Hurling Conference Set for Dunganny

We are looking forward to welcoming newly appointed GAA National Head of Hurling William Maher and a large number of coaches to the Meath GAA Centre of Excellence, Dunganny on Saturday, March 8 for our 2025 Hurling Coaching & Games Conference.

Speakers:

Tony Gleeson – ‘Games Based Coaching’

Tony Gleeson, a native of Burgess, County Tipperary, has made significant contributions to hurling coaching in both Offaly and Clare.

His coaching career began early, following a playing career cut short by injury. At the age of 19 or 20, Gleeson transitioned into coaching, starting with his home club, Burgess, where he led the senior and junior hurling teams to two league titles. He also coached the Burgess/Duharra camogie team to county and provincial senior titles in 2017, narrowly missing out on an All-Ireland final appearance after a semi-final loss to Sarsfields of Galway.

In 2019, Gleeson expanded his coaching influence to Clare, taking on the role of coach and manager for Smith O’Briens in Killaloe. His initial tenure saw the team reach the intermediate semi-finals, and his impact was such that players sought his return following a narrow extra-time defeat in the semi-finals that year.

Gleeson’s career further progressed when he joined Kilcormac/Killoughey (K/K) in Offaly as a coach after the team’s 2022 defeat to Shinrone. Under his guidance, K/K secured back-to-back Offaly Senior Hurling Championship titles in 2023 and 2024, and reached the Leinster club final in 2024. His coaching prowess was also instrumental in Offaly’s All-Ireland U20 Hurling Championship victory in 2024, with many attributing the team’s success to his expertise.

Throughout his career, Tony Gleeson has been recognized for his exceptional coaching abilities and his commitment to developing hurling talent across multiple couples teams and levels.

Sean Flynn – ‘Developing a Style of Play’

Sean Flynn, a hurling analyst and coach from Tipperary, has made significant contributions to the sport through various coaching and analytical roles. He served as the video and performance analyst for the Tipperary senior hurling team from 2018 to 2020, a period during which the team secured the All-Ireland title in 2019.

In 2023, Flynn joined the Laois senior hurling team as part of Willie Maher’s backroom staff, bringing his expertise in analysis and coaching to the team.

Beyond his team commitments, Flynn has been active in sharing his knowledge through coaching roadshows, such as the Ulster GAA Hurling Roadshow, where he led sessions focused on enhancing coaching performance.

Flynn is also known for his in-depth hurling analyses, including studies on the effectiveness of short puck-outs in championship matches. His multifaceted involvement in hurling underscores his dedication to advancing the sport through both practical coaching and analytical insights.

Shane Hassett – ‘Building an Underage Hurling Program’

Shane was Hurling/Athletic development coach with the Clare Senior hurling team last year and will speak on building an underage hurling program in a county.

From Drom and Inch, County Tipperary, Shane began his tenure with the Clare Senior Hurling team in 2021, initially serving as the lead Strength and Conditioning (S&C) coach. Demonstrating his versatility and expertise, Shane transitioned into the role of hurling coach and selector, playing a pivotal part in Clare’s journey to securing the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship title in 2024.

Beyond his commitments with Clare, he is currently coach to Toomevara’s senior hurling team and previously had success with the University of Limerick’s Fitzgibbon Cup team. In late 2024, Shane stepped away from his role with Clare to pursue a PhD in Sprinting Biomechanics at the University of Limerick, furthering his academic and professional development in sports science.