Kieran Shannon: performance coaches like Keegan helping our athletes win mind games

Sport psychology should remain the obvious discipline in performance coaching but others can bring lots of value to a set-up too.
BOXING CLEVER: Ireland rugby's mental skills coach Gary Keegan. Picture: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

BOXING CLEVER: Ireland rugby's mental skills coach Gary Keegan. Picture: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Tue, 21 Mar, 2023 - 07:20
Kieran Shannon
Kieran Shannon
Kieran Shannon is an award-winning sportswriter renowned for big interviews, insightful columns and an unrelenting focus on high‑performance sport.

Just as he has a knack of helping teams improve and win almost everywhere he goes, Gary Keegan has a peculiar habit of using the term “that space”.

SIX NATIONS CHAMPIONSHIP

Your home for the latest news, views and analysis of this year's Six Nations Championship from our award winning sports team.

SIX NATIONS CHAMPIONSHIP

Your home for the latest news, views and analysis of this year's Six Nations Championship from our award winning sports team.

You have reached your article limit. Already a subscriber? Sign in

185 years of the Irish Examiner

185th
Anniversary Offer

Six months of digital access for €18.50

No obligation. Ts&Cs apply.

CONNECT WITH US TODAY

Whatsapp logo

WHATSAPP

Newsletter logo

NEWSLETTERS

Notification logo

NOTIFICATIONS

Be the first to know the latest news and updates

More in this section

Clayton McMillan 26/9/2026 Why Clayton McMillan is so positive in defeat 
Ireland v Japan - WXV Global Series Ireland survive Japan rallies to claim Global XV win in Galway
Ireland v Australia - Quilter Nations Series 2025 Wallabies hold off Springboks in chaotic Test for the ages
#Six Nations
<p>CIRCLE OF TRUST: A view of a Ireland team huddle after the match against Japan in Galway. Pic: INPHO</p>

Scott Bemand delighted as Ireland put US lessons to good use in Japan win

READ NOW

Sport

Newsletter

Sign up to our daily sports bulletin, delivered straight to your inbox at 5pm. Subscribers also receive an exclusive email from our sports desk editors every Friday evening looking forward to the weekend's sporting action.

Latest

Sport

Newsletter

Sign up to our daily sports bulletin, delivered straight to your inbox at 5pm. Subscribers also receive an exclusive email from our sports desk editors every Friday evening looking forward to the weekend's sporting action.

Donal Lenihan
Donal Lenihan

Inside rugby

Most Read

Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited