics and injury

• Gaelic games

• Clinical education

Aoife is an Assistant Professor in the School of Health and Human Performance, and Programme Chair of the BSc Athletic Therapy & Training, and Integrated MSc in Athletic Therapy and Strength & Conditioning programmes at DCU. Aoife's current interest has a focus on the biomechanical risk factors of running-related injuries, the treatment of ACL injuries and the prevention of hamstring injuries. She is currently acting as Clinical Education Coordinator in the School, and has conducted research on the impact of clinical education on student confidence, exploring differences between national and international experiences. Outside of academia, Aoife has endeavoured to promote and grow the Athletic Therapy profession within Ireland and globally by serving various positions within Athletic Rehabilitation Therapy Ireland (ARTI) and the World Federation for Athletic Training and Therapy (WFATT).

Highlighted Publications:

1. Burke, A., Dillon, S., O¡¯Connor, S., Whyte, E.F., Gore, S. and Moran, K.A., 2021. Risk factors for injuries in runners: a systematic review of foot strike technique and its classification at impact. Orthopaedic journal of sports medicine, 9(9), p.23259671211020283.
2. Burke, A., Dillon, S., O¡¯Connor, S., Whyte, E.F., Gore, S. and Moran, K.A., 2023. Aetiological factors of running-related injuries: A 12 month prospective ¡°running injury surveillance centre¡±(RISC) study. Sports Medicine-Open, 9(1), p.46.
3. Burke, A., Dillon, S., O¡¯Connor, S., Whyte, E.F., Gore, S. and Moran, K.A., 2022. Comparison of impact accelerations between injury-resistant and recently injured recreational runners. Plos one, 17(9), p.e0273716.
4. Dillon, S., Burke, A., Whyte, E.F., O¡¯Connor, S., Gore, S. and Moran, K.A., 2023. Running towards injury? A prospective investigation of factors associated with running injuries. PloS one, 18(8), p.e0288814.

5. Burke, A., Dillon, S., O¡¯Connor, S., Whyte, E.F., Gore, S. and Moran, K.A., 2022. Relative and absolute reliability of shank and sacral running impact accelerations over a short-and long-term time frame. Sports Biomechanics, pp.1-16.

    

Link to ORCID Profile

Professor Dave Collins Cert.Ed B.Ed MSc PGDip Couns PhD C,Psychol C.Sci HCPC Practitioner FBASES FFSMA AFBPsS FZSL 

Email: davidjohn.collins@dcu.ie

Key Research Interests: 

Performance 

Development 

Expertise 

Dave is a Professor of Elite Performance at Dublin City University, Professorial Fellow at the University of Edinburgh  and Director at Grey Matters Performance Ltd. As an academic, Dave has over 450 peer review publications and 90 books/chapters. His research is largely applied and pragmatic, focusing on all aspects of human performance encompassing children to elites, coaches and teachers and the support professions. Dave is the Chief Editor of the Frontiers journal of Performance and Development in Coaching. As a practitioner, he has worked with over 90 World or Olympic medallists plus professional teams and performers, including 10-year terms with the Chelsea FC Academy, SnowSports New Zealand, Short Track Speed Skating and GB Weightlifting. Dave has acted as a Team Leader and Team Manager at international events, including (so far!) 13 Olympics and over 50 World Championships. He has coached to national level in three sports, is a 5^th Dan Karate and  Director of the Rugby Coaches Association.

Highligted Publications: 

Holmes, P.S. & Collins, D. (2001). The PETTLEP approach to motor imagery: a functional equivalence model for sport psychologists. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 13(1), 83-106. 

Cruickshank, A. & Collins, D. (2012). Exploring Change Management in Elite Sport. Journal of Change Management. 12(2), 209-229 doi.org/10.1080/14697017.2011.632379 

Carson, H.J., & Collins, D. (2015). The fourth dimension: A motoric perspective on the anxiety¨Cperformance relationship. International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology. 9(1), 1¨C21. doi.org/10.1080/1750984X.2015.1072231 

Collins, D., MacNamara, ?. & McCarthy, N. (2016) Super champions, champions and almosts: Important differences and commonalities on the rocky road.  Frontiers in Psychology, 11 January http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.02009

Collins, D., Taylor, J., Ashford, M. & Collins, L. (2023).  It Depends Coaching ¨C The most fundamental, simple and complex principle or a mere copout? Sports Coaching Review, doi.org/10.1080/21640629.2022.2154189

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7601-0454 

Dr Rosie Collins

Email: rosie.collins@dcu.ie

Key Research Interests: 

• Decision Making

• Psychomotoric concomitants of performance

• Talent development environments

Rosie is an Assistant Professor in the School of Health and Human Performance at Dublin City University. At present, Rosie supervises and teaches on our MSc and ProfDoc Elite Performance programmes, promoting research in a number of applied domains such as; the role of culture of performance, curriculum design in talent development, adaptive expertise and optimal interdisciplinary team environments. Alongside her role at DCU, Rosie also operates as a fully qualified Sport Psychologist in elite sporting environments. Her experience is broad, having supported athletes through a variety of team (soccer, rugby sevens), individual (modern pentathlon, table tennis, slalom skiing) and performance domains (banking, performing arts), at International, Olympics and Worlds level. 

Highlighted Publications:

1. Collins, R., Collins, D., & Carson, H. J. (2021). Muscular collision chess: A qualitative exploration of the role and development of cognition, understanding and knowledge in elite-level decision making. International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1080/1612197X.2021.1907768

    

2. Collins, R., Collins, D., & Carson, H. J. (2022). Show me, tell me: An investigation into learning processes within skateboarding as an informal coaching environment. Frontiers in Psychology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.812068

    

3. Taylor, R.D., Taylor, J., Ashford, M., Collins, R. (2023). Contemporary pedagogy? The use of theory in practice: An evidence-informed perspective. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living. 5:1113564. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2023.1113564

    

4. Papastaikoudis, F., Collins, R. & Collins, D. (2024). Bouncing back: A longitudinal examination of challenge within football academy environments. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2024.1402570

    

5. Abraham, A., Collins, D. & Collins, R. (2024). Thinking (too?) fast and slow: An example of professional judgement and decision making processes in athletics. International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching. https://doi.org/10.1177/17479541241286780

Link to ORCID Profile

M¨¦abh Corr, BSc, MSc, PhD 

Email: meabh.corr@dcu.ie

Key Research Interests: 

• Barriers to physical activity for adolescent girls 

• Physical activity interventions

• Performance Analysis  

M¨¦abh is an Assistant Professor in Sport Pedagogy in the School of Health and Human Performance at Dublin City University. 

M¨¦abh graduated with a BSc in Physical Education from the University of Limerick in 2016. From 2016-2019, M¨¦abh completed her doctoral studies in Mary Immaculate College, Limerick, focusing on physical activity interventions for adolescent girls. Upon completion of this degree, M¨¦abh taught Physical Education and Irish for four years, and has also worked as an examiner for the State Examinations Commission. ´ó·¢ÌåÓýÔÚÏß_´ó·¢ÌåÓý-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø recently, in 2024, M¨¦abh completed an MSc in Sports Performance Practice in Atlantic Technological University, Donegal. This degree has broadened M¨¦abh's research interests to include strength and conditioning, nutrition and performance analysis. 

