Top Sports Speakers in Ireland You Need To Know
Meet and book top sports speakers in Ireland: local champions sharing inspiring stories of resilience, teamwork, and breaking records.
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Ireland's top sports speakers turn Olympic glory, rugby caps, and record-breaking careers into lessons any audience can use. From gold medallists to national captains, these are the sports speakers in Ireland you need to know if you're planning a keynote, an after-dinner event, or a team offsite. Hearing how they've overcome setbacks, trained relentlessly, and chased big goals can motivate any room, whatever the occasion. Whether it's a work event, a school talk, or a celebration, these Irish athletes and after-dinner sports speakers know how to give speeches that people remember.
Rugby Union Speakers
Stacey Flood
Stacey Flood brings a dynamic blend of athleticism and eloquence to the speaking circuit. As a seasoned rugby sevens and 15s international, she offers insights into high-performance sport, resilience, and teamwork. Her engaging storytelling and articulate delivery make her a compelling choice for audiences seeking inspiration and practical takeaways.
PepTalk Fact: Stacey holds a degree in Technology Management and balances her rugby career with a role in a financial solutions company 💼
Interested in booking Stacey? Get in touch with the PepTalk team.
Johnny Sexton
Johnny Sexton, former Ireland rugby captain, is renowned for his leadership and strategic acumen on the field. Since retiring, he has moved into a senior business role at Ardagh Group, giving him a unique perspective on leadership and performance beyond the pitch. Johnny's candid reflections and experience-driven insights resonate with diverse audiences.
PepTalk Fact: Johnny's autobiography, Obsessed, offers an introspective look into his relentless pursuit of excellence 📘
Interested in booking Johnny? Get in touch with the PepTalk team.
Sam Prendergast
Sam Prendergast, a rising star in Irish rugby, is known for his composure and tactical intelligence. His rapid ascent from youth rugby to the national team exemplifies dedication and adaptability. Sam's fresh perspective and relatable journey make him an engaging speaker for audiences of all backgrounds.
PepTalk Fact: Sam's brother, Cian Prendergast, is also a professional rugby player, highlighting a family deeply rooted in the sport 🏉
Interested in booking Sam? Get in touch with the PepTalk team.
Amee-Leigh Costigan
Amee-Leigh Costigan, a former captain of the Ireland women's rugby team, exemplifies resilience and leadership. Her journey from top try-scorer in sevens to leading the national 15s team showcases her adaptability and commitment. Amee-Leigh's experiences offer valuable lessons in perseverance and team dynamics.
PepTalk Fact: Amee-Leigh was the top try scorer in the 2018–19 World Rugby Women's Sevens Series, a first for a player outside Australia or New Zealand 🏆
Interested in booking Amee-Leigh? Get in touch with the PepTalk team.
» READ MORE: More brilliant rugby speakers for your next event
High-Performance Sports Speakers in Ireland
Andrew Trimble
Andrew Trimble is an outstanding choice for anyone looking to book a sports star who brings both high-performance insight and business acumen. With 70 caps for Ireland and a remarkable career at Ulster Rugby, Andrew understands what it takes to excel under pressure. His transition from elite athlete to tech entrepreneur adds a fresh dimension, offering audiences real-world lessons on leadership, resilience, and teamwork.
PepTalk Fact: Andrew co-founded Kairos, a platform used by Premier League, MLB, and NBA teams worldwide 🏉
Learn more and book Andrew Trimble →
Niall Breslin (Bressie)
Niall Breslin, or Bressie as he's widely known, is a strong choice for anyone looking to explore high performance through the lens of elite sport and mental resilience. As a former professional rugby player and Ironman triathlete, Niall understands the mental and physical demands of performing at the highest level. He draws on his own experiences to help teams build mental fitness, manage pressure, and sustain peak performance over time.
PepTalk Fact: Niall is the founder of A Lust for Life, an award-winning movement for mental wellbeing 🏉
Interested in booking Niall? Get in touch with the PepTalk team.
» EXPLORE MORE: Super sports-psychologists for your next winning event.
