In this series, we speak to high-profile figures across a range of industries to explore the stories behind their success.
From early career choices to pivotal moments, challenges overcome, and advice for the next generation, each interview offers a personal insight into the many different paths a career can take.
For many young sports enthusiasts, the dream of turning their passion into a professional career often remains just that – a dream. But for Colm Begley, it became a reality.
From the playing fields of Stradbally and Laois GAA to the stadiums of Australia’s elite AFL, and back again to star for his county, Colm has lived the dream on both sides of the world.
Now, as Head of Player Welfare and Engagement with the Gaelic Players Association (GPA), the body that represents and supports inter-county GAA players, Colm is committed to ensuring players have the resources, welfare, and support to flourish both on and off the pitch.
His talent emerged early through Stradbally, onto the Parish Gaels, Cumann na mBunscol, Community Games, and at Knockbeg College, where he developed the skills and discipline that would carry him to the highest levels of Gaelic football, Australian Rules and International Rules.
With his club Stradbally, he won senior county titles in 2005 and 2016, and went on to represent Laois at minor and senior levels, playing in several Leinster finals and winning a historic All-Ireland Minor title in 2003 at Dr. Cullen Park.
One of his earliest achievements was representing Ireland in the Under-19 International Rules Series, which not only showcased his potential but also played a key role in earning him a professional AFL contract with the Brisbane Lions in the AFL, where he played 29 professional games, later joining St Kilda, making him one of a select few Irish players to succeed in the AFL.
Internationally, Begley represented Ireland at both underage and senior levels in the International Rules Series, earning 12 senior caps across seven series -more than almost any other player in modern International Rules history.
Throughout this remarkable sporting journey, he learned values that continue to guide him today: resilience in the face of setbacks, the importance of teamwork, and the power of surrounding yourself with people you admire.
Honest, passionate, and humble about his journey, Colm reflects here on his unique path, the challenges of elite sport, and the lessons that continue to shape his career and life.
1 – What was your very first job, and what did it teach you?
A bit of a strange one. My first proper job was when I got the opportunity to travel to Australia and play AFL. I was 19.
I’m aware this isn’t like most first jobs, but I still believe that in any first job you probably learn a lot of the same values if you are in a good environment.
Playing AFL was excellent for teaching me the importance of foundational values such as hard work, good communication, and teamwork.
Additionally, I was constantly challenged, helping me build resilience and self-ownership when faced with setbacks and adversity.
At the same time, looking back, I learned that it’s not only acceptable but essential to ask for support, and that surrounding yourself with people you aspire to emulate creates an environment that sets you on the right path to succeed.
2 – Did you always know you wanted to work in this field, or did your career path evolve over time?
Being someone that loves sport, there was always a dream in some way to be able to do that for a living, i.e. be a professional sportsman. But it wasn’t so much on my radar.
I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with a clear career path. I had my interests and skills, but no set goal. But from playing Gaelic Football, an opportunity presented itself.
I was of course very keen on taking it straight away. But I value immensely the opinion of my family, and I leaned on their guidance to make sure it was the right decision for me.
Looking back on it, despite not playing AFL anymore, it has guided me down my current career path and helped open new exciting doors.
3 – Was there a turning point or moment that shaped your career most significantly?
Not really to be honest. I don’t believe there’s ever just one clear turning point. Instead, your life/career are shaped by a series of “turning points”.
For me, you could probably highlight a mix of difficult injuries, a change in head coach, and then new opportunities arriving at the right time.
I’m a firm believer you shape much of where your life goes, but some things will always be outside your control. Don’t let the uncontrollable dictate your path – put your energy into what you can influence.
4 – What’s one challenge you faced in your career, and how did you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was being dropped (let go) from my first AFL team. At the time it felt like a massive blow, and I carried a real sense of having let my family and friends down.
But thanks to my family, I was able to move forward – to take that setback and refocus it into something positive.
While I didn’t go on to have a full career in the AFL, I came to see that period not as a failure, but as an immense learning opportunity and something to be proud of.
It taught me the power of mindset, and that choosing to control the narrative makes all the difference in how you approach challenges in sport and in life.
5 – How important were education and qualifications in getting to where you are today?
Education and qualifications have definitely played an important role in my journey.
Completing my degree and master’s gave me valuable knowledge, but more importantly I think, the process of committing to and finishing them taught me the discipline of starting something and following through.
Throughout my career, I’ve also invested in upskilling, completing qualifications such as a Professional Diploma in Management and Project Planning, which has directly improved my ability to perform in my role but also connected me with some great people.
