Former Arsenal guru aims to take Tipp to next level

December 14, 2021

Semple Stadium, Thurles. ©INPHO/Oisin Keniry.

Tipperary GAA have recruited the former Arsenal Head of Academy Sports Medicine and Athletic Development, Des Ryan, to lead an overhaul of their coaching structures.

The revamp is one of the key objectives of a new link-up between Tipperary GAA and Setanta College, who will take the lead in the strength & conditioning of all senior and underage inter-county teams in both hurling and football from now on.

Tipperary senior hurling manager Colm Bonnar and coach Tommy Dunne are both graduates of Setanta College which was the brainchild of former Tipperary senior hurling team trainer Liam Hennessy and now works with Juventus and the Pittsburgh Steelers to name but two major sporting organisations. 

Addressing last night's county convention, Tipperary GAA chairman Joe Kennedy said: "We have now formed a partnership with Setanta College to deliver all our strength and conditioning from the academies up to our adult team. This is a new approach that will have a coordinated structure and will prepare all our players in both codes to develop and transition from youth to adult level.

"Setanta College is a world leader in the delivery of athletic development programs and led by Des Ryan, this partnership will have major benefits for all Tipperary teams in the future."


Most Read Stories