Fionn Fitzgerald - Founder & Head Coach

Fionn, with over a decade of experience as a lecturer in Exercise & Coaching Science at Munster Technological University and as a UKSCA accredited Strength and Conditioning coach (ASCC), has supported hundreds of youth athletes in injury rehabilitation and performance enhancement across various backgrounds and sports in Ireland and internationally.

Fionn is actively engaged in pediatric science research, and his post-doctoral study is investigating the influence of Growth and Maturation on the selection and development of young Gaelic football players. Fionn is a member of Sports and Human Performance Research Centre (SHPRC) in the University of Limerick, and the Gaelic Games Athletic Development Working Group.

Fionn is a former All Ireland-winning captain with the Kerry Senior football team with Kerry and currently plays with his local club Dr.Crokes. Fionn is married to Clare, who works as a physiotherapist, and has two young daughters, Isla and Eden.

Fionn believes that every child deserves the opportunity to maximise their athletic potential, regardless of background or circumstance. His wealth of experience ensures that our programme provides the knowledge and support necessary for all athletes to achieve their athletic potential.

Some Of Fionn’s Qualifications Include:

PhD candidate, research focusing on the effect of Growth and Maturation on the selection and identification of academy Gaelic footballers – University of Limerick
MSc in Sports Performance – University of Limerick
BSc in Sport and Exercise Science – University of Limerick
Accredited Strength & Conditioning Coach (ASCC) - UKSCA
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) - NSCA
Level 1 Coach - Weightlifting Ireland
Pilates Mat Level 1 & 2 – Pilates Teacher Training Institute
Certificate in Professional and Educational Leadership - Maynooth University, The Irish Institute of Training and Development and the Gaelic Players Association

Educational workshops and conference presentations for the following organisations:

United Kingdom Strength and Conditioning Association (UKSCA)
Pediatric Work Physiology (PWP)
Ulster Rugby
GAA National Coaching Conference
Leinster GAA
Munster GAA
Kerry GAA
Irish Strength and Conditioning Network
Wexford GAA
PEPAYS Ireland (Physical Education, Physical Activity and Youth Sport)
Sport and Human Performance Research Centre (SHPRC)
Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA)
Women in Sport
Numerous GAA clubs from all 4 provinces.

Rob Cussen - Coach

Rob has a great deal of experience in youth athletic development, supporting athletes from various sporting backgrounds. Rob is currently the strength and conditioning coach for the Kerry Minor Hurlers, Firies GAA and with the Kerry GAA development squads.

Rob previously worked as a group coach in Activate Killarney with a range of clients from athletes to normal population. Rob is interested in all sports, in particular golf.

Rob is in the final year of a BSc In Coaching and Sports Performance in MTU Kerry and is currently working towards accreditation with the UK Strength and Conditioning Association.

Rob’s style of coaching young athletes is fun and engaging!

He has a special interest in the development of fundamental movement skills.

Some Of Rob’s Qualifications Include:

BSc in Coaching and Sports Performance (final year) Munster Technological University Kerry
REPS accredited Personal trainer and group fitness instructor
Foundation award in Gaelic Football coaching.

Dylan Doona - Coach

Dylan's background is rooted in soccer, and he currently serves as the coach for the male Kerry FC U20’s team. He has previously worked with various age groups including U14, U15, and U19, as well as with the U15 Kerry girls' team. Dylan works in the Kerry Sports Academy, where his primary focus is on organizing team-building camps.

Currently, Dylan is in the final stages of completing a BSc in Coaching and Sports Performance at MTU Kerry. Looking ahead, Dylan is eager to advance his career by pursuing an MSc in Strength and Conditioning at St Mary’s University Twickenham, London, in the near future.

Dylan's passion lies in the realm of growth and maturation, as evidenced by his final year research project which centered on the utilization of bio-banding training within the Kerry FC academy. At Kaipara Academy, Dylan plays a pivotal role in our growth and maturation monitoring program.

Driven by his passion for nurturing young athletes, Dylan is dedicated to helping them establish a solid foundation of movement skills and healthy habits, both for their sport and long-term well-being.

Some Of Dylan’s Qualifications Include:

BSc in Coaching and Sports Performance (final year) Munster Technological University Kerry
REPS accredited Personal trainer and group fitness instructor
Precision Nutrition Level 1 Nutrition Coaching Certification
UEFA C coaching licence