M¨¦abh currently teaches on the PE course in DCU, across a variety of modules including Games and Outdoor Adventure. As part of her role, M¨¦abh is also the coordinator of school placement for the PE students. 

Highlighted Publications: 

1. Corr, M., McSharry, J. and Murtagh, E.M., 2019. Adolescent girls¡¯ perceptions of physical activity: A systematic review of qualitative studies. American Journal of Health Promotion, 33(5), pp.806-819.
2. Corr, M., 2025. An Evaluation of the Nutritional Knowledge of Intercounty and Club Adolescent Ladies Gaelic Football Players. Women in Sport and Physical Activity Journal, 33(1).
3. Corr, M., McMullen, J., Morgan, P.J., Barnes, A. and Murtagh, E.M., 2020. Supporting our lifelong engagement: mothers and teens exercising (SOLE MATES); a feasibility trial. Women & Health, 60(6), pp.618-635.
4. Corr, M. and Murtagh, E., 2020. ¡®No one ever asked us¡¯: A feasibility study assessing the co-creation of a physical activity programme with adolescent girls. Global health promotion, 27(3), pp.34-43.

5. Belton, S., Connolly, S., Peers, C., Goss, H., Murphy, M., Murtagh, E., Kavanagh, J., Corr, M., Ferguson, K. and O¡¯Brien, W., 2022. Are all domains created equal? An exploration of stakeholder views on the concept of physical literacy. BMC Public Health, 22(1), p.501.

    

Link to ORCID Profile

SarahJane Cullen BSc MSc PhD

Email: sarahjane.cullen@dcu.ie

Key Research Interests: 

• Physiological and psychological impacts of making weight in weight category sports

• Musculoskeletal health and body composition in athletes

• Female athlete health and performance 

   

SarahJane is Head of School and an Associate Professor in Sport & Exercise Physiology in the School of Health and Human Performance in Dublin City University. She is Vice-Chair of the Irish Sport and Exercise Sciences Association (ISESA).

SarahJane is Scientific Coordinator of the Irish Horseracing Research Advisory Committee and coordinates the jockey research group in Ireland. Current projects amongst jockeys and the wider racing industry include bone health and body composition, minimum riding weights, behaviour change, transition into retirement, concussion education, injury surveillance and mental health. She has ongoing research in menstrual cycle, body composition, performance and weight making in female athletes and also athlete and coaches perceptions, knowledge, understanding and experiences of body composition.

SarahJane is a Sport Physiologist providing support to high performance athletes and para-athletes through Sport Ireland Institute (SII). She chaired the Body Composition working group in SII, raising awareness and understanding of the complexities of body composition. She is an ISAK Level 3 anthropometric instructor.

Highlighted Publications:

1. Noonan-Holohan, S., Cullen, S., Dunne, A., Warrington, G., Fitzpatrick, G., Pugh, J., McGoldrick, A., & Losty, C. 2024. The behavioural determinants of weight-making in weight-category sports: A narrative review. Performance Enhancement & Health, 12 (1).

    

2. Dunne, A., Warrington, G., Harrison, M., McGoldrick, A., Pugh, J., & Cullen, S. 2022. Body Composition and Bone Health Status of Jockeys: Current ´ó·¢ÌåÓýÔÚÏß_´ó·¢ÌåÓý-Ͷע|¹ÙÍøings, Assessment Methods and Classification Criteria. Sports Medicine-Open. 8(1):23.

3. Dunne, A; Warrington, G; O'Loughlin, G; O'Connor, S; Harrison, M; McGoldrick, A; Pugh, J; and Cullen, S. 2021. "Physical and Lifestyle Factors Influencing Bone Density in Jockeys: A Comprehensive Update of the Bone Density Status of Irish Jockeys". International Journal of Exercise Science. 14(6):324-337.

4. Cullen, S., Fleming, J., Logue, D.M., O¡¯Connor, J., Connor, B., Cleary, J., Watson, J.A., & Madigan, S.M. 2022. Anthropometric profiles of elite athletes. Journal of Human Sport and Exercise. 17(1): 145-155.

5. O¡¯Connor, S., Warrington, G., Whelan, G., McGoldrick, A., Cullen, SJ. 2020. Concussion History, Reporting Behaviors, Attitudes, and Knowledge in Jockeys. Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine. 30(6), 578-584.

Link to ORCID Profile

Professor Brian Devitt MB, BCh, BAO, MMedSc, MD, FRCSI (Tr and Orth), FFSEM, FRACS, PhD

Email: Brian.devitt@dcu.ie 

Key Research Interests: 

ACL injuries and reconstruction

Hamstring injuries and surgical repair

Patient Reported Outcome Measures 

Brian Devitt is an internationally trained orthopedic surgeon with a subspecialty expertise in hip and knee surgery. He is also a Full Professor and Chair of Orthopaedics and Surgical Biomechanics in the School of Health and Human Performance and the School of Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering at Dublin City University. Brian¡¯s research interest includes sporting injuries such as anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, multiligamentous knee reconstruction, meniscal repair and hamstring repair. He has extensive experience in clinical outcome studies and biomechanical studies and has published research in all areas of interest. Brian frequently presents at international conferences sharing his research and expertise. He has also previously held the position of Director of Research and Education at OrthoSport Victoria in Melbourne. 

Highlighted Publications:

McAleese. T., Welch, N., King, E., Roshan, D., Keane, N., Moran., K. A., Jackson, M., Withers, D., Moran, R., Devitt, B. M. (2025) Primary Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Level 1 Athletes: Factors Associated with Return to Play, Reinjury, and Knee Function at 5 Years of Follow-up. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 0(0).

Klemm, H. J., Webster, K. E., Devitt, B. M., Norsworthy, C. J., Whitehead, T. S., Feller, J. A. (2024) Development and Validation of a Novel Method for Assessing Physical Activity Profiles After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: The Sports and Physical Activity Scale. Journal of ISAKOS. 9(6):100312.

Rohm, J., Devitt, B. M., Feller, J. A. (2023) Lateral Extra Articular Tenodesis in Skeletally Immature Patients: The Modified Ellison Technique. Video Journal of Sports Medicine. 3(5).

Devitt, B. M., Neri, T., Fritsch, B. A. (2023) Combined Anterolateral Complex and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury: Anatomy, Biomechanics and Management - State-of-the-Art. Journal of ISAKOS. 8(1):37-46.

Blucher, N. C., Feller, J. A., Devitt, B. M., Klemm, H. J., Whitehead, T. S., McClelland, J. A., Webster, K. E. (2022) Is There an Association in Young Patients Between Quadriceps or Hamstring Strength After ACL Reconstruction and Graft Rupture? Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 10(6).

