Connacht Athletics launch Sprint Academy with world class coach

Although 99% of Connacht athletes have yet to have a competition this season, Connacht sprinting has already made major strides in 2021 with athletes from the province winning World Relay medals, being part of Olympic Qualifying teams and posting world class times despite the pandemic.

In order to build on this success, the Connacht Council has enlisted the help of world-class sprints coach Stephen Maguire who has agreed to lend his expertise to coaches from the province in a mentorship capacity to ensure Connacht sprinters fulfill their vast potential.

Several of the provinces top class coaches including Brendan Glynn (coach to a sprints group in NUIG which includes World Relay medalist Sarah Quinn and 18-year-old Robert McDonnell who ran a 20.80 200m last weekend) Dermott McDermott and Roddy Gaynor who coach large groups all over Sligo and John Connolly from Leitrim were part of an initial zoom call where Stephen shared his coaching philosophy and shared some priceless insights into his coaching success which saw him win the BBC Sports Coach of the Year in 2017. (The current holder of that title is Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp)

“In order to develop athletes to their full potential the coaching skill set first needs to be developed and I’m delighted to help the sprinting community in the west” said Maguire.
Speaking on behalf of the Connacht Council, PRO Pierce O’Callaghan said “There is a great energy and vibrancy around Connacht Athletics lately and the model of the Robert Heffernan Race Walking Academy has already proved the concept of coaches working together for the greater good really works with over 250 walkers now part of the academy set up when lockdown began.. a rising tide lifts all boats, and we hope to launch more similar academies like this for the other event groups in the near future

”The west is well and truly awake!