Coaching the Goalkeeper in Gaelic Games - with Dr. Donal Hughes

Hosted by: Ciaran Deely (DSS Coaching)
Guest: Dr Donal Hughes (Goalkeeping Coach, Academic & Innovator)

In this engaging episode of The Locker Room Podcast – Coaching Series, Ciaran sits down with Dr Donal Hughes, one of the most forward-thinking voices in Gaelic football goalkeeping. With a coaching approach shaped by experience, innovation, and a passion for the position, Donal has carved a unique path that blends multi-sport insight and on-the-ground goalkeeping practice.

You can reach out to Donal by email on gaakeepercoach@gmail.com

And follow him on Twitter/X @GAKeeperCoach or Instagram @donaldochughesgkcoaching

The conversation delves into a range of fascinating topics that will resonate with coaches, players, and analysts alike, including:

• 🧤 Donal’s unconventional journey into goalkeeper coaching and why he chose to take a different route than the traditional badges path.

• ⚽ His coaching principles around key areas such as positioning, movement, handling, shot-stopping, kick-outs, and the all-important mentality of a goalkeeper.

• 🔄 How the modern goalkeeper’s role has evolved—and whether recent FRC rule changes are restricting their impact or allowed goalkeepers to instead focus on 1st principles.

• 🧑‍🎓 Development advice for underage team coaches, including what separates top-level GKs from the rest.

• 📋 Practical insights into structuring training sessions, integrating GKs with team training, and supporting them effectively on game-day.

 

Whether you’re an underage coach, club manager, or working in an inter-county setup, this episode offers invaluable perspectives on the goalkeeping position in Gaelic football—past, present, and future.

🔊 Listen in for grounded coaching advice and plenty of takeaways to implement in your own sessions.

Listen here:

Apple: http://buff.ly/3mgU6IU

Spotify: https://bit.ly/49jdA96

YouTube http://buff.ly/36sGDJ2

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