Cormac Powell (PhD, PGCert, BSc)

High Performance System Evaluation Manager at Sport Ireland | PhD | Supporting Olympic & Paralympic Performance Programmes

Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland

About

I work within Sport Ireland’s High Performance Unit, where I focus on the evaluation and development of systems that support Olympic and Paralympic performance. My work sits at the intersection of performance analysis, research, and strategic evaluation, with a focus on how high-performance environments can be designed, measured, and improved over time. I am particularly interested in how evidence-informed approaches can support athlete development pathways, inform investment decisions, and strengthen national high-performance systems. Alongside my applied role, I have a strong research background in sport performance and systems evaluation, with multiple peer-reviewed publications and ongoing collaboration with practitioners, coaches, and policy stakeholders. Key areas of interest include: - High-performance sport systems design and evaluation - Performance strategy and organisational effectiveness - Athlete development pathways - Evidence-informed decision-making in sport - Bridging research and applied practice I am always interested in connecting with others working in high-performance sport, research, or performance systems.

Experience

  • Sport Ireland (Full-time · 5 yrs 3 mos)
    • High Performance System Evaluation Manager
      Feb 2026 - Present · 5 mos

      Part of the Sport Ireland High Performance Unit, which aims to support the achievement of a number of objectives, primarily the delivery of systemic ad sustained success at European, World, Olympic and Paralympic level.

    • Acting High Performance Director
      Mar 2025 - Feb 2026 · 1 yr

      Part of the Sport Ireland High Performance Unit, which aims to support the achievement of a number of objectives, primarily the delivery of systemic ad sustained success at European, World, Olympic and Paralympic level.

    • High Performance System Evaluation Manger
      Apr 2021 - Apr 2025 · 4 yrs 1 mo

      Part of the Sport Ireland High Performance Unit, which aims to support the achievement of a number of objectives, primarily the delivery of systemic ad sustained success at European, World, Olympic and Paralympic level.

  • Associate Head of Performance Services (Applied) at Swim Ireland
    Nov 2018 - Apr 2021 · 2 yrs 6 mos

    In conjunction with the Associate Head of Performance Services (Physical), oversaw and managed sports science and sports medicine (SSSM) interventions and projects, with a specific remit to the disciplines of physiology, performance analysis, biomechanics, lifestyle and psychology, for National Centre, National Squad and National Team athletes (swimming and diving).

  • University of Limerick (5 yrs 6 mos)
    • Postdoctoral Researcher and Project Manager
      Oct 2017 - Nov 2018 · 1 yr 2 mos

      Project Manager for one of the first all-island (Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland) studies focused on physical activity, Physical Education and sports participation for both primary and post-primary school children (Children's Sport Participation and Physical Activity Study 2018 (CSPPA 2018).

    • Lab Tutor and Casual Lecturer
      Sep 2013 - Dec 2017 · 4 yrs 4 mos

      Lab tutor for BSc Sport and Exercise Sciences and BSc Physiotherapy. Modules taught on; 1) Coaching Science and Performance 3 (SS4404) - 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 2) Physiology of Muscle in Movement (SS4203) - 2014, 2015 3) Cardiopulmonary Response to Exercise (SS4204) - 2017 4) Introduction to the Major Physiological Systems (SS4202) - 2016 Lecturer for MSc Speech and Language Therapy Modules taught on; 1) Anatomy and Physiology for Speech and Language Therapists (SL6061) - 2016, 2017

    • Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Intern
      Jun 2013 - Sep 2013 · 4 mos

      Oversaw and ran the following study - Validation of the accuracy, reliability and usability of global positioning systems (GPS) in sport science and health related research.

  • Swim Ireland (Contract · 4 yrs 8 mos)
    • Assistant Coach
      Jan 2014 - Aug 2018 · 4 yrs 8 mos

      Assistant Coach to the National Centre Head Coach at Swim Ireland's National Centre Limerick (NCL), primarily working with National Squad and National Team athletes.

    • Performance Scientist
      Jan 2014 - Aug 2018 · 4 yrs 8 mos

      Provided Sports Science support for swimmers based at Swim Ireland's National Centre Limerick (NCL), which consisted of performance analysis, biomechanics, data analysis and physiological testing, for National Squad and National Team athletes.

  • Lead Coach at Mallow Swans Swimming Club
    Sep 2012 - Jul 2017 · 4 yrs 11 mos

    Lead Coach of Senior Squad, consisting of Junior and Senior swimmers (Regional, National and International standard).