About me

Hello! My name is David O’Connor. I am a professional Strength & Conditioning Coach & & Performance Consultant. Through my work, I am committed to helping athletes on their journey with an educated, respectful & mindful approach to coaching which is guided by a thorough understanding of the physical & mental demands of the game at every level.

With over 15 years professional experience working in fitness/sports performance & a lifelong association within the League of Ireland & academy football, I have coached over 200 dedicated individuals; ranging from youth athletes to senior semi-professional/ professional players in Ireland & also in the Football League & Womens Super League in England. I have worked with both male & female players from over 30 clubs & that list continues to grow.

I have worked as lead S&C Coach with Shelbourne FC’s SSE Airtricity League 1st team for five seasons as well as with the clubs senior Womens National League squad, a role I currently hold at the club.

I am also an accomplished marathon & ultra-marathon runner, having run over 50 long distance races & solo endurance events which I undertake to highlight mental health awareness & to fundraise for various mental health organisations throughout Ireland. Some of the challenges I have completed for charity to date include:

• Running 10 marathons in 10 days (260+ miles) on a 400 metre running track

• Running 247km in 76 hours

• Running 100km on a 5km loop

• Cycling 200km from Cork to Wicklow on a BMX

In undertaking these challenges, I speak openly & honestly about the difficulties I face with my own mental wellbeing & in learning to be kinder to myself & as I continue to better myself through therapy & healthy living, compassion & empathy are values that drive my approach to coaching.

I have had the pleasure of speaking on national radio & featured in national newspapers talking about the importance of emotional vitality & in May 2018 I was awarded ‘Sportsperson of the Year’ at 98FM’s Best of Dublin Awards.