DYLAN MERNAGH
FEATURE
DylanMernagh Mernaghisisaataught taughtmasters masters(MSc) (MSc)Sports Sports Dylan Performancestudent studentininPESS, PESS,currently currentlyininthe thefirst first Performance semesterofofhis hisstudy studyatatUL. UL.He Hehas hasplayed playedsemisemisemester professionalsoccer, soccer,competed competedatatInternational Internationallevel level professional forIreland, Ireland,and andgained gainedexperience experienceininhigh high for performanceoutfits outfitsincluding includingWest WestHam HamF.C F.Cand and performance Mike Boyle Strength & Conditioning near Boston Mike Boyle Strength & Conditioning near Boston USA.InInthis thisfeature, feature,Dylan Dylantakes takestime timeout outtotodescribe USA. describe what is alike be astudent full time student and what it is like to itbe fulltotime and athlete. athlete.
PERSONAL BACKGROUND I am a 23 year old BBs (Hons) Recreation and Sports Management graduate from Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) now entering in to the MSc Sports Performance program here in the University of Limerick. I'm extremely excited about the upcoming year and being involved in a program that seems to be going from strength to strength since its inception only four years ago. Up until this point in my young career I have been lucky enough to be involved in a wide range of sporting experiences, both personally and professionally. These opportunities have taken me along this path and the MSc in the University of Limerick is the next step in my exciting journey.
college captain and chosen to represent Ireland at international college level. This opportunity to date still remains my personal highlight as I was selected to represent Ireland at the World University Games held in Kazan, Russia during the summer of 2013. This event is the world’s second biggest sporting participation event only behind the Olympic Games, with many Olympians often on show. In our first game of the competition we played the hosts Russia, where we managed an unlikely 2-1 victory against players playing in some of Europe's top professional leagues. The following night we were introduced to over 50,000 people at the tournament opening ceremony where I was selected out of the Irish delegation to be our country's flag bearer. Over twelve days we played six games achieving Ireland's best ever finish of 5th, losing heartbreakingly on penalties to eventual winners France.
WORK EXPERIENCE
SPORTING BACKGROUND My own sporting experiences have always been centered around soccer, with my first break coming in 2012 when I signed with Waterford United. It certainly proved a massive step for me but definitely brought out the best in me. I went on to play over fifty games in two years in a very enjoyable spell with the club in which time we narrowly missed out on promotion to Dundalk in the playoff final. During these two years with Waterford I was also made WIT
Having finished college just before Summer 2013, whilst continuing to play with Waterford United, I spent the next six months working as much as I could, with the bigger picture always in mind. 2014 was a year I had ear marked as the year to get myself into the field and get some hands on experience, through internships, shadowing, work experience opportunities, basically any means necessary. It was an extremely difficult decision to choose this path and not play soccer for the year, but my career took priority. The year started great for me and I managed to get some time working in the West Ham United F.C Academy during late February. I was positioned as a sports science work experience student working with the u13-u16 section of the Academy.
From there I targeted Summer internships further afield in America but proved unsuccessful. Following this I began coaching more around home working with the FAI's Emerging Talent Program and the Wexford Youths Women's team. I reapplied for Fall internships. Following weeks of preparing a video application I got an acceptance e-mail from Mike Boyle (Strength and Conditioning) that my place was secured on their program, in arguably America’s number one gym. During this four month period I learned so much, more than I probably realise. The intern schedule was 12:00-8:30pm Monday to Thursday with a rotating schedule on Fridays and Saturdays. I put in more time though; my days were 7am until 8:30pm Monday to Friday and a full day Saturday. I can proudly say I never missed a day in work that the gym was open even if it meant walking thirty five minutes from home in inches of snow. By doing extra, I got to work with USA judo, USA women's ice hockey, MLB players, and of course Mike himself. It was a no brainer in my head.
PATHWAY TO MSc. As hard as it was saying ‘no’ to League of Ireland soccer in 2014, I never for a second regretted my decision. These last two years have really shaped my path and I wouldn't change anything. The success and failure I have endured on and off the pitch and in the professional setting has taken me to this point. I am entering a huge year in my development; attempting to move away from an apprentice to becoming an active member in this field I love. My mind is a reflection of a commitment to test knowledge through experience, persistence and willingness to learn from mistakes and I know I'm in the right place to achieve all of this in the coming year. Bring it on!