DSS Coaching

‘Andy (Moran) – Lessons Learned in Pursuit of Glory’ – Book Review #17 by

'This is an outstanding coaching read. Honest, insightful, and rich with lessons for anyone committed to developing better athletes, stronger teams, and more effective coaching environments.'
(You can read the Book Review in the 'Members only Blog' section of the DSS Coaching website. See link here to login dsscoaching.ie/login )

'There could hardly be a more fitting time to revisit Andy Moran's autobiography than with Mayo once again preparing to take on the challenge of Kerry on the biggest stage. For many Mayo supporters, Moran represents far more than one of the county's greatest footballers—he embodies resilience, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to improvement. His autobiography, Andy: Lessons Learned in Pursuit of Glory, offers much more than a chronological account of a distinguished playing career. It is a thoughtful reflection on high performance, coaching, teamwork, and personal growth, making it highly recommended reading.'

🎧 Episode Title: *Performance on Match Day – How to Prepare for the Big Game!*

🎙️ *The Locker Room Podcast – Performance Series*

*Host:* Ciaran Deely (DSS Coaching)
*Guest:* Ross Bennett (Head of Integrated Performance at QPR FC)

In this episode, Ciaran is joined by Ross Bennett to discuss *how coaches and players can maximise performance on match day*.

From the final training session through to kick-off, Ross shares practical insights into balancing *physical freshness, tactical preparation, psychological readiness, and game-day routines* to help players perform when it matters most.

📌 *Topics include:*
• 📅 Planning the training week and taper
• ⚽ Tactical & physical preparation
• 🧠 Mental readiness and trusting the process
• 🏟️ Match-day routines and preparation

🎧 *Listen here:*
*Spotify:* https://open.spotify.com/show/00XRjE5PtPYX66yTVaPiL2?si=d7dfd3b266cb45d1&nd=1&dlsi=5d0ae5e2c7ca40d5
*Apple:*
buff.ly/3mgU6IU
*YouTube:* buff.ly/36sGDJ2

🏆 7 lessons from the Hurling & Camogie Championship weekend with

• 💚 Limerick’s work rate and puckout dominance powered their All-Ireland success.
• 🔄 Turnovers don’t just win possession – they create momentum and scores.
• 👏 John Kiely’s leadership continues to set the standard for sustained excellence.
• 🏑 Galway and Cork are narrowly tipped to edge fascinating Camogie semi-finals.
• ⭐ Camogie’s future is bright as another Finals Day awaits at Croke Park.

7 Things we Learned from the Hurling & Camogie Championships 19th July A DSS Coaching piece by Brendan Delaney, focusing on lessons from the Hurling and Camogie Championships through the prism of coaching and performance. This week in brief: 1. Limerick regain Major Honour 2. Camogie Semi Final Preview 3. John Kiely, pure leader

🎙️ The Locker Room Podcast – Performance Series

🎙️ NEW EPISODE | Inside a Modern Academy Performance Structure

joined by Ross Bennett (Head of Integrated Performance at QPR FC) to explore how multidisciplinary performance teams are shaping player development in elite academies.

They discuss:
⚽ Performance, analysis, nutrition & psychology
🤝 Collaboration across academy departments
📈 The evolution of academy structures
🏆 Lessons for Gaelic Games and other sports
🔮 What’s next for academy performance?

Listen now ⬇️

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/00XRjE5PtPYX66yTVaPiL2?si=d7dfd3b266cb45d1&nd=1&dlsi=5d0ae5e2c7ca40d5
Apple: buff.ly/3mgU6IU
YouTube: buff.ly/36sGDJ2

📍 Summer Webinar Series 2026

Join Ross Bennett as he explores The Use of GPS in Elite Sport and how performance tracking is shaping athlete development, training load management, and decision-making at the highest level.

📅 Monday, 13th July
🕗 8:00 PM
🔒 Exclusive to DSS Members

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain practical insights from one of the leading practitioners in elite sport.

Things we Learned from the Hurling & Camogie Championships (4th & 5th July 2026) with

🏆 Limerick vs Galway – a final to savour.
🟣 Galway’s tactics were outstanding.
⚠️ Cork’s second-half fade is now a real pattern.
🥎 Kilkenny & Tipp roll into the Camogie semis.
👏 Leadership wins big games.
⭐ Shane O’Donnell signs off as an all-time great.

Read the full blog here 👉

Things we Learned from the Hurling & Camogie Championships 4th/5th Jul See below another DSS Coaching piece by Brendan Delaney, focusing on lessons from the Hurling and Camogie Championships through the prism of coaching and performance.

🏑 Championship season is heating up! 🔥

✅ Kilkenny book their Camogie quarter-final spot
🤔 Debate continues over the new Group 1 format
⚔️ Cork v Galway & Limerick v Clare promise blockbuster hurling semi-finals
📈 Offaly’s progress shouldn’t be overshadowed by defeat
😕 Dublin left with plenty to reflect on
🚨 Head-high tackles remain a major concern for player welfare

Read full blog here 👉

7 Things we Learned from the Hurling & Camogie C'ships (20/21 June 26) A DSS Coaching piece by Brendan Delaney, focusing on lessons from the Hurling and Camogie Championships through the prism of coaching and performance. This week in brief: 1. Camogie Championships Taking Shape 2. Mouth Watering Semi Final Pairings 3. Head High Tackles a Major Concern