Leadership & business
May 20, 2026

Irish Sports Speakers: Inspire Leadership, Resilience, and Team Performance

Explore top Irish sports speakers to boost leadership, resilience, and team performance with inspiring stories and insights.

Jamie Vickery
Leadership & business
May 20, 2026
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Looking for an inspirational speaker to energise your next team event? Discover world-class experts from elite Irish sport who deliver more than just motivational stories—they offer actionable insights on leadership, resilience, and high performance. Whether you want to boost team motivation, foster collaboration, or navigate organisational change, these speakers bring proven experience from the pitch, ring, and beyond.

Motivational and Inspirational Irish Sports Speakers

Andrew Trimble – Former Rugby International & Entrepreneur

Andrew Trimble’s journey from Ulster Rugby star to tech entrepreneur is a masterclass in adaptability and leadership. With 229 caps for Ulster and 70 for Ireland, Andrew thrived under pressure before co-founding Kairos, now part of Teamworks Innovations. His talks blend lessons from elite sport and business, focusing on collaborative leadership, resilience, and high-performance basics. Book Andrew Trimble

Andy Farrell – Head Coach, Ireland Rugby

Andy Farrell has guided Ireland’s rugby team to world number one, including back-to-back Six Nations Championships and a Grand Slam. With a decorated career in both rugby league and union, Andy specialises in building high-performance cultures and leading teams through change. Book Andy Farrell

Andy Kirkpatrick – Mountaineer & Author

Andy Kirkpatrick brings the mindset of a world-class mountaineer to business, offering practical lessons on risk management, resilience, and motivation. His authentic storytelling and actionable frameworks help teams thrive under pressure. Book Andy Kirkpatrick

Carl Frampton MBE – World Champion Boxer

Carl “The Jackal” Frampton is a two-weight world champion whose story is a testament to self-motivation and community values. He’s a passionate advocate for youth opportunities and integrated education, making his talks inspiring for organisations focused on positive change. Book Carl Frampton MBE

David Walsh – Award-Winning Sports Journalist

David Walsh is renowned for his relentless pursuit of truth, most notably in exposing the Lance Armstrong doping scandal. His speeches share powerful lessons on integrity, determination, and the importance of truth—qualities essential for high-performing teams. Book David Walsh

Paul McGinley – Ryder Cup Winning Captain

Paul McGinley is celebrated for his leadership as Ryder Cup Captain, guiding Europe to victory through strategic clarity and team cohesion. His speeches offer practical tools for building high-performing teams and aligning strengths with shared goals. Book Paul McGinley

Ruby Walsh – Champion Jockey & Racing Analyst

Ruby Walsh’s legendary career as a National Hunt jockey is a story of dedication and excellence. Now a respected analyst, Ruby shares insights on performing under pressure, consistency, and the pursuit of excellence. Book Ruby Walsh

Ready to inspire your team? Contact us at hello@getapeptalk.com, message us via chat, or call +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US). It’s always a good time to get a PepTalk!

Jamie is a Senior Client Partner at PepTalk and has been part of the team since day one. With over 11 years of experience at digital agencies like Outside Line and Saatchi London, Jamie knows the ins and outs of client services, storytelling, and communication. Before moving into the agency world, he spent five years with the Spice Girls management team, helping spread their zig-a-zig-ah to fans of all ages. At PepTalk, Jamie specialises in sport speakers (from cricket and rugby to athletics and football), as well as topics around wellbeing, including burnout, stress, mental health, and nutrition. He also has a keen eye for leadership done differently, and for adventurers who bring lessons in resilience, mindset, and goal setting.
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