Following on his historic win in the Open Golf Championship, Padraig Harrington took time out to launch a new initiative in sports education in Ireland. There were Tipperary connections aplenty at the launch of Setanta College in the Berkely Court Hotel. This new college will offer accredited sports and coaching study programmes through distance learning and the internet.
Setanta College is headed by two of Ireland's most distinguished coaching and fitness experts, both with Tipperary connections. Liam Hennessy hails from Cappawhite and is a sports physiologist and National Fitness Director of the IRFU. He is fitness adviser and coach to Padraig Harrington on strength and conditioning. Liam trained the Tipperary hurling team for a number of years. Jim Kilty is Director of Speed, Agility, Quickness (SAQ) Ireland, former Coaching Director with Athletics Ireland and coach to a number of Ireland's leading international athletes including Derval O'Rourke and Eileen O'Keeffe. During Nicky English’s term as Tipperary hurling Manager, Jim was involved in training the team. Both men have worked extensively in both team and individual sports.
The third Tipperary connection with Setanta College is Tipperary Institute. The Institute is a major education partner with Setanta, providing its expertise in online learning as well as its campus facilities in Thurles. Students carry most of their studies online, with occasional weekend campus workshops. At the launch Padraig Harrington commented on how impressed he was with this “blended learning” model. The launch was also attended by Padraig Culbert, Chief Executive of Tipperary Institute, Professor Gary Prosser, Director of Development and Academic Affairs at Tipperary Institute, Tadhg Ó hÉalaithe, Secretary of the Higher Education and Training Awards Council, Irish hammer throw record holder Eileen O'Keeffe, Christine Keohane, Senior Brand Manager, Energise Sport, Dessie Farrell, Chief Executive of the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) and Niall Woods, Chief Executive of the Irish Rugby Union Players Association (IRUPA).
The College will continue to broaden its range of nationally and internationally accredited practical coaching courses as well as related diploma courses for active and future coaches.Setanta College's courses are for all sports and aimed at team management personnel, trainers, coaches, players and athletes. Courses will range from weekend practical courses to the two year HETAC approved course. All courses will use the blended learning process which mixes lecture attendance at home on computer, participation at centrally located practical workshops, uploading of assignments, multiple choice questionnaires and projects directly from home. The content will consist of the most modern and relevant approaches, techniques and developments in relation to fitness, strength and conditioning, coaching and management of teams or individuals in the general area of sport. Full details of Setanta College and its programmes are at
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