
Coach's Lab with John Murphy How & Why Matter More Than What in Coaching | Orlaith Curran PhD
Apr 3, 2026
57:16
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How you coach — and why you do what you do — often matters more than the programme itself.
In this episode, I’m joined by Orlaith Curran, Head of Athletic Performance for Women’s Sevens and Pathway in the IRFU, to explore what really matters when working with female athletes.
Rather than getting caught up in exercises or session plans, this conversation focuses on the bigger picture — coaching approach, communication, environment and understanding the athlete in front of you.
We discuss:
- Why the “how” and “why” matter more than the “what”
- Key considerations when training female athletes
- Differences in volume, intensity and conditioning demands
- Injury risk, athletic development and pathway structures
- The importance of education, buy-in and player understanding
- Building environments that support performance and development
A practical and thought-provoking episode for GAA, rugby and field sport coaches, S&C practitioners, and anyone working with female athletes.