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2947-6996 

Brendan Egan, BSc Msc PhD PDip

Email: brendan.egan@dcu.ie 

Key Research Interests: 

• Exercise 

• Skeletal muscle

• Nutrition

Brendan is an Associate Professor of Sport and Exercise Physiology the School of Health and Human Performance at Dublin City University. Currently, he is also Associate Dean for Research in the Faculty of Science and Health. 

Brendan¡¯s research investigates skeletal muscle function and adaptation across the life course, with special interest in the synergy between nutrition and exercise interventions ranging from athletes to older adults. His research group performs human trials involving both acute and chronic interventions for outcomes around performance (physical and cognitive), recovery and adaptation, which are complimented by molecular analysis tools include transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics. 

As an applied practitioner, Brendan works as a performance nutritionist with emphasis on field-based team sports, and endurance athletes, and has previously worked with the Dublin hurling team, Offaly Gaelic football team, Irish Paratriathlon team, and the Football Association of Ireland Senior Men¡¯s and Women¡¯s national teams.

Highlighted Publications: 

1. Brady AJ, Egan B (2024). Acute Ingestion of a Ketone Monoester without Co-Ingestion of Carbohydrate Improves Running Economy in Male Endurance Runners. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise 56(1):134-142. DOI: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000003278
2. Egan B, Sharples AP (2023). Molecular Responses to Acute Exercise and Their Relevance for Adaptations in Skeletal Muscle to Exercise Training. Physiological Reviews 103(3):2057-2170. DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00054.2021
3. Darragh IAJ, McNamee N, Daly R, Pacheco SM, O'Driscoll L, Egan B (2023). The separation and identification of circulating small extracellular vesicles from endurance-trained, strength-trained and recreationally active men. The Journal of Physiology 601(22):5075-5091 DOI: 10.1113/JP285170.
4. Evans M, McClure TS, Koutnik AP, Egan B (2022). Exogenous Ketone Supplements in Athletic Contexts: Past, Present, and Future. Sports Medicine 52(Suppl 1):25-67. DOI: 10.1007/s40279-022-01756-2
5. Timmons JF, Hone M, Duffy O, Egan B (2022). When matched for relative leg strength at baseline, male and female older adults respond similarly to concurrent aerobic and resistance exercise training. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 36(10):2927-2933 DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003987

Link to ORCID Profile

Dr. Nathan Gavigan, BSc, PhD, FHEA

Email: nathan.gavigan@dcu.ie

Key Research Interests: 

• Physical Literacy

• Movement Competence

• Skill Acquisition

   

Nathan is an Assistant Professor in the School of Health and Human Performance at Dublin City University. He leads a wide range of modules in the Physical Education with Biology/Maths programmes and contributes to the Sports Science & Health programme. His multidisciplinary research focuses on enhancing health and performance, with expertise in movement competence, physical literacy, and skill acquisition. He is particularly interested in developing fundamental and sport-specific skills across all levels and age cohorts. Nathan is also the lead researcher behind the development of the FMS² assessment tool, an application designed to help practitioners assess and enhance children¡¯s movement competence. In addition to his academic work, Nathan is an experienced Gaelic football coach, applying his research to high-performance coaching. Through his teaching, research, and applied practice, he aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice, driving real-world impact in physical activity participation and sports performance.

Highlighted Publications:

1. Gavigan, N., Belton, S., Meegan, S., & Issartel, J. (2023). Moving Well-Being Well: a process evaluation of a physical literacy-based intervention in Irish primary schools, Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy, 28:2, 196-211, DOI:10.1080/17408989.2021.1967305

    

2. Gavigan, N., Issartel, J., Peers, C., & Belton, S. (2023). Moving Well-Being Well: Evaluating the Efficacy, Impact on Gender, and Role of Teacher Fidelity of a Fundamental Movement Skill-Based Intervention in Irish Primary School Children. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education (published online ahead of print 2023). Retrieved Mar 6, 2025, from https://doi.org/10.1123/jtpe.2022-0192

    

3. Gavigan, N., Belton, S., Whyte, E., O¡¯Connor, S., Morley, D., & Issartel, J. (2022). Design of a new movement competence assessment for children aged 8¨C12: A Delphi poll study. European Physical Education Review, 28(4), 985-1005. https://doi.org/10.1177/1356336X221102703

    

4. Gavigan, N., Belton, S., Britton, U., Dalton, S., & Issartel, J. (2024). The structural and convergent validity of the FMS² assessment tool among 8- to 12-year-old children. European Physical Education Review, 30(3), 361-380. https://doi.org/10.1177/1356336X231209245

    

5. Devereux, F., Whyte, E., Gavigan, N., & O¡¯Connor, S. (2024). Developing a framework for a games-based injury prevention exercise programme for post-primary (12¨C18 years) physical education class: A Delphi poll study. European Physical Education Review, 30(3), 323-342. https://doi.org/10.1177/1356336X231206245

    

Link to ORCID Profile

Dr Hannah Goss

Email: hannah.goss@dcu.ie

Key Research Interests:  

• Physical and Health literacy

• Participatory methods

• Children and young people

Hannah is an Assistant Professor in Physical Activity Behaviour Change in the School of Health and Human Performance at Dublin City University, and the principal investigator of LifeLab Dublin. Hannah also leads the wider LifePAC research group. She is a winner of the Research Ireland Research Ally award, the Richard O¡¯Kennedy Emerging Talent Award, and the Royal Irish Academy Charlemont grant.

Her primary research interests focus on participatory research methods and the promotion of health and physical activity in children and young people. As an international expert, Hannah was a leading figure in research teams that developed the All Island Physical Literacy Consensus Statement, and the Physical Literacy Consensus Statement for England. Within the health literacy field, as well as the leader of LifeLab Dublin and a founding member of the international LifeLab Community of Practice, most recently, Hannah was the lead author of the national Sl¨¢intecare Healthy Communities health literacy report. 

Highlighted Publications:

1. Goss, H., Belton, S., O¡¯Brien, W., Duncan, M.J. and Foweather, L., 2025. Physical Literacy¡ªBeing Active to Live Your Best Life. Frontiers for Young Minds, 13.

    

2. Smith, C.; Belton, S.; Issartel, J.; Meegan, S.; Goss, H.R. (2024) 'Lifelab Dublin; a process evaluation of a pilot health literacy intervention for socioeconomically disadvantaged adolescents'. Curriculum Studies in Health and Physical Education,. [Link] [DOI]

    

3. Goss, H.R.;Smith, C.;Hickey, L.;Issartel, J.;Morrissey, J.;Murrin, C.;Spillane, A.;Belton, S. (2022) 'Using Co-Design to Develop a Health Literacy Intervention with Socially Disadvantaged Adolescents'. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19 . [Link] [DOI]

    

4. Goss, H.R., Shearer, C., Knowles, Z.R., Boddy, L.M., Durden-Myers, E.J. and Foweather, L., 2022. Stakeholder perceptions of physical literacy assessment in primary school children. Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy, 27(5), pp.515-530.

    

5. *Shearer, C., *Goss, H.R., Boddy, L.M., Knowles, Z.R., Durden-Myers, E.J. and Foweather, L., 2021. Assessments related to the physical, affective and cognitive domains of physical literacy amongst children aged 7¨C11.9 years: a systematic review. Sports Medicine-Open, 7(1), p.37.

