LIFE AFTER SPORT - how can we help?


‘You’d be amazed at just how many high performing sportspeople struggle with achieving success and enjoyment in their new life after sport’. Even former World Rugby Player of the Year and British & Irish Lions’ Captain Brian O’Driscoll admits that this transition can be very difficult and long and that support from a coach and mentors can be invaluable.

In HRworks, we help sportspeople through Coaching and Mentoring to:

-       develop a clear understanding of themselves

-       become clear and focused about what’s next for them

-     identify the right role that they will thrive in and help them secure that role or establish that business.

Whether it is a job or setting up a business, HRworks are in the unique position of providing expert coaching and mentoring together with a job placement service through it’s partnership arrangement with top international recruitment Company Head Hunt International.

The successful outcome is unlocking the sportsperson’s unique potential and landing the dream role.

Meet Christy O'Hara -

Founder of HRworks and Executive Business & Career Coach, Galway, Ireland

Christy is a former HR Director who has spent all his work life in the specialty of human resources management. A genuine influencer who thrives on tough challenges and translates visions and strategies into actionable, value-added goals. In 2011, he set up HRworks who are also in partnership with Head Hunt International (Recruitment Specialists) and HRLocker (HR Software systems)

An avid sportsperson who strongly believes in the benefits derived from participation in sport and which are transferrable to business and all other areas of life.

He holds BA Degree in Education and Training, European Mentoring & Coaching Council Accreditation, Certificate in Psychology for High Performance Sports and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute for Personnel & Development.

In addition to general Career Coaching, Christy specialises in Sport to Business Transition Coaching, Career Guidance and Interview Preparation.

He trained in the Roffey Institute in the UK in Organisational Development/Change Management and he lead major transformational projects in a number of organisations.

Key Information for the Sportsperson in the transition from Sport to Business

Client Testimonials

  • Niyi Adeolokun, Former Ireland, Connacht and Bristol Professional Rugby Player

    Niyi Adeolokun, Former Ireland, Connacht and Bristol Professional Rugby Player

    “I am writing to provide a concise reference for Christy O'Hara. His coaching and mentorship during my transition from professional Rugby to a Human Resources (HR) professional has been invaluable. From the moment I expressed my interest in transitioning to HR, Christy consistently demonstrated his commitment to helping me achieve my goals. Christy's extensive HR knowledge and empathetic approach have made him an exceptional Coach/Mentor. He willingly shared resources, industry insights, and real-world examples, ensuring my smooth transition into HR. Beyond his expertise, Christy's personal qualities, such as approachability and genuine care, created a trusting and supportive environment. I felt comfortable reaching out to him with questions, knowing I would receive valuable insights.

    In conclusion, I highly recommend Christy O'Hara as a Coach or Mentor. His commitment, knowledge, and passion for helping others make him an outstanding resource”.

  • Jonny Cooper - 7 times All Ireland GAA Football Medalist with Dublin and 2 All Star GAA Awards

    “I have worked with Christy for the past number of years where he has supported me across a number of areas including maximising performance potential. I have found a number of benefits to our ongoing relationship such as an heightened sense of clarity towards my ambitions, the exploration of additional personal development opportunities and developing my network of knowledge to enhance career opportunities. I very much look forward to each of our sessions together”

  • Eric Donovan - Professional Irish Boxing Champion

    “I’ve known Christy for the past 2 years. A connection was made after a TV interview I had done which Christy had seen and over those two years, we have spoken and met many times. During that particular interview, I spoke about life & sport (boxing) and that I was coming near the end of my professional boxing career. This can be a daunting and uncertain time for any professional full-time athlete. But thankfully after a few conversations with Christy about the different options and possibilities that might be available to me, things didn’t look so bad. I would highly recommend anyone who is planning or has recently retired from sport and is finding it difficult to make that transition, to contact Christy O'Hara in HRworks. He has a wealth of knowledge and expertise in this area. He is one of the best in the business and he won't put you wrong. I cannot recommend his services enough - a very kind and knowledgeable man with a calm and reassuring presence."

  • Scott Brady - HR Manager, VHI Health & Wellbeing and former County Offaly GAA Football Star

    “Christy has supported our recruitment in the healthcare space with great effect. He has an excellent network and track record of providing high calibre candidates across a wide variety of roles. In a personal capacity I have worked with Christy for many years as a HR and career mentor. He has always been willing to share his vast knowledge and provide constructive honest guidance, which has benefited me greatly throughout my career to date. His interest in people and desire to see people reach their potential is quite unique. This is very evident in his coaching style”

  • Sean Hurley - Ex-Kildare County GAA & AFL Player

    “I found each Coaching session with Christy to be hugely beneficial and positive. He was compassionate and empathetic with a genuine interest in my career and overall well being, shown throughout our sessions. Christy has a wealth of experience and is extremely knowledgeable in many areas. I appreciate the constructive and friendly service which Christy provided and I have no hesitation in recommending him as a coach or mentor to anyone seeking some direction or guidance in life “

  • PROF SHERIF SULTAN MB BCh MChCh MD FRCSI DEVS FISVS FASA DMD FRCS/Vasc EBQS/Vasc FAARM FACS FEVBS PhD Clinical Vascular Lead, Soalta Hospital Group Professor of Vascular & Endovascular, National University of Ireland Galway Chief of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, President Elect of International Society for Vascular surgery

    I know Christy for over 20 years. He supported my services by recruiting the best. His vision of realizing the potential of any health professional candidate was second to none. During his term at Galway University Hospitals, he demonstrated leadership qualities. Since he started his international Recruiting Agency, he has been able to meet our exceptional demands. We witnessed a different recruitment candidate calibre from his universal sourcing. His promotion of any candidates means they are of a very high calibre, and we have learned that his Company is state of the art in picking up the right person for the right job.”

  • Tommy Foy, former HR Director, University of Limerick 2007 – 2018

    Christy O’Hara of HRworks is a highly experienced HR professional with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the delivery of the full range of HR services. Christy is a great Coach who implements an effective communication style that leads to clear successes and results. His coaching and mentoring programmes have led to significant improvement in leadership skills within organisations.

    The programmes are built on innovative and previous knowledge and take the processes of engaging and managing staff to a whole new level that enables organisations deliver on their strategic goals. Leaders, managers and team leaders know how to build performing teams after HRworks learning and development interventions.

    I frequently recommend Christy to business colleagues in my network. Christy’s approach to recruitment and headhunting is unique and thorough. HRworks will do whatever it takes to get the right person for your team. Working with HRworks will enable you recruit with confidence and bring the best people with the appropriate skills into your organisation”

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