Ireland's got a fantastic lineup of sports stars, from Olympic champs to football and rugby legends. They've all done amazing things and now they're up for sharing their stories and what they've learned through talks and speeches. Hearing about how they've overcome challenges, worked hard, and chased their dreams can really get you going, no matter who you are. Whether it's a work event, a school talk, or a celebration, these Irish athletes and after-dinner sports speakers know how to give inspiring speeches that people will remember.
Rugby Union Heroes
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 💼
Johnny Sexton
Johnny Sexton, former Ireland rugby captain, is renowned for his leadership and strategic acumen on the field. His transition into the corporate world, including his role as Chief of Staff at Ardagh Group, provides a unique perspective on leadership and performance. 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 📘
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 🏉
Amee-Leigh Costigan
Amee-Leigh Costigan, 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 🏆
» READ MORE: More brilliant rugby speakers for your next event
High Performance Sports Experts 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. Andrew’s talks combine honest reflections from the pitch with practical strategies for building high-performing teams.
PepTalk Fact: Andrew co-founded Kairos, a platform now used by Premier League, MLB, and NBA teams worldwide 🏉
Niall Breslin (Bressie)
Niall Breslin, or Bressie as he’s widely known, is the perfect speaker 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 from his own experiences to help teams develop mental fitness, manage pressure, and sustain peak performance over time. Whether you’re building a winning mindset or supporting high-pressure teams, Niall equips audiences with strategies to thrive under intense conditions.
PepTalk Fact: Niall is the founder of A Lust for Life, an award-winning movement for mental wellbeing 🏉
» EXPLORE: Super sports-psychologists for your next winning event.
Irish Olympic Games Champions
At the 2024 Paris Olympics, athletes representing the Republic of Ireland achieved their most successful Games, taking home four gold and three bronze medals. Beating the previous record, this medal haul underscores an impressive advancement in Ireland's Olympic achievements, highlighting the nation's growing prowess across multiple sports disciplines.
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. He's especially inspiring for conversations around marginal gains and breaking new ground.
PepTalk Fact: Daniel set a world short-course record in the 800m freestyle before turning 23 🏊♂️
Kellie Harrington
Kellie Harrington is a true icon of Irish sport, having claimed back-to-back Olympic gold medals in boxing. Her down-to-earth approach and an unshakeable determination make her an engaging speaker for 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 🥊
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 proven 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 motivational 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 🚣♂️
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. Rhys's story resonates with anyone aiming to pioneer in their field and overcome self-doubt.
PepTalk Fact: Rhys began gymnastics at six after jumping off sofas at home! 🤸♂️
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. Mona’s journey from County Sligo to the Olympic podium is a story of dedication and breaking new ground.
PepTalk Fact: Mona first learned to swim in a small hotel pool in Bundoran! 🐬
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. Their story is perfect for illustrating how diverse paths can converge for success.
PepTalk Fact: Philip completed his medical degree while training for the Olympics full-time 🩺
» 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!
