GAA becomes first National Governing Body to join ISESA
Pictured at the ISESA conference (left to right): Shane Flanagan (GAA), Tom Comyns (ISESA), Sarah Jane Cullen (ISESA), Brendan Hackett (GAA), and Peter Horgan (GAA).
The Gaelic Athletic Association has become the first National Governing Body (NGB) to join the Irish Sport and Exercise Sciences Association (ISESA).
ISESA is an all-island, non-profit organisation that represents the sport and exercise sciences community across Ireland. The association is also an associate member of the International Confederation for Sport and Exercise Science Practice (ICSESP).
ISESA President Tom Comyns announced the GAA’s membership during the organisation’s annual conference in Athlone last week. Speaking at the event, Comyns highlighted the importance of collaboration between the sports science community and sporting organisations.
Shane Flanagan, the GAA Director of Coaching and Games Development believes this partnership strengthens the connection between cutting-edge sports science research and the practical needs of Gaelic Games. By working closely with ISESA, the GAA can help ensure that coaches and players have greater access to evidence-based insights in areas such as performance, injury prevention, recovery, and player wellbeing. The collaboration also reinforces the GAA’s commitment to innovation, supporting the long-term development of players, coaches, and the Association as a whole.
The GAA continues to be a strong advocate for research and innovation in sport. Peter Horgan, the GAA’s Strategy, Insights and Innovation Manager, is widely regarded as one of Ireland’s leading sports researchers. Horgan led a GAA symposium at the ISESA conference alongside co-presenters David Moran from Dublin City University and Aaron Kyle from Atlantic Technological University.