Link to ORCID Profile

Helen Keeble BSc (Hons), MCORU, MPOGP, MISCP

Email: helen.keeble@dcu.ie

Key Research Interests: 

• Pelvic floor

• Active female

• Women¡¯s health 

Profile (Max 150 words): Helen joined DCU permanently in September 2024 and is an assistant professor in women¡¯s health. She is a clinical specialist pelvic health physiotherapist and still works in clinic alongside her academic. Helen is programme chair and co-founder of the graduate certificate in women¡¯s health (sport & exercise). Her current research is on the functional female pelvic floor - investigating and developing ways to assess the pelvic floor in more functional and meaningful ways to drive change for women, from all backgrounds, with and without pelvic floor muscle dysfunction everywhere.

Highlighted Publications:

1. Keeble, H. (2022) Functional Assessment of the Female Pelvic Floor. Journal of Pelvic, Obstetric & Gynaecological Physiotherapy, 130, Spring

    

2. Keeble, H. (2020) The Physiotherapy Role in Gut Health. Gastroenterology & Heptology journal, Spring

    

3. Jones, C., Coldron, Y., Aston, B. and Keeble, H (2017). Pregnancy-related Pelvic Girdle Pain and Low Back Pain: The POGP teaching model. Journal of Pelvic, Obstetric & Gynaecological Physiotherapy, 121, Autumn

Link to ORCID Profile

?Dr. ?ine MacNamara

Email: aine.macnamara@dcu.ie

Key Research Interests: 

• Talent development

• Coaching

• Sport systems and pathways

?Dr. ?ine MacNamara is an Associate Professor in Elite Performance, a position she has held since January 2020. She chairs the Professional Doctorate in Elite Performance (Sport), a part-time programme blending research and taught elements, designed for practitioners across performance domains. Supported by a team of pracademics whose work is underpinned by the importance of integrating academic knowledge and practical experience, the Professional Doctorate emphasises embedding learning and research within professional practice.  

Dr. MacNamara's research encompasses a broad spectrum within talent development, coaching, and sport performance, reflecting her commitment to advancing both theoretical understanding and practical applications in these domains. While her research originated in sport, it has expanded to encompass multiple domains including music, academics and dance at both elite and participation levels, reflecting her commitment to excellence in diverse contexts. 

Central to ?ine¡¯s research are interdisciplinary and applied collaborations and the integration of integrating research into practical settings to ensure evidence-informed practice in complex contexts.  She actively engages with NGBs, clubs, sports and talent systems and, in addition to her extensive publication record, this research has impacted policy and practice across sport, nationally and internationally. 

Highlighted Publications: 

1. Collins, D., & MacNamara, ?. (2022). Talent development: A practitioner and parents guide (2nd ed.). Routledge.
2. Collins, D., & MacNamara, ?. (2018). Research and practice in talent identification and development¡ªSome thoughts on the state of play. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 30(3), 429¨C442.
3. Collins, D., & MacNamara, ?. (2017). Making champs and super-champs¡ªCurrent views, contradictions, and future directions. Frontiers in Psychology, 8, 823
4. Hill, A., MacNamara, ?., & Collins, D. (2019). Development and initial validation of the Psychological Characteristics of Developing Excellence Questionnaire version 2 (PCDEQ2). Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 40, 56-65.

5. Collins, D., & MacNamara, ?. (2012). The rocky road to the top: Why talent needs trauma. Sports Medicine, 42(11), 907-914.

    

Link to ORCID

Dr. Mika Manninen

Email: mika.manninen@dcu.ie

Key Research Interests: 

• Motivation 

• Effective instruction

• Exercise and Affect. 

Mika is an Assistant Professor in the School of Health and Human Performance at Dublin City University. He is a qualified PE, Health Science, and Psychology teacher in Finland. His research focuses on strategies, behavior, models, and theories that enhance motivation, particularly in education and health, including but not limited to physical activity. His research interests also span skill learning, program development, competition, and the affective consequences of exercise and physical activity.

Mika collaborates widely both internationally and within the school across all areas of exercise science, fostering interdisciplinary research and knowledge exchange. He has a keen interest in developing robust research designs and synthesizing research findings on novel and emerging topics. Mika is currently the programme chair of the Physical Education with Biology/Maths programmes.

Highlighted Publications:

1. Manninen, M., Dishman, R., Deng, Y., Hwang, Y., Magrum, E. & Yli-Piipari, S. (2022). Self-determination Theory Based Instructional Interventions and Motivational Regulations in Organized Physical Activity: A Systematic Review and Multivariate Meta-Analysis. Psychology of Sport and Exercise. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2022.102248

    

2. Manninen, M. & Campbell, S. (2021). The Effect of the Sport Education Model on need satisfaction, intrinsic motivation, and prosocial attitudes: a systematic review and multilevel meta-analysis. European Physical Education Review. https://doi.org/10.1177/1356336X211017938 

    

3. Manninen, M., Deng, Y., Hwang, Y., Waller, S. & Yli-Piipari, S. (2020). Psychological need-supportive instruction improves novel skill performance, intrinsic motivation, and enjoyment: a cluster-randomised study, International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, DOI: 10.1080/1612197X.2020.1826999

    

4. Kavanagh, H., Issartel, J., Meegan, S., & Manninen, M. (2023). Exploring the Motor Skill Proficiency Barrier Among Children with Intellectual Disabilities: Analysis at a Behavioural Component Level. PLOS ONE. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0288413

    

5. Belton, S. J., O¡¯Brien, W., Murtaugh, E., Costa, J., Issartel, J., McGann, J., Manninen, M. (2022). A new curriculum model for second level Physical Education: Y-PATH PE4Me. Curriculum Studies in Health and Physical Education. https://doi.org/10.1080/25742981.2021.2018941

    

Link to ORCID Profile

Eddie McGuinness BSc, PhD, CAT

Email: eddie.mcguinness@dcu.ie

Key Research Interests: 

• Speed profiling

• Performance testing methodologies

• Female athlete

Eddie is an Assistant Professor in the School of Health and Human Performance at Dublin City University. He teaches across the BSc in Athletic Therapy and Training, BSc in Sport Science and Health, and MSc in Athletic Therapy and Strength and Conditioning. He is Certified Athletic Therapist and serves on the Certification Committee for Athletic Rehabilitation Therapy Ireland (ARTI). He also has extensive experience working as a Strength and Conditioning coach in Gaelic games.

Eddie¡¯s research focuses on speed development and monitoring, with a particular emphasis on methodological factors influencing speed performance in both laboratory and field settings. He is committed to conducting applied research that enhances athletic performance and reduces injury risk, particularly among under-researched populations such as female athletes. His work aims to bridge the gap between research and practice, providing coaches and practitioners with evidence-based insights to optimise training and performance outcomes.

