Coaches - Blackrock A.C.

Our Coaching Philosophy

At Blackrock A.C., our coaches are more than trainers. They are mentors who play a vital role in every child’s sporting journey. We believe that athletics is a powerful tool not simply focused on building faster runners, but more confident and resilient young people.

How Our Coaches Support Your Child

Skill Development
We provide structured programmes to improve strength, speed, agility and coordination.
Personal Growth
Through sport, children learn essential life skills like discipline, teamwork, leadership and perseverance.
Physical & Mental Health
Beyond fitness and injury prevention, our coaches foster a positive self-image, helping children manage stress and build lasting self-confidence.

“Good coaches are essential to the success of any athletics club. At Blackrock A.C., our coaches serve as mentors and role models who inspire young people to reach their full potential.”

— Mark Cafferkey, Chairperson

Focus Area	Benefit to the Athlete
Physical Performance	Build strength, endurance, and coordination.
Personal Development	Learn discipline, teamwork, and dedication.
Well-being	Foster a positive self-image and mental resilience.
Safety	Expert-led training designed to prevent injury.
Standards	All coaches are Garda Vetted and Head Coaches are Athletics Ireland certified.

2008+ & 2009 & 2010 Group Coaches

Séamus Mac Giolla Phádraig – Head Coach, Junior Captain, Committee member

Jerome Holland – Head Coach, Juvenile Captain, Committee member

David Moyna – Head Coach

Dylan Hayes – Head Coach

Darren Brunt – Assistant Coach

Daragh Kelly – Assistant Coach

Nicholas Ring – Assistant Coach

Killian Curran – Sprint Coach

2011 & 2012 Group Coaches

Audrey Burns – Head Coach

Paul Hunt – Head Coach

Alastair Woods – Assistant Coach

Alina Kosmala – Assistant Coach

Paula Hartnett – Assistant Coach

2013 Group Coaches

Peter Garvey – Head Coach

Owen Kelly – Head Coach

Gwen O’Looney – Assistant Coach

Kevin Friel – Assistant Coach

Megan Fellner – Assistant Coach

Michelle Condon – Assistant Coach

2014 Group Coaches

Raghnall O’Donoghue – Head Coach

Benjamin Szabo – Head Coach

Andrew Frame – Assistant Coach

Charlene Carty – Assistant Coach

Ciarán Farrell – Assistant Coach

Daniel Burke – Assistant Coach

2015 Group Coaches

Deirdre Lowry – Head Coach

Will Curran – Head Coach

Brian McGlinchey – Assistant Coach

Conor Murphy – Assistant Coach

David Buckley – Assistant Coach

Emma Morrissey – Assistant Coach

Evelyn Browne – Assistant Coach

Gillian Kelly – Assistant Coach

Jan Manschot – Assistant Coach

Jason Hollis – Assistant Coach

2016 Group Coaches

Mairead Smith – Head Coach

Paul Mulhern – Assistant Coach

Lee Culligan – Assistant Coach

Yan Fang – Assistant Coach

2017 Group Coaches

Laura Buckley – Head Coach, Committee member

Patrick Doyle – Assistant Coach

Alan Dunphy – Assistant Coach

Anne Glynn – Assistant Coach

Aoife Mills – Assistant Coach

Damien Lowry – Assistant Coach

Fergus Collis – Assistant Coach

Fran Gill – Assistant Coach

Colin Murphy – Assistant Coach

Kate Ruddock – Assistant Coach

Máire O’Connell – Assistant Coach

Maria Murphy – Assistant Coach

Nina McCarthy – Assistant Coach

Olwyn Bennett – Assistant Coach

William Morkan – Assistant Coach

2018 Group Coaches

Bronagh Hunt – Head Coach

Roisin Lalor – Head Coach

Brendan Murphy – Assistant Coach

Daragh Odonovan – Assistant Coach

David Kehoe – Assistant Coach

James Forde – Assistant Coach

Niall Davis – Assistant Coach

Leona Luo – Assistant Coach

Mike O’Connor – Assistant Coach

Jenny Brides – Assistant Coach

2019 Group Coaches

Rachel Graham (Lester) – Head Coach

Brendan Guthrie – Assistant Coach