Dr. Sinead O'Keeffe

Dr Sinéad O’Keeffe holds the position of Assistant Professor in Athletic Therapy in the School of Health and Human Performance at Dublin City University. Sinéad graduated with a BSc in Athletic Therapy and Training from Dublin City University in 2016 and completed a PhD examining the psychology of musculoskeletal injury in Gaelic games, graduating as the first PhD graduate of the Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands-Midwest in 2021. Sinéad is a Certified Athletic Therapist (CAT), trainee Sport and Exercise Psychology Consultant, and is the Vice-President of the World Federation of Athletic Training and Therapy (WFATT). Sinéad previously served as Public Relations Officer and Chair of the Certification committee for Athletic and Rehabilitation Therapy Ireland (ARTI).

Research Interests

Sinéad explores the intersection of physical and mental health through her research into injury, sport psychology and performance-related outcomes within Gaelic games and community sports. Her research interests are multidisciplinary and collaborative in nature, focusing on mental health, athletic identity, body image, injury psychology and injury prevention. She also has expertise in qualitative research and is keen to implement Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) within sport-related research. Her work is driven by the desire to listen to the athlete voice and integrate that voice into research and practice. She is also keen to address the current imbalance in female athlete research and prioritise the importance of both physical and mental health for athletes, fostering the development of resilient athletes.

Teaching Interests

Dr Sinéad O'Keeffe is currently teaching on the BSc in Athletic Therapy and Training programme. Her main teaching interests are within the areas of anatomy, injury assessment and clinical practice. Sinéad has previously been tasked as the Subject Matter Expert for Athletic and Rehabilitation Therapy Ireland (ARTI) and has notable comprehensive expertise and knowledge in educational competencies of athletic therapy education in Ireland.