Highlighted Publications: 

1. McGuinness E, Beattie K, Lyons M, Lane A, Higginbotham C, Healy R. Peak Speed in Gaelic Games: A Systematic Review of GPS Methods. International Journal of Kinesiology and Sports Science. 2023;11(4):25-36. doi:10.7575/aiac.ijkss.v.11n.4p.25

    

2. McGuinness E, Lyons M, Beattie K, Lane A, Higginbotham C, Healy R. Linear Sprint Testing Methods in Gaelic Games: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Kinesiology and Sports Science. 2024;12(2):30-45. doi:10.7575/aiac.ijkss.v.12n.2p.30

Link to ORCID Profile

Dr. Sarah Meegan

Email: sarah.meegan@dcu.ie

Key Research Interests: 

• Inclusive practices in sport, physical activity and physical education

• Participation levels of people with disabilities in sport, 

• Coaching people with disabilities, particularly intellectual disabilities.

Profile: Dr. Sarah Meegan joined the School of Health and Human Performance in 2005. Sarah received a BSc in Sports and Exercise Science from Liverpool John Moores University, an MSc in Adapted Physical Activity from the Katholieke University Leuven and a PhD in Inclusive Physical Education from the University of Limerick. Sarah's areas of teaching are on the inclusion of people with disabilities into sport and physical activity, the inclusion of students with additional needs into physical education as well as inclusive coaching. Sarah works in partnership with local disability service providers and special schools in delivering sports and PE programmes for children and adults with disabilities. 

Highlighted Publications:

1. Kavanagh, Hayley; Manninen, Mika; Meegan, Sarah; Issartel, Johann (2024) 'Assessing the Fundamental Movement Skills of Children With Intellectual Disabilities in the Special Olympics Young Athletes Program'. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 41 (1).

2. Smith, C., Belton,S, Issartel, J., Meegan,S., Goss, H. (2024) 'LifeLab Dublin; a process evaluation of a pilot health literacy intervention for socioeconomically disadvantaged adolescents'. Curriculum Studies in Health and Physical Education, . 

3. Flynn, L.; Millar, K.,; Belton, S.; O'Connor, N.; Meegan, S.; Britton, U.,; Behan, S. (2024) 'Investigating physical activity levels in adults who are blind and vision impaired'. Disability and Health Journal, 17 (3). 

4. Kavanagh, H., Issartel, J., Meegan, S., Manninen (2024) 'Can Special Olympics coaches accurately report on the motor competence of children with intellectual disabilities?'. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 37 (2). 

5. Gavigan, N.; Belton, S.; Meegan, S.; Issartel, J. (2023) 'Moving Well-Being Well: a process evaluation of a physical literacy-based intervention in Irish primary schools'. Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy, 28 . 

Link to ORCID Profile

Niall Moyna BA, MSc, PhD, FACSM, FFPHMI (Hon)

Email: niall.moyna @dcu.ie

Three Key Research Interests: 

• Exercise-physiology

• Gene polymorphisms

• Vascular function

   

Niall is full professor of Clinical Exercise Physiology in the School of Health and Human Performance at Dublin City University.  His primary research interests are focused on understanding the role of gene polymorphisms in helping to explain inter-individual variability in biological responses to exercise and the effects of acute and chronic exercise in the prevention of chronic disease and as an adjunct therapy in the treatment of both chronic and genetic diseases.  Much of Niall¡¯s research is undertaken in collaboration with consultant physicians and other allied health care professionals working in local hospitals.  Niall¡¯s secondary research interests are focused on the physiology underpinning sports performance, with a particular emphasis on Gaelic games and middle-and-long distance running.

Highlighted Publications: 

1. Moyna NM, Acker GR, Weber KM, Fulton JR, Robertson RJ, Goss FL, Rabin BS.  Exercise-induced alterations in natural killer cell number and function.  Eur J Appl Physiol Occup Physiol. 1996;74(3):227-33.

    

2. Thompson PD, Moyna NM, White CM, Weber KM, Giri S, Waters DD. The effects of hydroxy-methyl-glutaryl Co-enzyme A reductase inhibitors on platelet thrombus formation.  Atherosclerosis. 2002;161(2):301-6

    

3. Thompson PD, Tsongalis GJ, Seip RL, Bilbie C, Miles M, Zoeller R, Visich P, Gordon P, Angelopoulos TJ, Pescatello L, Bausserman L, Moyna NM. Apolipoprotein E genotype and changes in serum  lipids and maximal oxygen uptake with exercise training. Metabolism. 2004;53(2):193-202.

    

4. Reuveny R, DiMenna FJ, Gunaratnam C, Arad AD, McElvaney GN, Susta D, Peled M, Moyna NM. High-intensity interval training accelerates oxygen uptake kinetics and improves exercise tolerance for individuals with cystic fibrosis. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2020;13;12:9.

    

5. McCormack C, Kehoe B, Cullivan S, McCaffrey N, Gaine S, McCullagh B, McCarren A, Hardcastle SJ, Moyna NM. Safety, feasibility and effectiveness of the remotely delivered Pulmonary Hypertension and Home-Based (PHAHB) physical activity intervention. ERJ Open Res. 2024;10(1):00608-2023

Link to ORCID Profile

Dr. David Nolan

Email: david.nolan@dcu.ie

Key Research Interests: 

• Athletic Development in Elite Performance

• Sex-Differences in Exercise and Performance

• The Female Athlete

• The Role of Exogenous Hormones on Health and Performance

Dr. David Nolan is an Assistant Professor in the School of Health and Human Performance in Dublin City University. He leads modules across the BSc in Sports Science and Health, BSc in Athletic Therapy, and the MSc in Athletic Therapy and Strength and Conditioning, with a specific focus on modules relating to conditioning science, strength and conditioning, and athletic development. His research explores sex-differences in exercise and performance, the role of exogenous hormones such as testosterone and contraceptives on health and athletic performance, and female-specific factors that may influence elite performance. He is also interested in developing and evaluating athletic development testing protocols and interventional approaches to enhance elite performance.

David is a founder and co-director of the Irish Strength and Conditioning Network, and he currently serves as Chair of the annual Irish Strength and Conditioning Conference. He is a member of the REPS Ireland Educational Committee and sits on the Irish Sport and Exercise Sciences Association Accreditation Committee. Alongside his academic work, he is an experienced applied practitioner in strength and conditioning, working across a range of field sports¡ªincluding Gaelic Games, Rugby, and Soccer¡ªas well as strength sports. Through both his research and applied practice, David aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice, driving real-world impact in athletic development and performance.

