Keynote Speakers & Wellbeing Experts

Cheerful, easy-going and witty rugby pundit, Brent Pope is an engaging after-dinner speaker whose lessons in sport, mental well-being, sport coaching and media insight gives him an ideal platform to entertain and motivate individuals and businesses alike.

Brent entertains audiences at corporate and private functions with hilarious stories about the characters from his career as a rugby player and coach.

In his candid autobiography, 'Brent Pope: If You Really Knew Me', Brent talks openly about his rugby career and personal life. Unusual in the world of rugby, Brent speaks honestly and eloquently about his mental health issues having suffered anxiety attacks for many years.

A standout keynote speaker, international bestselling author, coach, and clinical hypnotherapist, Rachel combines her extraordinary personal journey of overcoming extreme trauma with professional expertise in resilience and mental well-being. Her powerful story and actionable insights inspire audiences to thrive through life’s challenges.

A Life-Changing Story

Rachel’s journey is a testament to human resilience. Having faced devastating loss and life-threatening illness, she rebuilt her life from the ground up in her 40s. Her bestselling memoir, Flying on the Inside: A Memoir of Trauma and Recovery, has touched readers worldwide, offering a message of hope and transformation.

Professional Expertise

With credentials in crisis coaching and clinical hypnotherapy, Rachel delivers transformative strategies to help individuals and teams overcome adversity, unlock potential, and create meaningful success.

A Compelling Speaker

Known for her heartfelt storytelling and profound wisdom, Rachel captivates audiences with talks that inspire resilience, growth, and authentic connection.

Media Presence

As a regular guest on national radio and panel discussions, Rachel is a trusted voice on resilience and personal transformation, engaging audiences with thought-provoking commentary.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest amateur riders of all time, Nina Carberry enjoyed a terrific near 17-year career in the saddle and won the Punchestown a record 22 times.

Nina has also won the 2022 edition of the Dancing With The Stars Ireland. A daughter of the legendary Tommy Carberry, who won the Grand National as both a jockey and trainer, Nina emulated her father and brothers Paul and Philip when riding the winner of the 2011 Irish Grand National. In all, she rode 398 winners in Ireland along with 23 in Britain and 2 in Germany.

Nina is currently a coach on Ireland's Fittest Family on RTE and recently took part in Dancing with the Stars on RTE

Ronan O’Gara is one of rugby’s most accomplished figures, known for his strategic brilliance, leadership, and ability to inspire high performance. As a player, he was a dominant force for Munster Rugby, becoming their all-time leading points scorer and guiding the team to two Heineken Cup victories. He earned 128 caps for Ireland, playing a key role in the team’s Grand Slam-winning campaign in 2009, and also represented the British & Irish Lions. His reputation as a calm, decisive playmaker extended beyond his playing days, as he seamlessly transitioned into coaching, first with Racing 92 in France, then with the Crusaders in New Zealand, before taking on the head coaching role at La Rochelle. Under his leadership, La Rochelle rose to the pinnacle of European rugby, securing back-to-back Champions Cup titles in 2022 and 2023.

Beyond his success on the pitch, O’Gara has become a sought-after keynote speaker, bringing his insights on high performance, teamwork, and strategy to the corporate world. Known for his sharp wit and engaging storytelling, he draws on his experiences in elite rugby to highlight the power of resilience, adaptability, and leadership in achieving success. His ability to translate lessons from sport into business makes his talks both inspiring and highly practical, offering valuable takeaways for teams and organizations striving for excellence. Whether in sport or business, O’Gara’s philosophy centre's around fostering a winning mindset, embracing pressure, and building strong, unified teams capable of delivering at the highest level.

Claire Walsh, free diver, speaker and author of bestselling Under Water, How Holding My Breath Taught Me to Live invites participants to explore the pause between the inhale and the exhale. Claire will share her personal story and experiences, highlighting the profound impact breath and breath hold has had on her life. In this unique workshop, Claire guides participants through various breathing techniques to prepare for a breath hold. Here participants can deepen their awareness of the impact breath has on the body and mind, test and strengthen their resilience and truly get a taste of what is possible.

