The Last Twelve Months: Research and Revisions
The past year has been defined by the PhD intervention within a GAA development squad setting, chapter writing, journal submissions, and the inevitable revisions that accompany peer review. My perspective on these revisions has evolved significantly. Initially, I viewed them as negative – frustrating obstacles to overcome. However, I have come to appreciate them as invaluable feedback from experts in the field who are helping to enhance the quality of my work. While this revision process is demanding and often painstaking, it is also essential. That being said, the immediate hours following the receipt of reviewer comments remain the most challenging emotionally – reminding me that, in academic writing, it is best to leave emotions at the door.
Balancing Teaching and Research
Since October, my time has been divided between teaching and progressing my PhD. In the autumn semester, I worked with third-year Sport Science students, followed by second-year students in the spring. Teaching has been an incredibly rewarding experience, bringing renewed energy to my own research. Engaging with students on the complexities of talent development, particularly within the GAA context, has reinforced my passion for the subject. There are clear, recurring themes in the developmental pathways of elite male and female players, and applying this research to GAA development squads remains an area of great interest to me in the future.
Beyond the academic insights, my teaching experience has also underscored an important lesson: a PhD can be an isolating experience, but it doesn’t have to be entirely so. Personally, I am one who needs complete silence when doing academic writing, but this is why it is crucial to seek out activities (whether teaching, coaching) that provide perspective. Engaging with students and colleagues serves as a reminder that we are all part of one community here in PESS.
The Final Stretch: A Time for Reflection
As I approach the final phase of my PhD, I find myself reflecting on the journey. This stage – revising and editing chapters – can sometimes feel the least enjoyable. The excitement of gathering and analyzing new data has passed, and now the focus is on refining and finalizing. It is a peculiar mix of eagerness to finish and the realisation that my connection to PESS, and my supervisors (Dr. Phil Kearney and Dr. Ian Sherwin), will soon come to an end.
That said, I take comfort in knowing that we more or less achieved what we set out to do three and a half years ago. The study of laterality in sports is still in its infancy, particularly in Gaelic football, and while there is much more to explore, this research represents a significant step forward. The words of Professor Ciarán MacDonncha resonate with me now more than ever: “Do your PhD for four years, but don’t do it for years.” However, if someone was to ask me what direction I’d go I pursued Postdoctoral work in this area, I know exactly where the gaps still appear. But that’s for another day.
Looking Ahead: Finland, Submission, and Beyond
A particular highlight of this final year is the opportunity to speak at the Motor Skill Acquisition Conference in Kisakallio, Finland (March 26th–28th). This holds special significance for me because my supervisors, Dr. Phil Kearney and Dr. Ian Sherwin, identified this conference as a key milestone in my first year. Reaching this point – being selected to talk about our research – is something I appreciate.
Beyond Finland, and following the conclusion of the teaching semester, my focus will shift towards finalizing my thesis for formal submission in early autumn.
Looking back, I am constantly reminded of one moment. In March 2020, I ambushed Dr. Phil Kearney on the stairs in PESS just after his Master’s thesis topics had been posted. Since that day, both that title and Phil have been constant companions. If anyone is more eager than I am to see me finish, it is probably him. It will certainly free up his week a bit more! Beyond Phil and Ian, I am also eternally grateful to Dr. Mark Lyons and Professor Giles Warrington. For now, it’s back to revisions.
Karol Dillon is a postgraduate researcher in the Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Limerick.
Contact: Email: karol.dillon@ul.ie @KarolDillon8 ResearchGate
PESS News & Information 