All that being said, the value of the skills you gain through actually doing the job, working with others, managing challenges, and learning on the ground, cannot be understated.
These experiences are just as important as formal education in shaping your effectiveness and growth.
6 – What does a typical day look like in your role – or is there no such thing?
Well, currently, I am Head of Player Welfare and Engagement in the Gaelic Players Association.
My primary goal is to enhance the standards of welfare and wellbeing within our gaelic games, while ensuring we provide our members with the support, resources and environment that assists them to flourish both on and off the field.
There is no real typical day, which is a good thing in my mind. I get to meet and speak with players regularly, and I love the personal interaction.
Weekly I would be supporting players engaging with key welfare supports (e.g. Injury fund, Cardiac Screening, Access to Medical and Surgical Care).
Additionally, I would have a lot of one-to-one engagements with GPA player representatives from each squad throughout the year, working with them to provide information to all members on all the supports available to them from the GPA while ensuring their charter defined entitlements are being provided to them.
Any player charter issues, I would work with players and county boards to ensure the issue is resolved.
I’m also a member of the GAA Medical, Scientific and Welfare committee who meet regularly during the year, and advise the GAA on player welfare and health, developing guidelines, and driving policy to ensure player safety in gaelic games.
All in all, I genuinely feel privileged to serve the players. I care strongly about helping them find the right balance, making sure they get as much out of playing our game as they put into it.
7 – Who inspired or mentored you along the way, and what did you learn from them?
To be honest, I’ve been lucky to be around a lot of inspirational people throughout my career. Both in the sporting world, business world and some excellent educators who helped me get where I am today. I wouldn’t want to name just one, or two.
But I try and take something from each person I respect that I work with or have played with in sports.
There’s often an area that they are better than you at, and that can help you grow and improve. So don’t have an ego, recognise you can be better and learn from them.
8 – What advice would you give to Leaving Cert students who aren’t sure what they want to do yet? Or to adults seeking a career change?
My advice would be not to worry if you don’t have it all figured out yet. I definitely didn’t. Career paths today are rarely linear.
Many of my friends and colleagues are in jobs they love that weren’t part of their original plan and on many occasions don’t directly link back to their degree.
What matters most is focusing on your strengths, developing your skills, and being open to opportunities as they come.
For adults seeking a career change, I feel the workforce is more fluid now than ever before, and the access to information, resources, and people who can support you is incredible.
Use these to put yourself in the best position to make that transition, but also be clear on why you want the change. Making sure it’s for the right reasons will set you on a much stronger path.
9 – If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of career advice, what would it be?
Well, based on my experiences, I might give a few pieces of advice…..
Back yourself, work hard and focus on what you can control. Setbacks and challenges will come, but resilience and self-ownership will see you through.
Don’t be afraid to seek support, and surround yourself with people you admire, they’ll help keep you on the right path.
Commit to finishing what you start, because follow-through matters as much as the knowledge gained.
Make sure you work on something you’re genuinely interested in or passionate about. It will not only bring out your best but also lead to a happier you.
Most importantly, stay true to yourself. Everyone has unique strengths, so focus on growing and showcasing yours.
10 – What’s next for you—any goals, projects, or new challenges on the horizon?
Right now, my focus is still on helping the GPA ensure gold-standard welfare supports for inter-county players, with a particular drive to bridge the gap between male and female supports.
But at the same time, I’m starting to think about the next stage of my career, exploring opportunities where I can continue to grow, take on new challenges, and make a positive impact.
Anything else you would like to add?
I owe a huge amount to both Stradbally and Laois GAA. Stradbally is where it all began for me.
It was within my club that I first learned and developed the core values that have stood to me ever since. Resilience, teamwork, discipline, and leadership. Those early foundations shaped both my sporting career and the person I’ve become beyond the field.
From there my involvement with Laois GAA gave me the chance to carry those values forward on a bigger stage.
From the development squads and minors at a young age, right through to playing 14 years at senior level, the journey has been one of the most important parts of my life.
The experiences and challenges I faced along the way deepened those lessons, and they are skills I still carry with me and lean on daily in all areas of life.
Martina Mulhall, Gold Star Careers offers one-to-one or small group career advice, in-person or online, to people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. Follow on Instagram for updates and reminders about all things careers, or head over to the website to book a personalised guidance session.
SEE ALSO – Check out all of Martina Mulhall’s pieces here