Louize Carroll is one of the most in-demand, dynamic and well-known social psychologists in Ireland, bringing transformational change to individuals, leaders and by consequence, to entire teams and organisations. A chartered social and organisational psychologist with the Psychological Society of Ireland, Louize has over 16 years of training and experience working with individuals as we as in multiple industries from the corporate and private industries to the creative industries, to the not-for-profit sector.

Louize has a unique talent for communicating the most complex and sensitive of topics in a way that is simple and inspiring, meticulously coherent, sensitive and considerate, yet appropriately challenging and grounding – always with individual development, insight, transformation and growth in mind.

Louize spent several years working as a purveyor for mental health systems change through her work in Jigsaw, The National Centre for Youth Mental Health. leveraging government, national and international stakeholders to establish a brand-new system of care for young people and young adults.

Keith Barry is a world-renowned brain hacker, mentalist, hypnotist, and—above all—an extraordinary entertainer. Known for his captivating stage presence and unique blend of mind-bending magic and humour, Keith’s shows are a thrilling experience where the audience becomes the stars of the performance.

Customizable to suit any event, Keith collaborates closely with event planners to create tailored experiences for meetings, conferences, or private functions. His shows are interactive, engaging, and designed to leave attendees feeling amazed and entertained, while ensuring no one feels uncomfortable or forced to participate.

With a reputation for delivering unforgettable, laugh-out-loud performances, Keith’s approachable style and incredible skill make him the perfect choice for corporate events seeking a truly one-of-a-kind experience that will leave guests talking for years to come.

Hurling Icon and Passionate Leader: Davy Fitzgerald is a legendary figure in Irish hurling. Widely considered one of the greatest goalkeepers of his generation, his playing career with Clare saw him win two All-Ireland titles and three All-Star awards. Fitzgerald's passion and intensity are hallmarks of his approach to the game.

As a manager, he's led Clare to an All-Ireland victory in 2013 and guided Waterford to an All-Ireland final appearance. His fiery style, commitment to excellence, and tactical acumen make him both a compelling figure and a successful coach.

Beyond hurling, he has become a popular TV personality on shows like "Ireland's Fittest Family". Davy Fitzgerald's drive and determination continue to inspire players and fans alike, cementing his status as a true icon of Irish sport.

Damian Browne is an extreme adventurer, peak performance athlete and International keynote speaker from Galway, Ireland.During a 16-year career as a professional rugby player, Damian donned the colours of some of rugby’s European elite, including Northampton Saints & Leinster; where he won club rugby’s biggest prize, The Heineken Cup.

Since retirement from professional rugby, Damian has become one of the World’s foremost extreme adventurers; undertaking some of the most demanding physical and mental challenges on the planet, including the 257km Sahara Desert ultra-marathon, The Marathon des Sables, rowed solo and unsupported, 5000km across the Atlantic Ocean and has currently climbed 5 of the 7 Summits, a renowned mountaineering feat..

Padraig O’Hora is a Gaelic footballer who plays for Ballina Stephenites and Mayo senior team. Padraig is a dedicated professional working full-time in the mental health sector, where he plays a pivotal role in supporting individuals and groups with their mental well-being.

His work involves providing therapeutic support, counselling, and advocacy to help people navigate their mental health challenges. Padraig’s approach is holistic, emphasising the importance of movement, connection, nature, and teamwork in the healing and growth process.

