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Guest Speaker at the Open University degree ceremony at Croke Park
I was privileged to be invited back to The Open University as guest speaker at The Open University in Ireland degree ceremony at Croke Park . 7 years ago, the OU gave me more than a degree, it gave me belief. I never thought I’d have a second chance at education, but the OU made it possible. Witnessing the sheer joy and pride of these graduates, and getting to celebrate their success with them, was incredibly emotional. I'm reminded how education can truly change lives. T

Gillian Quinn
1 min read


Behind the scenes contributing to a new show
Behind the scenes on a new show which will shed new light on the many issues faced by retiring footballers including my PhD topic, the impact of retirement on couple relationships. I’m proud to be a part of it, thanks for having me Des Byrne .

Gillian Quinn
1 min read


Filming day at the Etihad for 4Fans Productions’ new documentary
I really enjoyed being back at Manchester City Football Club filming for 4Fans Productions ' upcoming documentary on the mental health challenges of former footballers. Niall Quinn spoke from the player's perspective and I got to discuss my PhD topic, which specifically considers the impact of the sports career transition on the significant couple relationships of former professional footballers.

Gillian Quinn
1 min read


Presenting an extract from my thesis at the ENYSSP international conference
Thank you to the European Network for Young Specialists in Sport Psychology for giving me the opportunity to present an extract from my PhD study at my first international conference. It was great to network with other researchers in the space, to receive feedback and engagement on my research, and to have plentiful discussions about the opportunities and challenges within sport psychology today.

Gillian Quinn
1 min read


Presenting preliminary findings at the IOC World Conference in Monaco
I was honoured to present a segment of my doctoral research at the International Olympic Committee – IOC World Conference in Monaco. A much-welcomed break from writing up my thesis, it was the highlight of my academic journey. I was humbled to engage with world leaders on the prevention of injury and illness in sport, and am deeply grateful for their interest in my mission - to raise awareness of how retirement from elite sport can affect not just the athlete, but the enti

Gillian Quinn
1 min read


‘Retired Footballers and Divorce’ on RTE Radio 1’s Drivetime
Speaking to RTE about why I carried out my PhD at Dublin City University on the impact of retirement on the significant couple relationships of elite professional footballers. https://www.rte.ie/radio/radio1/clips/22018296/

Gillian Quinn
1 min read


"Our marriage definitely suffered’, says Gillian Quinn, wife of Niall, on life post-soccer"
A candid interview with the Irish Times about my motivation to conduct this research. https://www.irishtimes.com/news/health/our-marriage-definitely-suffered-says-gillian-quinn-wife-of-niall-on-life-post-soccer-1.4701915

Gillian Quinn
1 min read


"I had to find out why nearly three-quarters of footballers get divorced after retirement"
An interview with the Telegraph discussing my research on the lived experiences of professional footballers and their partners during the SCT. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2021/10/13/had-find-nearly-three-quarters-footballers-get-divorced-retirement/

Gillian Quinn
1 min read


"The wife’s tale: Gillian Quinn and the secrets of a happy football marriage"
An interview with the Times about the martial challenges professional footballers and their partners face during the SCT - drawing on both my research and personal experiences. https://www.thetimes.com/sport/football/article/the-wifes-tale-gillian-quinn-and-the-secrets-of-a-happy-football-marriage-mmmj0nrml

Gillian Quinn
1 min read
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