Highlighted Publications:

1. Nolan, D., McNulty, K.L., Manninen, M. et al. The Effect of Hormonal Contraceptive Use on Skeletal Muscle Hypertrophy, Power and Strength Adaptations to Resistance Exercise Training: A Systematic Review and Multilevel Meta-analysis. Sports Med 54, 105¨C125 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-023-01911-3

    

2. Nolan, D., Horgan, P., MacNamara, A., & Egan, B. (2024). Male athletes play well to feel good, and female athletes feel good to play well: Attitudes, beliefs, and practices pertaining to perceived sex-related differences in communication and interpersonal approach of strength and conditioning coaches in international women¡¯s rugby union. Journal of Sports Sciences, 42(14), 1289¨C1298. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2024.2388992

    

3. Nolan D, Curran O, Brady AJ, Egan B. Physical Match Demands of International Women¡¯s Rugby Union: A Three-Year Longitudinal Analysis of a Team Competing in The Women¡¯s Six Nations Championship. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology. 2023; 8(1):32. https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk8010032

    

4. Bell, L., Strafford, B.W., Coleman, M. Nolan, D. Integrating Deloading into Strength and Physique Sports Training Programmes: An International Delphi Consensus Approach. Sports Med - Open 9, 87 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-023-00633-0

    

5. Nolan, D., Elliott-Sale, K. J., & Egan, B. (2022). Prevalence of hormonal contraceptive use and reported side effects of the menstrual cycle and hormonal contraceptive use in powerlifting and rugby. The Physician and Sportsmedicine, 51(3), 217¨C222. https://doi.org/10.1080/00913847.2021.2024774

Link to ORCID Profile

Dr Anna Donnla O¡¯Hagan BSc, MSc, PhD

Email: annadonnla.ohagan@dcu.ie

Key Research Interests: 

Sleep and Stress

Performance and Cognitive Functioning

Mental Health and Wellbeing

Anna Donnla is an Assistant Professor in the School of Health and Human Performance in Dublin City University. Her primary teaching interests are sport psychology, psychology of injury, and research methods. Her main research interests include sleep, stress, and  ccupational stressors and their impact on mental health, cognitive functioning, performance, and wellbeing in both community and high-stress environments. She is particularly interested in multi-disciplinary collaborative research that is applied in nature with real-world application.

Highlighted Publications:

Malone, S.M., Firnhaber, J., O¡¯Hagan, A. D., O¡¯Keeffe, S., McNamara, J., & O¡¯Connor, S. (2025). Lacking the rural empathy¡±; Irish farmers' and stakeholders¡¯ opinions on current mental health services and preferences for support. Journal of Rural Studies 114(1), 103508. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrurstud.2024.103508 

Marron, T., MacNamee, B., Dungan, N., & O¡¯Hagan, A.D. (2024). Virtual Reality and Pilot Training: Existing Technologies, Challenges, and Opportunities. Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research, 33(1). DOI: https://doi.org/10.58940/2329-258X.1980

O¡¯Hagan, A. D., Gavigan, N., & Goss, H. (2024). The PAWS project ¨C Promoting and supporting the wellbeing of undergraduate students with service dogs. Human-Animal Interactions, 12(1). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1079/hai.2024.0028 

O¡¯Hagan, A. D., Behan, S., Peers, C., Belton, SJ., & O¡¯Connor, N. (2022). Do our movement skills impact our cognitive skills. Exploring the relationship between cognitive function and fundamental movement skills in primary school children. Journal of Science & Medicine in Sport, 25, 871¨C877. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2022.08.001 

O¡¯Hagan, A.D., Issartel, J., Wall, A., Dunne, F., Boylan, P., Herring, M., Campbell, M., & Warrington, G. (2019). ¡°Flying on Empty¡± ¨C Effects of sleep deprivation on pilot performance. Biological Rhythm Research, 1¨C22. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09291016.2019.1581481

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7509-8960  

Dr. Siobh¨¢n O¡¯Connor MSc, PhD, CAT, FFSEM (Hon.)

Email: siobhan.oconnor@dcu.ie

Key Research Interests:

• Injury and concussion

• Women¡¯s Health

• Mental Health and Wellbeing. 

Siobh¨¢n is an Associate Professor in the School of Health and Human Performance in Dublin City University. She is a Certified Athletic Therapist, and her work focuses on strategies that enhance health and wellbeing particularly among under-served and under-researched populations such as women, community sports and high stress occupations. Her research interests span injury surveillance, injury prevention, concussion, women¡¯s health, mental health, wellbeing and occupational stressors. She has a keen interest in developing and delivering education programmes that bridge research and practice and drive real-world change in healthcare and performance. Specifically, she was co-programme proposer for the MSc in Athletic Therapy and Strength and Conditioning, Graduate Certificate in Women¡¯s Health and the MSc in Physiotherapy. She is also the former Vice President of the World Federation of Athletic Training and Therapy. 

Highlighted Publications: 

1. Corrigan, J., O¡¯Keeffe, S., Whyte, E., O¡¯Connor, S. (2024). Developing injury prevention programmes for ladies Gaelic football: a Delphi study. Injury Prevention. Published online first.
2. Leahy, R., Whyte, E., Rochfort, K.D., Kontos, A.P., Collins, M.W., O¡¯Connor, S. (2023) Factors associated with concussion management behavior in Ladies Gaelic football players. Brain Injury. 37(10):1159-1166.
3. Firnhaber, J., Malone, S., O¡¯Hagan, A.D., O¡¯Keeffe, S., McNamara, J., O¡¯Connor, S. (2024) ¡°You don¡¯t want to be seen to be struggling¡±; identifying sociocultural barriers and facilitators for Irish farmers¡¯ mental health help-seeking. Sociologia Ruralis. 64(2):353-357.
4. Cooper, D., Ward, K., Kavanagh, R., O¡¯Connor, S. (2023) MenoWell: A pilot 6-week novel, online, multimodal exercise and health education programme for women in all stages of menopause living in Laois, Ireland. Physical Activity and Health. 7(1):303-318.
5. O¡¯Connor S. Warrington, G., McGoldrick, A., Cullen, S. (2017) Epidemiology of injury in flat and jump race-day jockey falls in Ireland, 2011-2015. Journal of Athletic Training. 52 (12):1140-1146. 

Link to ORCID Profile

Dr Sin¨¦ad O¡¯Keeffe, PhD, BSc, CAT

Email: sinead.okeeffe@dcu.ie 

Key Research Interests

• Mental health

• Gaelic games

• Clinical education

Dr Sin¨¦ad O¡¯Keeffe is an Assistant Professor in the School of Health and Human Performance at Dublin City University. Sin¨¦ad is a Certified Athletic Therapist (CAT) and is the Vice-President of the World Federation of Athletic Training and Therapy (WFATT). Her main research interests relate to injury and performance-related outcomes within Gaelic games and community sports, with relevance to both physical and mental health. 

Her research interests are multidisciplinary and collaborative in nature, focusing on mental health, athletic identity, injury psychology and injury prevention. She has expertise in qualitative research and her work is driven by the desire to listen to the athlete voice and integrate that voice into research and practice. She also has a keen interest in clinical education research in athletic therapy, aiming to support student competence and skill development and enhance evidence-based practices for future professionals. 