Padraig himself is neurodivergent (ADHD adult diagnosis) He studied youth, community and family in NUIG with a focus on mental health I worked in Autism services for 7 years and I am a founder of Flow community project (the group that actively provides equal opportunities and amenities for the neurodivergent and disability community)

Sheridan is a Sport & Performance Psychologist and former professional rugby player who combines elite sports experience with academic expertise to drive performance and wellbeing. He has a Master’s graduate in Performance and Sport Psychology from the University of Limerick, he is a professional member of the Association for Applied Sports Psychology and currently serves as the Sports Psychologist for Munster Rugby. In 2025, Sheridan also worked with the All-Ireland champion teams — Kerry Football and Tipperary Hurling — helping them reach peak performance on the national stage. His career in high-performance sport has given him a deep understanding of the mental skills, resilience, and teamwork needed to excel under pressure.

Passionate about mental health and wellbeing, Sheridan is a skilled public speaker, coach, and mentor who translates lessons from elite sport into practical strategies for the workplace. His talks inspire audiences to sharpen focus, manage stress, and build a winning mindset, while fostering connection, motivation, and mental fitness. Whether supporting world-class athletes, corporate leaders, or entire organisations, Sheridan’s mission is the same — to empower people to perform at their best while safeguarding their wellbeing.

Joe is best known for his outstanding contribution to hurling with Galway. Retiring from the sport in 2021, his leadership skills and commitment to success transferred to the business world and is involved in a diverse range of enterprises, from corporate sponsorship and punditry, to the food and drinks industry.

In 2010 Joe was appointed an Ambassador for UNICEF Ireland, beginning a lifelong commitment to protecting children and has visited many areas including Aleppo in 2017 and Jordan in 2024. He has a wealth of experience in Teamwork, Resilience and High performance which will resonate with corporate leaders, educators and individuals looking at reaching the next level.

Brian Cody, born in Sheestown, County Kilkenny in 1954, is widely regarded as the most successful manager in the history of hurling and one of Ireland’s great leaders in any field. A former Kilkenny player with three All-Ireland titles to his name, Cody took over as senior manager in 1998 and led the team for an extraordinary 24 seasons. During that time, he guided Kilkenny to 11 All-Ireland Championships, 18 Leinster titles and 10 National Hurling League victories, creating an era of dominance built on discipline, unity and an unshakeable team culture.

Cody’s leadership philosophy extended far beyond sport. He believed that culture came before winning, humility outweighed ego, and the team’s interests always surpassed individual ambition. He demanded accountability—both from himself and those around him—and embraced change to avoid complacency, ensuring sustained success over decades. His approach resonates deeply in the corporate world, offering powerful lessons on building resilient teams, inspiring collective purpose, and leading with integrity under pressure.

Lucy Gernon is an Irish mother of three, award-winning coach for women in leadership and Founder of 3SIXTY Leaders Club—the only online membership for women leaders, focused on career progression, confidence, leadership development and work-life balance.

As the host of the top-ranked 360 LeadHERship Podcast, frequently ranked as the #1 Careers Podcast on Apple, Lucy is also an acclaimed International Speaker, focusing on confidence, leadership, career acceleration, productivity, and mindset.

Lucy holds many qualifications including a Master’s Degree in Science and is an ICF Certified Professional Coach and soon-to-be Certified Positive Psychology coach too.

Enda O’Doherty is a well-known Irish motivational speaker, endurance athlete, and mental health advocate. He’s recognized for his powerful and inspiring keynote talks, which draw from his personal experiences overcoming significant challenges. Enda is best known for carrying a washing machine on his back during several endurance events to raise awareness for mental health, symbolizing the heavy, often invisible burdens people carry. His talks often focus on resilience, mental strength, and the importance of wellness, resonating with corporate audiences, schools, and individuals across Ireland and beyond.

Enda's style is known to be both humorous and deeply impactful, making his keynotes memorable and motivational. He frequently speaks about the importance of setting goals, the power of perseverance, and the value of positive mental health practices in both personal and professional life.

Daragh Fleming is a writer, poet, and mental health advocate dedicated to reshaping how we talk about mental well-being. He began his journey during his Applied Psychology studies, later launching Thoughts Too Big, a blog known for its raw and relatable mental health content.

