Shane Porter

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what led you to choosing your degree. 

I originally attended Oakgrove Integrated College in Derry where I completed my A-Levels. Having completed my A-Levels, I took a four-year education break where I worked in my Aunts Bar/Restaurant for two and a half years and a then worked for year helping with physical activity and after-school programmes for the local national school working with kids from ages of 5-11.

I then decided to go back to college and further my studies in sports, completing a Higher Certificate in Sports Studies before going on to complete the Honours Degree in Sport and Exercise with Performance and finally the Masters of Science in Sports Performance Practice.  

What year did you graduate?  

I graduated in October 2021 with Honours Degree in Sport & Exercise with Performance Practice, and again in October 2022 with Master of Science in Sports Performance Practice.

What was your overall experience of studying at ATU Donegal?  

Overall I had a really positive & enjoyable experience. I found the first year very challenging mainly because I had been out of routine of studying etc for a long period of time but as the weeks and months went on, I found it a lot easier. The lecturers and students made it a lot easier because the modules were very interactive with coaching fellow students and younger students from a local national school also whilst also having group work to do with different classmates. Overall I had a really enjoyable five years at ATU Donegal.  

Why did you choose to study your programme? 

Growing up I was always involved in sport through soccer having played with different teams throughout Ireland & Northern Ireland from the age of 5. I knew if I went to college I would study a sport related course. I was recommended the course by a family friend as it was the perfect course at ATU Donegal for me as it had a mixture of all the aspects I really enjoy within sport (nutrition, S&C, performance analysis, physiology).  

Were you part of any student clubs and societies, an award winner, or a scholarship recipient? 

When I began attending ATU Donegal I was part of the New Entrant Scholarship plan for Soccer. I was part of the Soccer team in first year but had a bad injury whilst playing for my club which unfortunately halted participation for the ATU Soccer Team. 

Did you have any unique experiences while being a student at ATU Donegal? 
 
In year three of the Honours Degree, we were given the opportunity to complete work placement. I decided to join Institute Football Club where I was doing analysis on games and training for Institute and also focusing on the opposition teams which was a great experience.

During the Master of Science, myself and other members of the class were given the opportunity to be part of a nutrition internship with the Donegal GAA Academy which focused on all underage groups from under 14 – under 20 which was a brilliant experience working with underage elite GAA players.

Can you share some details of your career path and/or further studies to date? 

Having completed the Master of Science, I soon started to work with Monaghan Senior GAA team in 2022 as part of their backroom team as Performance Nutritionist and I am currently in my second year with the team. I’ve been part of various guest speaking appearances for different schools, clubs and different events. I have also recently started working with GAA team Ardee St. Mary’s who are based in Co. Louth as their Performance Nutritionist.  

I’m also currently completing an IOC Diploma in Sports Nutrition which I aim to finish in November 2024.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us? 

At the beginning I was slightly hesitant about returning to education having been out of education for a sustained period of time but it was a brilliant decision and I would highly recommend attending ATU Donegal. I found the sport lecturers very approachable and attentive when it came to assignments or any general concerns. Within the sport course I found it opened a lot of doors and gave me a lot of opportunities outside of ATU. I feel it was a brilliant and very enjoyable five years. 

To find out more about the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Sport and Exercise (Common Entry) programme at ATU Donegal, visit: atu.ie/AU320