Carlow Olympian speaks at SETU Carlow

South East Technological University (SETU) hosted the Try Sports Coaching event at its campus in Carlow this week. The event aimed not only to introduce students to the fundamentals of sports coaching but also to help them determine if pursuing sports management and coaching roles aligns with their career aspirations. Carlow-native and Olympian, Marcus Lawler, alongside Carlow inter-county footballer, Sean Gannon, spoke to event attendees about their sporting careers and SETU experience.

Both Marcus and Sean are graduates of SETU’s bachelors courses in sports management and coaching. They were able to give students personal insight into how choosing programmes of study helped them to navigate their professional and sporting careers, enhancing performance on both the football field, and the running track. They highlighted how the non-sport modules, such as marketing, finance, and people management, are just as important for career development and progression.

Alongside this, attendees had the opportunity to experience a day-in-the-life of an SETU student and explore sports coaching as a career path. During the event, participants engaged in hands-on sessions where they learned basic coaching techniques, understand coaching methodologies, and gained insight into the dynamics of sports coaching. It was a chance to sample different components of the university’s courses as sessions were delivered by lecturers who demonstrated the athletics facilities available on campus.

Speaking about the success of the event, Denis O’Brien, Programme Director in Sports Management and Coaching said, “The event was a tremendous success, giving secondary school students the opportunity to be an SETU sports student for a day. After witnessing the great interaction between students and lecturers; as well as with our guest speakers, athletes Marcus Lawler and Sean Gannon, it is clear this event is of huge benefit to young students in choosing the best course of study for them. We look forward to hosting another Try Sports Coaching event again in the future.”

SETU provides eight bachelor of arts courses in sport, business and coaching; and in sports coaching and business management. Each of these courses includes a speciality in either football, rugby or Gaelic games.

For more information on courses, visit setu.ie

For course enquiries, contact Denis O'Brien at denis.obrien@setu.ie