Lee Keegan

Welcome to this very special episode of The Players Voice, a podcast brought to you by the Gaelic Players Association in collaboration with Real Talks. 2022 has been an incredible year for The Players Voice and our 20 episodes were streamed all over the world. The Players Voice will be returning in 2023 but before we look forward to next year, we wanted to reflect on some of the best bits so far. During each unique conversation with our host Alan O’Mara, we took you inside the minds of some of Ireland's most inspiring athletes and role models - and covered some very important topics. We talked about things like addiction, leadership, sexuality, resilience, entrepreneurship, sport-life balance, eating disorders, retirement, identity and much, much more. Thank you to each and every player who shared their stories, insights and experiences so openly and honestly for our listeners. We are privileged to know that these conversations have helped others get through challenging times and to reach out for help. Learn more about the GPA’s Beo 360 programme and the four key pillars of well-being, life-skills, transitions and dual-career by going to www.beo360.gaelicplayers.com To find out more about Alan O’Mara’s work as a performance and wellbeing consultant, go to www.RealTalks.ie

For the twentieth and final episode of The Players Voice series this year we were joined by Limerick’s Barry Hennessy. The multiple All-Ireland winner opens up about his eating disorder and mental health challenges. Barry also reflects on Limerick’s recent dominance of the All-Ireland hurling championship, provides fascinating insights into his relationship with fellow Limerick goalkeeper Nickie Quaid and discusses the importance of humility on and off the field. Each episode of this series is hosted by Alan O’Mara, a former Cavan goalkeeper now working as a performance and wellbeing coach with sports and business leaders around the world. If you are a GPA member and impacted by this conversation, please call the GPA’s 24/7 helpline on 1800 98 92 85 or text ‘GPA’ to 50808 from the Republic of Ireland. From Northern Ireland call 0800 044 5059 or text ‘GPA’ 85258. If you aren’t a GPA member and are impacted by this conversation, please check out bodywhys.ie for more information on eating disorders, body image issues and support services. Thanks for listening!

We are delighted to welcome Limerick’s Dan Morrissey onto the podcast this week. Dan chats to our host, Alan O’Mara, about what it has been like to win four of the last five All-Ireland Hurling championships and shares his journey on and off the field. [Text Wrapping Break]He also discusses the role of sports psychology, the importance of belief and confidence and how grateful he is to be part of this golden generation of Limerick hurlers. The Players’ Voice is a podcast brought to you by the Gaelic Players Association in collaboration with Real Talks. The podcast series is brought to you as part of BEO 360, a GPA programme that empowers inter-county players across 4 key areas - life skills, wellbeing, dual career and transitions. Please go to beo360.gaelicplayers.com to learn more. To find out more about Alan O’Mara’s work as a performance and wellbeing consultant, please go to www.RealTalks.ie or find him on Twitter and Instagram at @aomthecat. Thanks for listening!

This is the second part of a two part interview with Offaly legend Niall McNamee. Here he opens up about life in recovery from gambling addiction and how he has maintained his well-being since his last bet almost 11 years ago. Niall also discusses how he uses his own struggles to help other people in difficulty and the rise of problem gambling in sport and wider society. In part one of this conversation, Niall reflected on his sporting career to date and his journey as a successful entrepreneur. You can find that episode by searching ‘The Players Voice’ on whatever podcast platform you prefer. Earlier in this series,Tyrone’s All Ireland winning midfielder Conn Kilpatrick shared his experience of gambling addiction and recovery, so please feel free to check that out also. If you are a GPA member and worried about problem gambling, call 1800 98 92 85 or text ‘GPA’ to 50808 from the Republic of Ireland OR from Northern Ireland please call 0800 044 5059 or text ‘GPA’ 85258. If you aren’t a GPA member and need support, please check out gamblersanonymous.ie OR problemgambling.ie Finally - this podcast is brought to you as part of BEO 360, a GPA programme that empowers inter-county players across 4 key areas - life skills, wellbeing, dual career and transitions. Please go to beo360.gaelicplayers.com to learn more.

On the podcast this week is Niall McNamee, who has been one of the most dangerous and consistent forwards in Gaelic Football since making his Offaly debut in 2003. In part one of this two-part interview, Niall reflects on his sporting career to date, why he came out of retirement after one season away from the inter-county game and whether he plans to keep playing at the top level in 2023. Niall also shares his journey as an entrepreneur, which began by googling ‘how to make football socks’ after a conversation with a teammate. Since then his company Twelves has gone from strength to strength selling sportswear to people and teams around the world. They just recently launched a brand new football boot that Niall has been working on for two and a half years. Part 2 of this interview will be released soon and will explore Niall’s journey as a recovering gambling addict, the role of gambling in sports and wider society and helpful tips and insights for those experiencing problem gambling. If you are listening to this, make sure to subscribe to The Players Voice, so you don’t miss the second part of our conversation. This podcast is brought to you as part of BEO 360, a GPA programme that empowers inter-county players across 4 key areas - life skills, wellbeing, dual career and transitions. Please go to beo360.gaelicplayers.com to learn more. Thanks for listening!