Highlighted Publications: 

1. O¡¯Connor, S., Tarmure, M.I., O¡¯Keeffe, S. (2025). Balancing the load: Perceived stress, burnout and coping in Irish athletic therapy students. International Journal of Athletic Therapy and Training. Ahead of print. DOI: 10.1123/ijatt.2024-0119
2. Corrigan, J., O¡¯Keeffe, S., Whyte E., O¡¯Connor, S. (2024). Developing Injury Prevention Programmes for Ladies Gaelic Football: A Delphi Study. Ahead of print. Injury Prevention. DOI: 10.1136/ip-2024-045334
3. O¡¯Connor, S., O¡¯Hagan, A.D., Firnhaber, J., O¡¯Shaughnessy, B.R., McNamara, J., Breslin, G., O¡¯Keeffe, S., Malone, S. (2024). Sowing Seeds of Awareness: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Mental Health Literacy and Help-Seeking in Irish Farmers. Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, 19(47): 1-12. DOI: 10.1186/s12995-024-00446-1
4. O¡¯Keeffe, S., N¨ª Ch¨¦illeachair, N., O¡¯Hagan, A.D., Campbell, M., O¡¯Connor, S. (2023). The Development and Implementation of a Novel Mental Health Literacy Educational Intervention Programme in Gaelic Footballers. Journal of Athletic Training, 58(10): 831-840. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-0463.22

5. Firnhaber, J., Malone, S., O¡¯Hagan, A.D., O¡¯Keeffe, S., McNamara, J., O¡¯Connor, S. (2024). ¡°You don't want to be seen to be struggling¡±; Identifying barriers and facilitators for Irish farmers¡¯ mental health help-seeking. Sociologia Ruralis, 64(2): 353-375. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/soru.12469

    

Link to ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3077-1044

Professor Cliona O¡¯Sullivan

Email: Cliona.osullivan@dcu.ie

Key Research Interests: 

• Musculoskeletal health

• Health Systems and Digital Innovation

• Global health

Cliona is Full Professor in Physiotherapy at Dublin City University. She worked as a clinical physiotherapist for 10 years in Ireland, the UK and Burkina Faso. She has substantial engagement with physiotherapy and health professions education for more than 20 years, first as Clinical Teacher (Trinity College Dublin) and Lecturer, and later Associate Professor in University College Dublin. She has led the development of professional physiotherapy programmes and several initiatives relating to intercultural learning and internationalisation of the student experience. 

Her research spans musculoskeletal health, health systems and global health and she collaborates with clinical partners, international universities and NGOs to understand barriers to access services and develop, implement and evaluate innovative solutions and models of care, including technology enabled care pathways, in areas such as low back pain, paediatric orthopaedics, and pelvic health. Current research projects focus on health system strengthening;  and include co-creation of musculoskeletal digital clinical decision support systems for GPs (Ireland) and frontline community-based health workers (Uganda); and understanding barriers to rehabilitation for women with disabilities (Ethiopia and Cambodia). 

She has represented World Physiotherapy at World Health Organisation (WHO) meetings relating to rehabilitation and was a member of the WHO Development Group for Priority Interventions for Osteoarthritis. She is a registered physiotherapist with CORU, the Health and Social Care Professions Council of Ireland and a member of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (ISCP) .

Highlighted Publications and Reports:

1. World Health Organisation. (2023). World Health Organization. Package of interventions for rehabilitation. Module 2. Musculoskeletal conditions. Geneva: World Health Organisation.
2. Harscou?t, P., Chimpaye, G. N., Kazibwe, H., Kabakyenga, J., O¡¯Callaghan, D., Blake, C., Caulfield, B., & O¡¯Sullivan, C. (2025). Managing low-back pain in rural Uganda: a qualitative study exploring the perspectives and practices of frontline health workers regarding LBP management in primary care. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 26(1).
3. Carroll, L., Sullivan, C. O., Doody, C., Perrotta, C., & Fullen, B. M. (2023). Pelvic organ prolapse: Women¡¯s experiences of Accessing Care & Recommendations for improvement. BMC Women's Health, 23(1). doi:10.1186/s12905-023-02832-z
4. Barth, C. A., Wladis, A., Blake, C., Bhandarkar, P., Aebischer Perone, S., & O'Sullivan, C. (2021). Retrospective observational study of characteristics of persons with amputations accessing International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) rehabilitation centres in five conflict and postconflict countries. BMJ Open, 11(12). doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2021-049533
5. O Mir, M., Blake, C., Cunningham, C., Fennelly, O., & O'Sullivan, C. (2021). Orthopaedic consultant surgeons perceptions of an advanced practice physiotherapy service in paediatrics: A qualitative study. Musculoskeletal Care, 19(2), 149-157. doi:10.1002/msc.1508
6. Barth, C. A., Wladis, A., Blake, C., Bhandarkar, P., & O¡¯Sullivan, C. (2020). Users of rehabilitation services in 14 countries and territories affected by conflict, 1988¨C2018. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 98(9), 599-614. doi:10.2471/BLT.19.249060

Link to ORCID Profile

Kate Sheridan

Email: Kate.sheridan@dcu.ie

Key Research Interests:  

• Chronic Pain

• Rehabilitation from long term illness 

• Behaviour Change

Kate is an Assistant Professor in the School of Health and Human Performance in Dublin City University.  She is a Certified Athletic Therapist and Chartered Physiotherapist specialising in pain management.  Having worked in clinic practice for over a decade Kate¡¯s work now focuses on enhancing pain management in the community, the empowerment of people living with pain and enhancing the pain curriculum delivered to both Athletic Therapy and Physiotherapy students.  Her research interests span chronic pain rehabilitation, behaviour change strategies and long-term rehabilitation individuals with a core focus of supporting those living with pain to engage in lifestyle behaviours that will enhance their health and wellbeing.  She has a keen interest in developing chronic pain services in Ireland that address the knowledge practice gap and enhance pain care for those who need it.

Highlighted Publications:

1. Sheridan K, O'Connor S, Whyte E. An investigation into perceived autonomy support, motivation and competence in chronic pain patients in Ireland: A cross-sectional study. PLoS One. 2024 May 6;19(5):e0301861. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301861. PMID: 38709725; PMCID: PMC11073679.
2. O¡¯Connor, S., Hayes, O. L., & Sheridan, K. (2024). Professional Identity in Irish Certified Athletic Therapists. International Journal of Athletic Therapy and Training, 29(4), 217-221.

Link to ORCID Profile

Dr. Jamie Taylor

Email: Jamie.taylor@dcu.ie

Key Research Interests: 

• Sport Performance and Skill Acquisition

• Sport Coaching Expertise

   

Jamie is an Assistant Professor in the School of Health and Human Performance at Dublin City University. He has significant experience as a researcher using a variety of methods focused on coaching, expertise and athlete development. In addition, he has more than 20 years¡¯ experience in the field of coaching and coach development. His work focuses on understanding skill acquisition, the development of expertise in sport and how these can be accelerated. He is the programme lead for the MSc in Elite Sport Performance and is currently collaborating on a range of research projects with high-performance sports organisations, including the Premier League, GAA, IRFU, and Premiership Rugby. 

