About Daniel Courtney

From soccer and Gaelic football to rugby, tennis and cricket – if it involved a ball, Daniel played it. This obsession with movement built a deep library of motor skills and problem‑solving patterns that now inform his coaching. At The King’s Hospital he played first XV rugby, yet Gaelic football remained his true passion, leading him to represent Kildare at minor, U21 and senior levels.

In 2019 Daniel discovered hypertrophy and bodybuilding. Since then he has dedicated himself to the iron game while continuing to compete for Kilcock GAA. This dual focus gives him a unique perspective on both performance and physique development.

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Despite escaping major injuries during his youth career, Daniel’s relentless training eventually led to osteoarthritis in his hip at just 18. The condition forced him to step away from top‑level sport and undergo a full hip replacement in his twenties.

Rebuilding himself from the ground up has been a masterclass in patience, mental resilience and long‑term rehab. These lessons now underpin his coaching approach: empathy for those facing setbacks, and an unwavering belief that you can come back stronger.

Daniel’s academic path is as varied as his athletic resume. He began studying sports science at Athlone College, but selection for the Kildare county squad postponed his studies. Later he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Maynooth University – a foundation that informs his belief that 80% of coaching is psychological.

Currently he is completing a Master’s in Performance and Sports Science at Setanta College and pursuing a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist credential. A lifelong student of sports science, Daniel applies new methodologies to himself before using them with clients, ensuring every program is rooted in evidence.

Coaching isn’t just a job for Daniel – it’s a calling. He thrives on building relationships, communicating openly and watching the SAID principle (Specific Adaptations to Imposed Demands) work its magic. Helping others improve in the gym and in life brings him joy.

A practising Stoic, Daniel strives daily to be kinder, more understanding and more confident. This philosophy keeps him grounded and patient with athletes of all levels, focusing on long‑term growth rather than quick fixes.

Daniel envisions a thriving coaching community for youths, general population clients and elite athletes – blending online and in‑person coaching in a hybrid model. One day he hopes to open a high‑performance gym in his hometown of Kilcock.

His coaching philosophy emphasises education and layered development: building work capacity, then hypertrophy, strength, power and speed. Nothing is rushed; exercises are chosen for where you are now and where you need to go. Relationships matter, and many of his athletes have become lifelong friends.