Irish Olympic Speakers and Champions
At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Ireland delivered its most successful Olympic performance to date, winning four gold and three bronze medals. That haul broke Ireland's previous medal record and reflected the growing strength of Irish sport across multiple disciplines. The athletes behind that success remain some of the country's most in-demand sports speakers.
Daniel Wiffen
Daniel Wiffen is a trailblazer in Irish swimming, having secured Ireland's first-ever Olympic gold in men's swimming at Paris 2024. His journey from County Armagh to breaking Olympic records is a testament to resilience and ambition. Daniel's insights on high-performance culture, goal setting, and overcoming obstacles make him a powerful and relatable voice for business audiences, especially around marginal gains and breaking new ground.
PepTalk Fact: Daniel set a world short-course record in the 800m freestyle before turning 23 🏊♂️
Learn more and book Daniel Wiffen →
Jack Woolley
Dublin-born taekwondo athlete Jack Woolley has competed at two Olympic Games and is training toward a third at LA28. He speaks on performing under pressure and the discipline that sits behind elite competition, and his advocacy work on LGBTQ+ inclusion and grassroots sport gives his sessions a reach well beyond the mat.
Learn more and book Jack Woolley →Kellie Harrington
Kellie Harrington built her legacy in the ring by claiming back-to-back Olympic gold medals in boxing. Her down-to-earth approach and unshakeable determination make her an engaging speaker on topics like perseverance, handling pressure, and staying grounded amid success. Kellie's authenticity and passion ensure she connects deeply with any audience.
PepTalk Fact: Kellie once worked as a cleaner in St. Vincent's Psychiatric Hospital before her boxing career took off 🥊
Interested in booking Kellie? Get in touch with the PepTalk team.
Paul O'Donovan & Fintan McCarthy
Paul and Fintan are Ireland's dynamic rowing duo, known not just for their Olympic gold medals but also for their sharp wit and infectious camaraderie. Together, they've shown that teamwork and trust are critical ingredients for sustained success on the world stage. Their ability to balance relentless dedication with humility makes them stand-out speakers on keynote topics like resilience, partnership, and high-performance mindset.
PepTalk Fact: Paul is the first Irish athlete ever to win medals at three consecutive Olympic Games 🚣♂️
Interested in booking Paul and Fintan? Get in touch with the PepTalk team.
Rhys McClenaghan
Rhys McClenaghan shattered expectations by becoming Ireland's first-ever Olympic gymnastics champion. Known for his precision and mental toughness, he's an excellent speaker on themes like focus under pressure, breaking barriers, and cultivating excellence in non-traditional sports.
PepTalk Fact: Rhys began gymnastics at six after jumping off sofas at home! 🤸♂️
Interested in booking Rhys? Get in touch with the PepTalk team.
Mona McSharry
Mona McSharry made history as the first Irish woman to win an Olympic medal in swimming, cementing her status as a rising star in sport. She brings valuable insights on self-belief, goal setting, and thriving under pressure, making her an inspiring voice for young audiences and corporate teams alike.
PepTalk Fact: Mona first learned to swim in a small hotel pool in Bundoran! 🐬
Interested in booking Mona? Get in touch with the PepTalk team.
Philip Doyle & Daire Lynch
Philip and Daire's bronze medal-winning performance at Paris 2024 showcased the power of adaptability and teamwork in high-stakes environments. Philip, who balances elite sport with a medical career, and Daire, who represents the next generation of Irish rowing, bring unique perspectives on resilience, teamwork, and achieving under pressure.
PepTalk Fact: Philip completed his medical degree while training for the Olympics full-time 🩺
Interested in booking Philip and Daire? Get in touch with the PepTalk team.
» EXPLORE MORE: PepTalk's global selection of Olympic Speakers
💡 Ready to book an Irish sports speaker for your organisation? Let us know, and we'll help you secure the perfect PepTalk expert. Email us at hello@getapeptalk.com or send us a message via the chat. You can also call us on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US). Remember, it's always a good time to get a PepTalk!
Jamie Vickery
Read more from Jamie Vickery
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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