A Limerick-based coach of more than a decade, Paul McDonagh qualified in Youth Athletic Development with Setanta College in December 2024, went on to qualify as a Personal Trainer, and has since founded Paul’s ABCs — a fundamental movement programme now running in schools across Limerick, Cork and Tipperary. He is currently continuing his studies with Setanta in Strength & Conditioning.

Below, Paul shares his career change, the thinking behind Paul’s ABCs, and what studying with Setanta has added to his coaching.

From Applied Chemistry to Coaching

Paul’s professional life began a long way from the pitch.

“I hold a degree in Applied Chemistry and spent 22 years working in an infant formula factory, gaining experience across Quality Control, Research & Development, and most recently the Applications Group. Two years ago, the factory announced it was closing. This became a turning point for me.

I knew I wanted a change, something more meaningful, and I kept coming back to what I truly enjoyed — working with children and helping them overcome the challenges I was increasingly seeing with basic movement skills. After speaking with people across various sporting sectors, I decided to study Youth Athletic Development with Setanta.

I qualified in December 2024, but quickly realised that it wasn’t just children who struggle with movement. To be able to support people at every stage of life, I went on to qualify as a Personal Trainer. This allows me to work with everyone, from toddlers and teenagers to adults of all ages.”

Building Pauls ABCs

Paul’s business — Agility, Balance, Coordination — has grown quickly since he started delivering into schools.

“At the moment I am in the process of starting up my own business, Pauls ABCs, so my hours are very varied and at times long. Paul’s ABCs delivers a four to eight-week fundamental movement programme to national and secondary schools across Limerick, Cork and Tipperary. For the 2025/2026 school year I completed the programme in 15 schools, both national and secondary, and currently have 17 schools booked in for the 2026/2027 school year.”

Evenings bring a different type of work again.

“I am currently working with both Ballybrown GAA Bord na nÓg and Ballybrown Camogie club. Here I am developing and delivering an athletic development programme for boys aged 11 to 17, and working with the camogie club on improving fitness levels, but also being able to accelerate, decelerate and change direction, all while protecting the body. I am also part of the Limerick Hurling Academy, coaching hurling skills to the U15 boys.”

Starting Out at the Club

Like many coaches, Paul’s involvement began through his own family.

“Like most parents, I got involved when my eldest son started playing with our local club, Granagh Ballingarry. I offered my services even though it was 20+ years since I played myself, but with every organisation it is voluntary, no previous experience required, and no offer is turned down. I am still coaching underage with Granagh Ballingarry and have also held the position of Coaching Officer.

I know this sounds cliché, but one of the biggest moments for me is seeing the lads come into training happy, enjoying it and going home happy. Watching them grow and develop, not just in their skills but also in confidence, teamwork and friendships, is very rewarding.”

Two more recent moments stand out.

“Another key highlight for me was receiving a phone call from Limerick Hurling Academy in November 2024, inviting me to become one of the hurling coaches for the incoming 2025 U14 panel. Following on from that, being approached by Ballybrown GAA to develop and run an athletic development plan for their underage teams was an opportunity I was delighted to take on.”

Why Setanta

The decision to study came from a question Paul kept returning to on the sideline.

“Over the years I could see the poor movement with some children and wanted to do something to help. As a parent we always want what’s best for our children, and that led me to start looking and thinking outside the box, not just following what the previous session was or what the previous coach did.

During Covid is when my love for movement really began. We could no longer meet up or get out on the field, so I started researching what and how other sports conducted their sessions — from soccer to American football, rugby, basketball. At the end of the day the best movers are generally up there with the best players, but why? Movement, agility, balance, coordination?

After speaking with many people in the sporting sector, from lecturers to coaches to intercounty players, I decided to go back to college and study Youth Athletic Development with Setanta. I chose Setanta College because of its blended learning approach, which suited my lifestyle, allowing me to balance family and work commitments while continuing to coach. It also has a strong reputation in the sports industry, which gave me confidence that I would receive a high-quality education.”

The Lesson That Stuck

“What I have enjoyed most about studying with Setanta has been the workshops and the opportunity to meet like-minded people. Building new friendships, expanding my network and learning from coaches and practitioners with different experiences has broadened my perspective and challenged the way I think about coaching.

The one big lesson that has had the biggest impact on my career is the importance of having confidence in what you do, while always being open to learning. The knowledge and practical experience I gained through the programme have given me greater confidence when delivering sessions, whether in the gym or out on the field. It has also improved the way I communicate with players and fellow coaches, helping me explain ideas more clearly and build stronger relationships.”

Advice for Others

“My advice to anyone hoping to build or enhance their career in this field would be to make the most of every learning opportunity. Engage fully with the online lectures and don’t be afraid to reach out to the lecturers — there is no such thing as a silly question.

One of the biggest pieces of advice I would give is to find a mentor. Learn from the people who have been there and done it. Reach out, ask questions. In my experience most coaches and professionals are more than happy to share their knowledge and experiences.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to make mistakes or try something new. Coaching is all about learning and not everything will be perfect or work first time. If something isn’t working, have the confidence to put your hand up and say, ok, let’s take a different approach.”

Looking Ahead

“My goal is to continue growing and developing the Pauls ABCs fundamental movement programme, expanding it into more national and secondary schools so that children of all abilities have the opportunity to develop confidence in their movement skills. For me it’s not about making the already sporty child better, it’s about giving every child the confidence, competence and enjoyment to be active, helping them to build positive habits that stay with them for life.

Building on those foundations, I also want to continue developing and delivering athletic development programmes for sports clubs and organisations, helping young athletes improve performance and reduce the risk of injury as they grow and develop.

Lastly, I want to gain the Strength & Conditioning qualification that will allow me to support players through the athletic development programme into an adult environment.”

Learn more about the Certificate in Youth Athletic Development.