While earning a Master’s in Linguistics, Daragh deepened his literary work, publishing four books—including Lonely Boy, a collection of essays on mental health. His writing blends personal reflection with broader commentary, aiming to reduce stigma and promote open conversations.

Since 2019, Daragh has also become a sought-after speaker, delivering talks at events like Movember Ireland. He emphasizes the power of storytelling and the importance of building sustainable mental health routines.

Niall Ronan is a former professional rugby player who represented Leinster, Munster and Ireland during his career. Niall is a qualified Strength & Conditioning coach and is qualified in counselling & psychotherapy. Niall has years of experience supporting people with their health and wellbeing goals.

Niall’s talk will unlock the secrets to longevity with an insightful talk, exploring science-backed strategies for enhancing well-being and men’s health. He will delve into the latest research on nutrition, exercise, stress management, making connections and lifestyle choices to empower your team with practical insights for a healthier and more resilient life. Niall is passionate about supporting people with their well-being and Niall’s talk is inclusive to all genders

Oisin is an Irish Gaelic football manager and former intercounty player with Armagh. He was part of the Crossmaglen team that won 13 Armagh Senior Football Championships in a row between 1996 and 2008, whilst also collecting 7 Ulster Senior Football Championships and 6 All-Ireland Senior Club Football Championships along the way. Oisin is amongst one of the highest scoring players in the latter competition’s history and has continued his success in his managerial career, collecting multiple titles since his playing retirement in 2013.

Despite enjoying a glittering career which is still remembered in his home county and beyond, Oisin developed a gambling addiction which nearly cost him his life. Hitting rock bottom, he spent 13 weeks at a rehabilitation centre in Galway in 2005, which was the first steps on his journey to recovery, which has raised the profile of gambling addiction’s in Ireland.

Oisin has helped hundreds of people in the Uk and Ireland as a trained addictions counsellor and much sought after public speaker.

Gina London, with a diverse background as a former Fox News Channel producer and CNN Correspondent & Anchor, now motivates global audiences through her Language and Leadership company. Specializing in presentation and speech training, leadership communications, keynote speaking, and professional brand development, Gina offers practical strategies for immediate application in shaping your career path.

Beyond her professional achievements, she has contributed to humanitarian efforts, including training women in Iraq's parliamentary run, facilitating UNICEF events at the United Nations, moderating the 2018 International Children's Peace Prize ceremony, addressing college students in Lagos, and managing immunization awareness in Cambodia. Every success begins with you.

Síne Dunne is a sleep expert and entrepreneur, known for her work as the co-founder of SiEST Sleep and her insights into the science of rest. A former sales leader at Google, Síne has combined her business acumen with a deep understanding of sleep medicine, emphasizing its role as the ultimate performance enhancer. She has been featured in major media outlets such as RTÉ and The Irish Times, where she shares her expertise on how sleep impacts productivity, well-being, and overall performance.

Síne holds a BComm International degree from University College Dublin, where she also studied Spanish. She furthered her education with professional development modules in Sleep Medicine at the University of Oxford, focusing on Insomnia and Circadian Rhythm Disruption. These specialized courses, designed for healthcare professionals, provided her with in-depth knowledge of sleep disorders and their clinical applications. While these are standalone modules rather than formal certifications, they reflect her commitment to understanding and addressing sleep challenges at a high level. Through her work with SiEST Sleep, she continues to advocate for better sleep as a fundamental pillar of success.

Pamela is a highly experienced Wellbeing and Career Coach with nearly a decade in the health and wellbeing industry. She specialises in helping individuals and groups cultivate a balanced, fulfilling life by investing positively in their physical, mental, and career wellbeing. As a certified Yoga, Pilates, and Meditation instructor, Pamela integrates mindful movement and stress management techniques into her coaching, empowering her clients to build resilience and clarity in both their personal and professional lives.

