One of the greatest challenges and achievements of my career to date was presenting a live TV production in IADT last year in our fantastic National Film School TV Studio. This production, entitled ‘Building Resilience: Lessons from Sport’, was recorded to marked World Mental Health Day and was crewed by the wonderful Television and AVMT students of IADT, a very talented bunch of individuals, I’m sure you will agree! Along with the expert academic staff supervision of my two colleagues, Ronan O Murthile and David Cooper, the whole production crew made my job, as presenter, so enjoyable. My sincere thanks to our four wonderful sports guests for agreeing to come into studio that day to share their experiences so openly and honestly: Niall Breslin (aka Bressie), Andrew Dunne, Kevin McManamon and Richie Sadlier – four of the bravest individuals I know and I am honoured to call them friends. Thanks so much to my good friend and IADT colleague, Stefan Paz Berrios, for editing the 50 minute discussion down into four short clips for you all to view here. They contain great bits of advice from some our guests and I’m delighted to be able to share them with you all. The four clips will be released today (6th July 2017) and tomorrow (7th July 2017), so stay tuned!
First up, in Part 1, it’s long-time IADT friend, Mr. Richie Sadlier, talking about his own personal experiences of mental distress at the end of his soccer career and how going to counselling really helped him.
Next up, in Part 2, it’s our IADT Honorary Fellow, my Certificate in Sport Psychology Graduate and friend, Niall Breslin (aka ‘Bressie’), speaking about the role rugby filled for him when he was first diagnosed with mental health difficulties ….. “…sport has always been my medication……that became almost addictive”.
Next up in Part 3 of our IADT TV recording, it’s Dublin Football Legend, Kevin MacManamon, speaking about his positive experience of working with a sport psychologist during his football career.
Last, for now (& 4th), clip of our IADT TV recording – Here is Niall answering one of our Applied Psychology student’s (Liam) Question: “What key piece of advice would you give to your self, when you were 20, to help you to get to the place where you are now?” Click on the video to hear what Niall had to say in response…….
