Dedicated ISA High Performance Staff are responsiblity for the implemention of OSG policies. They are also responsible for integrating OSG plans into the Irish Sports Council's Olympic and Paralympic programmes.
James O’Callaghan - ISA Performance Director
James O’Callaghan’s responsibility is to develop and deliver athlete-focused, coach-led, performance-measured programmes across the ISA’s high performance pathway. James works under the guidance of the ISAOG.
James from Malahide in Dublin, is a business and economics graduate of Trinity College. He is a Level 3 qualified coach and Level 2 coach tutor.
In 1998, along with Trevor Millar he founded SailCoach Associates a successful coaching company based in France. James was a key member in the development and delivery of the SailCoach business model from foundation to 2002.
At the Athens 2004 Olympics the International Laser Class employed him with responsibility for looking after the developing nations. At the Sydney Olympics in 2000 James coached the South African and Seychelles teams.
In total, he has coached at seven ISAF World Youth Championships. In 1998 his athlete won the coveted World Title and in 2001 and 2002, his sailors achieved Bronze Medals.
His broad range of experience also includes coaching at numerous European and World Championship events across multiple Olympic classes.
Rory Fitzpatrick - Youth Performance Manager
Rory Fitzpatrick is responsible for implementing Youth & Development level initiatives in Ireland. Rory from Dun Laoghaire in Dublin is working full time along side James O’Callaghan under the guidance of the ISA Olympic Steering Group.
Rory is an honours graduate of Economics and Politics in UCD.
He has raced internationally for six years in the Olympic Laser Class. Four of these years have been as a full time sailor.
In 2004 he competed for Ireland in the Athens Olympic Games in the Laser Class. He has competed in numerous World & European Championships across four continents.
Along side his racing he has coached extensively in Ireland in various classes and also abroad at events such as Radial World Championships.