Pamela has extensive experience in career coaching, guiding individuals through career transitions, goal setting, and professional growth. She works with clients to overcome workplace stress, enhance productivity, and create meaningful career paths that align with their values and aspirations.

Treasa Hanniffy has extensive experience in both physical and mental health, personal development, and well-being training. She began her career in the fitness industry as a gym instructor before transitioning into mental well-being training and personal development coaching.

With a passion for promoting healthy behaviours, Treasa has dedicated her career to helping individuals achieve balance and fulfilment in their personal and professional lives.

Treasa holds an Honours Degree in Public Health and Health Promotion, a Master’s in Adult Learning and Development, and is a qualified Executive and Life Coach. Her academic background, combined with her hands-on experience, equips her with a comprehensive understanding of health and well-being.

Having worked remotely for several years, Treasa is well-versed in the challenges and opportunities remote work presents, particularly in maintaining physical and mental well-being while balancing professional responsibilities.

Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting women, and early detection continues to be the most powerful tool in saving lives. Regular screening, being breast aware, and knowing how to check for changes can make all the difference in outcomes. Dr. Máire Treasa Ní Cheallaigh brings her medical expertise and communication skills to help demystify the facts around breast cancer, empowering women to recognise symptoms early, engage in preventative health, and understand treatment options with clarity and confidence.

Beyond breast cancer awareness, Dr. Ní Cheallaigh supports people at every stage of life and health. Her work spans from guiding women through menopause and healthy ageing, to offering advice on mental wellbeing, heart health, and creating lasting lifestyle habits. With her unique experience in sport and performance psychology, she also helps individuals and teams to manage self-doubt, build resilience, and reach their full potential both in sport and in everyday life. Whether addressing cancer awareness, mood management, or how to keep children active, Dr. Ní Cheallaigh combines her medical expertise with a relatable, motivational approach that makes health and performance goals accessible to all.

Dr. Martin is a highly respected GP and Principal Partner at Rialto Medical, with a specialist focus on men’s health and sexual wellbeing. As a trainer on the TCD GP Scheme and an experienced educator with RCSI and TCD, he combines clinical expertise with a passion for supporting men to take charge of their health. Through his dedicated work in a Men’s Health Clinic, Martin has helped countless men transform their quality of life, particularly in the areas of prostate health and sexual dysfunction. He is an active member of both the European Society for Sexual Medicine (ESSM) and the British Society for Sexual Medicine (BSSM), keeping him at the forefront of international best practice.

In his Men’s Health Awareness talk, Martin sheds light on issues too often left unspoken — from prostate cancer and testicular cancer to the importance of routine checks and early intervention. With the spirit of Movember in mind, he challenges men to break the stigma, have honest conversations, and prioritise both physical and mental wellbeing. His clear, compassionate approach not only raises awareness but empowers men to take proactive steps in safeguarding their long-term health.

Over the past seven years, Paul has made significant strides in the Irish market, serving over 11,000 clients and managing more than €317.2 million in assets. We help thousands of clients with their financial planning needs helping them plan for a brighter financial future.

Paul’s masterclass benefits all employees forming the starting point for financial education as it touches the spectrum of financial life stages.

Covering a range of financial topics such as day to day money management and planning, investing for the medium and long terms and pensions.

Showcasing the importance of cashflow modelling and how each financial decision can have a huge impact over the long term. This talk focuses on financial wellbeing, mindset & planning rather than financial products - which are just “things” that are used to achieve the result.

Ailbhe is a long-time activist and campaigner on feminist, LGBTIQ and other social issues. She played a leading role in the victorious marriage equality campaign, and co-founded and led the Coalition to Repeal the 8th. She was Co-Director of the Together for Yes national referendum campaign.