Highlighted Publications:

1. Taylor, J., Ashford, M., & Jefferson, M. (2023). High Performance coach cognition in the wild: Using Applied Cognitive Task Analysis for practical insights ¨C cognitive challenges and curriculum knowledge. Frontiers in Psychology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1154168

    

2. Collins, D., & Taylor, J. (Eds.). (2025). Sport skill acquisition: Integrating theory and practice. Human Kinetics.

    

3. Taylor, J., MacNamara, ?., & Taylor, R. D. (2022). Strategy in Talent Systems: Top-down and Bottom-up Approaches. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2022.988631

    

4. Taylor, J., Collins, D., & Ashford, M. (2022). Psychological Safety in High Performance Sport: Contextually applicable? Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 4. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2022.823488

    

5. Taylor, J., MacNamara, ?., & Collins, D. (2023). The 3Ps: A tool for coach observation. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 4. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fspor.2022.1066378

Link to ORCID Profile

Dr Robin Taylor

Email: robin.taylor@dcu.ie 

Key Research Interests: 

• Coaching

• Talent development

• The role of family

Robin is an Assistant Professor in Elite Performance in the School of Health and Human Performance. His research delves into coaching, talent development, and the holistic role families play in nurturing sporting talent. Robin collaborates extensively with various National Governing Bodies (NGBs) and sports organizations, providing support in player and coach development, as well as parental engagement. He supervises and teaches MSc, Professional Doctorate, and PhD students on the Elite Performance Sport programs. Robin has a diverse educational background when it comes to sport, which has allowed him to develop an understanding of sport across several areas: social, cultural, developmental, physical, performance and psychological. As a level 4 hockey coach, he has coached in a range of environments, working with a range of populations, including school, club performance and talent. Robin's research activities are centered on talent development, and he maintains close working relationships with several sporting organizations.

Highlighted Publications:

1. Taylor, R.D., Taylor, J., Ashford, M., Collins, R. (2023). Contemporary pedagogy? The use of theory in practice: An evidence-informed perspective. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living. 5:1113564. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2023.1113564
2. Taylor, J., MacNamara, A., Taylor, R.D. (2022). Strategy in talent systems: Top-down and bottom-up approaches. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living. 4:988631, https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2022.988631
3. Taylor, R.D., Collins, D., & Carson, H.J. (2021). The role of siblings in talent development: Implications for psychologists and coaches. Frontiers in Sport and Active Living, 3:626327: https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2021.626327
4. Taylor, R.D., Carson, H.J., & Collins, D. (2018). The impact of siblings during talent development: A longitudinal examination in sport. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 30, 272 ¨C 287. https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1080/10413200.2017.1384938
5. Taylor, R.D., Collins, D., & Carson, H. (2017). Sibling interaction as a facilitator for talent development in sport. International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching, 12, 219 ¨C 230. https://doi.org/10.1177/1747954117694926 

Link to ORCID Profile

Dr Enda Whyte, MSc, PhD, CAT, MISCP, SFHEA

Email: enda.whyte@dcu.ie

Key Research Interests:

• Injury prevention

• Rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries

• Clinical education

Enda is an associate professor in the School of Health and Human Performance. He is a certified athletic therapist and physiotherapist. His research aims to facilitate the translation of injury management research into practice. It focuses in particular on the efficacy of assessment and rehabilitation/prevention strategies on a range of injuries including concussion, hip, knee and hamstring injuries and running related injuries across different settings from elite sport to community and recreational level athletes. 

Enda is also passionate about developing healthcare education to meet current and future needs as demonstrated by his role as co-programme leader for the MSc in Athletic Therapy and Strength and Conditioning and MSc in Physiotherapy. He is also chairperson for the International Committee for Athletic Rehabilitation Therapy Ireland and committee member of the International Arrangement for the Athletic Training and Therapy Profession and the International Committee of the Commission on Accreditation for Athletic Training Education.

Highlighted Publications:

1. A Lacey, E Whyte, S O¡¯Keeffe, S O¡¯Connor, A Burke, K Moran (2023)The Running Injury Continuum: A qualitative examination of recreational runners¡¯ description and management of injury. Plos one 18 (10), e0292369

    

2. Leahy, R., Whyte, E., Rochfort, K.D., Kontos, A.P., Collins, M.W., O¡¯Connor, S. (2023) Factors associated with concussion management behavior in Ladies Gaelic football players. Brain Injury. 37(10):1159-1166. 

    

3. S O'Connor, E Whyte, L Fortington, J Corrigan (2023). The cost of injury in Ladies Gaelic football: A nine-year analysis (2012¨C2020) of the LGFA's Injury Fund. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport 26 (1), 31-36

    

4. F Devereux, E Whyte, N Gavigan, S O¡¯Connor (2023). Developing a framework for a games-based injury prevention exercise programme for post-primary (12¨C18 years) physical education class: A Delphi poll study. European Physical Education Review 30 (3), 323-342

    

5. EF Whyte, B Heneghan, K Feely, KA Moran, S O'Connor (2021).The effect of hip extension and Nordic hamstring exercise protocols on hamstring strength: a randomized controlled trial. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research 35 (10), 2682-2689

Link to ORCID Profile

Romain Denis (MPhil., CSci., MCASES)

Email: romain.denis@dcu.ie

Romain is a Senior Technical Officer in the School of Health and Human Performance with a demonstrated history of working in higher education institutions. 

In addition to his technical duties, Romain is a CASES Accredited & Chartered Sport Scientist, skilled in exercise physiology and training. 

Romain is a reviewer for the CASES' Laboratory Accreditation Advisory Group & member of the Climate Action and Sustainability Advisory Group. 

Simon Devenney BSc., MSc. 

Email: simon.devenney@dcu.ie

Simon is a Senior Technical Officer at Dublin City University's (DCU) School of Health and Human Performance. In this role, he leverages his extensive background in sports science and health to support the school's technical operations, while also providing Physiological Support to DCU Athletics Scholar athletes.

Emma Kelly MISCP

Email: emma.kelly@dcu.ie

Emma has recently joined Dublin City University (DCU) as the Practice Education Co-ordinator on the MSc Physiotherapy program. She qualified as a chartered physiotherapist in the NHS in 2001 and has worked clinically in cardio-respiratory physiotherapy, including during the Covid-19 pandemic. She obtained a post graduate diploma in Health Professions Education from the Royal College Surgeons Ireland (RCSI) in 2020 and this prompted a shift in her focus to education. She has worked as a Practice Tutor in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, BSc Physiotherapy Year 2 Lead, Lecturer in Cardio-respiratory and Honorary Clinical Lecturer for RCSI. Since December 2024, Emma has been instrumental in the design and development of the new MSc Physiotherapy program in DCU. Emma is starting a PhD investigating the use of simulation in clinical education.

Aisling Scally 

Email: aisling.scally@dcu.ie

Aisling Scally is the School of Health and Human Performance secretary.

Her role involves contributing to the smooth running of the School through professional office service and to act as a key support to the Academic and Technical teams in managing the wide variety of administrative tasks associated with running a vibrant school.

Martin Sweeney BSc., CAT

Email: martin.sweeney@dcu.ie

Martin is a Technical Officer in the School of Health and Human Performance and a Certified Athletic Therapist. A former graduate of the Athletic Therapy and Training program, he combines his academic foundation with hands-on experience in clinical settings and team environments to provide technical support to the Athletic Therapy program.