Tommy Dunne and Jason Ryan Workshop Previewed on Games & Gaels Podcast

The upcoming Laois GAA Hurling Coaching Workshop, which takes place this Saturday, March 7th at the Centre of Excellence, was the main topic of discussion on the latest episode of the Laois Games & Gaels Podcast with Shane Keegan and Dean Malone.

In a short “snap pod”, the pair gave listeners an insight into the thinking behind the workshop, what coaches can expect on the day, and why the event has become an important part of developing coaching standards across the county.

With a hectic schedule in the Coaching and Games office over the past few weeks, the podcast episode served as a quick update while also giving the workshop one final push ahead of the weekend.

Two High-Level Coaches Leading the Workshop

The event will feature two highly respected figures in the game, Tommy Dunne and Jason Ryan, both of whom bring extensive experience at elite level coaching.

The workshop will focus on session design and implementation, particularly for coaches working with teenage players from Under 13 through to senior level.

Speaking on the podcast, Shane Keegan explained that the aim of the event is to give coaches a deeper understanding of how experienced coaches plan their sessions.

Rather than simply demonstrating drills, the speakers will explain the reasoning behind their coaching approach, covering:

• How they plan a training session

• Why certain outcomes are prioritised in a session

• How drills and games are chosen to achieve those outcomes

• How decision-making can be developed through training

Both Dunne and Ryan are known for their modern coaching philosophies, focusing on creating decision-making players through game-based coaching and small-sided games, rather than relying purely on traditional straight-line drills.

Format of the Morning

The workshop will begin at 11am, with Jason Ryan opening the morning.

Ryan will start with a presentation outlining his coaching approach and how he structures his sessions before moving outside for a practical demonstration with players from the Laois development squads.

Following a short break, Tommy Dunne will take the second session, sharing his own coaching insights before leading another on-field practical.

The event is expected to wrap up between 1.30pm and 2pm.

Keegan noted on the podcast that both speakers were enthusiastic about the concept when approached.

“The two lads were delighted with the brief,” he explained, adding that both coaches are passionate about the thinking and planning that goes into coaching rather than simply delivering drills.

Coaches from All Sports Welcome

While the workshop centres on hurling, the organisers believe the themes will be valuable for coaches across multiple sports.

On the podcast, Dean Malone highlighted how the principles of coaching, communication, and session structure can apply far beyond Gaelic games.

Even coaches involved in football, soccer, basketball or other team sports are likely to take ideas from the presentations and practical sessions.

Individual tickets for the event cost €25, while several clubs have opted for a club pass costing €100, allowing an unlimited number of coaches from their club to attend.

Academy 5K Fun Run Draws Huge Crowd

The podcast also reflected on the success of last weekend’s Laois GAA Academy 5K Fun Run, which attracted approximately 400 participants to the Centre of Excellence.

The event combined academy players, families and members of the local community for a morning of activity and fundraising.

Conditions on the day were ideal, with the race winner crossing the line in just under 19 minutes, closely followed by several academy players.

Academy players also played a key role in the fundraising effort, raising money through sponsorship cards in advance of the event.

Keegan and Malone both expressed their gratitude on the podcast to everyone who helped organise the run, including volunteers and the event management team who assisted with logistics on the day.

Continuing to Develop Coaching in Laois

The hurling coaching workshop is part of a broader effort within Laois GAA to support club coaches and strengthen player development structures across the county.

By bringing experienced coaches into the county and sharing knowledge through practical workshops, organisers hope to provide coaches with ideas and tools that can be implemented back in their own clubs.

With strong interest already shown and several clubs signing up for group access, Saturday morning promises to be another valuable learning opportunity.

For those interested in attending, tickets are available here

Listeners can also hear the full discussion on the latest episode of the Laois Games & Gaels Podcast, where Shane Keegan and Dean Malone outline the workshop in detail and reflect on a busy few weeks in the Coaching and Games department.