Ailbhe is the former founding head of Women’s Studies at UCD where she lectured for many years. She is chair of Women’s Aid and of Ballyfermot STAR Addiction services, and on the board of Age Action and of the Women’s Global Health Network. She is Patron of the Women’s Collective Ireland.

Race and Ethnicity—There is Only One Race, the Human RaceConor explores the difference between race and ethnicity, emphasizing that while racism is real, race itself is a social construct. Drawing from history and lived experiences, he highlights how racial categories were created to justify exclusion and inequality.His sessions help participants understand systemic racism, recognize unconscious bias, and foster inclusion in the workplace. The tone is hopeful and action-oriented, encouraging people to move beyond guilt toward shared humanity. Conor offers practical tools and language for creating psychologically safe, inclusive environments, ending each session with reflection and a call to action.

Guilherme is a 29 year old Brazilian who has been living in Dublin for the past 9 years. In 2019 he won Mr Gay Ireland and went on to represent Ireland in Mr Gay Europe in Poland and Mr Gay World in South Africa. During his reign he raised over €50,000 for the guide clinic (HIV Foundation) at St James's Hospital.

As a committed mental health awareness campaigner, Guil has shared his own story as a sexual abuse survivor and continues to fundraise for Pieta House. He has become a prominent voice advocating LGBTQIA+ causes and currently works as an actor and model and writes for GCN (Gay Community News).

Dean O'Reilly (he/him) is an Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion professional with a decade of experience across the private sector in Europe and the public sector in the UK and Ireland. Currently, Dean is the EDI & Sexual Violence Manager at the National College of Art and Design. In this role, Dean is responsible for the strategic and operational direction of the College on EDI matters. This includes training facilitation, data analysis, policy creation and implementation, and case management for dignity and respect for staff and students.

He previously worked as EDI Manager at the University of Manchester's Faculty of Science and Engineering, and worked as an EDI consultant with organisations including Spotify, SoundCloud, Swedbank, and Wooga. Dean has also worked as VP for Welfare & Equality in Dublin City University. Dean's academic background is in Psychology. He holds a BSc (Hons) in Psychology, a postgraduate qualification in Consent and Sexual Violence, and currently is pursuing his doctoral research in Sexual Violence and Harassment prevention.

Dean is the current chair of the Higher Education Authority's National Practitioner Network for Ending Sexual Violence / Harassment and possessed a Diploma in PTSD & Traumatology from City Colleges Dublin.

Joanne O'Riordan, one of only seven people globally born with Total Amelia—a condition where she was born without all four limbs—has become a leading advocate for people with disabilities. Despite the absence of a medical explanation for her condition, Joanne and her family have never let it hinder her ambitions. She first made headlines as a teenager when she confronted former Taoiseach Enda Kenny about proposed disability funding cuts.

In 2012, she delivered an inspiring speech at the United Nations, challenging global leaders to develop technology that empowers disabled individuals.

Her activism earned her the title of Young Person of the Year at the People of the Year Awards in 2012. Joanne is also a motivational speaker and sports columnist with The Irish Times, and she was the subject of the 2013 documentary No Limbs No Limits.

Joanne has used technology to enhance her abilities and independence, excelling in her studies and community. Her work and life serve as an inspiring example to both able-bodied and disabled individuals, demonstrating that determination and adaptability can lead to a fulfilled and impactful life.

Peter Ryan, a blind Paralympian and inspiring speaker, motivates audiences to step out of their comfort zones and embrace life’s possibilities. His journey from a promising young athlete to battling vision loss, alcoholism, and rediscovering purpose showcases resilience and transformation.

Diagnosed with Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy at 20, Peter found new meaning through sport, competing in the Rio 2016 Paralympics and achieving remarkable feats in ultra-endurance challenges.

Peter’s talks focus on overcoming self-limiting beliefs, finding balance, and cultivating a resilient mindset. With his mantra, “Control – Influence – Accept,” he empowers audiences to rethink their approach to life’s challenges and unlock their potential.