IGCT Episode #241: Mike McGurn- "Global Industry Small Community"

Bio

International Strength and Conditioning Coach Mike McGurn has the prestigious honour of training three National Senior Irish Teams in different codes and winning two World Titles in two different sports. McGurn competed for Ulster and Ireland in cross country and athletics events. For his efforts was awarded a scholarship to study Sports Science in the USA for four years.

Once graduated and while lecturing in Workington, he became fitness coach for the local Rugby League club. He quickly became sought after by the cream of Rugby League. Known for his no-nonsense, hard working attitude, McGurn helped guide St Helens to the elusive treble - Challenge Cup, Super League and World Club Champions in the 2000/2001 season.

2002 saw him make the move back to Ireland after being head-hunted by Eddie O’Sullivan to join the national Rugby Union team as Head of Strength and Conditioning. In his tenure of 8 years he totally revolutionised the training structures and systems of the squad laying the foundations for what has become the most successful Irish Team ever. In 2008 he took up the position of Head of Strength and Conditioning for Ospreys Rugby Union club in South Wales. He also began working with boxer Bernard Dunne, helping the Dubliner become Super Bantam-Weight Champion of the World.

In November 2008 he enjoyed more success, this time with the Irish Compromise Rules team when they won the series beating Austrailia in both tests. McGurn consults teams and individuals and is currently lead Strength and Conditioning Coach at Queens University Belfast, responsible for all of the Strength and Conditioning for rugby football gaelic hurling camogie and rowing teams at the university.. In 2010 and 2011 McGurn became National Fitness Coach to the Irish International Rules Team who played against their Australian counterparts in the AFL. Mike is a member of the Australian Strength and Conditioning Association (ASCA) and International Youth Conditioning Association (IYCA)