Mardyke Arena High Performance Proudly Presents Cultivating Performance Coaching Conference 2026

As Mardyke Arena High Performance continues its commitment to athlete development, coach education, and performance innovation, we are pleased to present Cultivating Performance – Coaching Conference 2026.

We are also proud to have UPMC as our Supporting Partner for this event.

This new conference brings together respected voices from elite sport, academia, and applied practice for a valuable morning of learning, discussion, and networking. If you are passionate about supporting athlete development and creating high-performance environments, this is an event not to be missed.

Event Details

Saturday, 16th May 2026
9:00am – 2:00pm
Pavilion Building, Mardyke Arena UCC
Networking lunch included from 1:00pm
Tickets: €25

Book now via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/cultivating-performance-coaching-conference-tickets-1987130963203

About the Event

At Mardyke Arena High Performance, we are committed to supporting coaches, athletes, and practitioners through opportunities to learn, connect, and develop.

Cultivating Performance has been designed to share ideas, encourage discussion, and bring together those working across all levels of sport and performance. This is more than a conference; it is an opportunity to hear from experienced professionals, gain practical insights, and engage in meaningful conversations around the future of coaching and athlete development.

Expert Guest Speakers

Paudie Roche
FIFA Technical Expert & Performance Coach with extensive experience in elite football environments. Paudie will share insights into coaching excellence, player development, and building high-performing cultures.

Dr. Claire Brady
Strength & Conditioning Specialist at Sport Ireland Institute, with expertise in athlete preparation, physical development, and evidence-based performance support.

Dr. Wesley O’Brien
Programme Director and Senior Lecturer (PESSA), University College Cork. Providing perspectives on coaching, education, and long-term athlete development pathways.

Coaching Roundtable Panel

Niamh Briggs
Former Ireland Women’s Rugby Captain, Grand Slam winner, and respected leader in Irish sport. Niamh will offer insights into leadership, resilience, and performance at the highest level.

Seán Óg Ó hAilpín
Cork sporting icon and dual All-Ireland winner in hurling and football. Seán Óg brings experience and perspective on mindset, leadership, and sustaining excellence.

Liam Kearney
Experienced football coach with a strong background in player development, coaching education, and elite performance environments.

Mairead Lynch
Experienced coach and practitioner with a background in athlete development and supporting performance pathways.

Who Should Attend

• Performance coaches
• Talent identification staff
• Club coaches
• Volunteer coaches
• Strength and conditioning coaches
• Technical coaches
• Teachers and lecturers
• Students
• Managers and sporting leaders

Conference Theme

Taking the Long-Term Development Approach to Performance