Watch this brief video with our Energisers

Get to know our Energisers

Conor Hammersley

• Email: conor.hammersley@mycit.ie
• Research focus: Whole school health promotion intervention in primary schools in Cork: A step back approach
• Background: I am from Tipperary and have been studying in Cork Institute of Technology since 2012. From my undergraduate studies, I developed a strong passion for general health, exercise, and physical activity. Now, as part of my postgraduate studies I work in primary schools with students and teachers promoting health and well-being. I have a keen interest in hurling, strength & conditioning, nutrition, and farming. I am also a self-proclaimed coffee connoisseur!!

Mai O’ Leary

• Email: mai.oleary@cit.ie
• Research focus: Implementation & evaluation of a whole school health promotion intervention in primary schools in Cork
• Background: After 2 years of working and travelling in New Zealand and Australia I took up the position of Sports Officer in Cork Institute of Technology where I worked for 5 years. I am currently studying for my Phd as part of Project Spraoi.  I really enjoy working with schools, supporting children, teachers and parents in finding ways to be physically active, eat healthy and have fun in the process! I play basketball, but enjoy all sports from running to windsurfing as long as it’s active!

Linda Bolger

• Email: linda.bolger@mycit.ie
• Research focus: Fundamental Movement Skills of primary school children
• Background: I am from Co. Wexford and am currently a postgraduate student at Cork Institute of Technology. Previous to this, I completed my undergraduate degree in Sport and Exercise Sciences at the University of Limerick. I have 2 sisters, Lisa (my twin who is also an Energizer with Project Spraoi) and Amanda (who is a primary school teacher). I play camogie but love all kinds of sport and physical activity and thoroughly enjoy encouraging and helping others to be physically active.

Alison Merrotsy

• Email: Alison.merrotsy@mycit.ie
• Research focus: Dietary knowledge and behaviours of primary school children.
• Background: I am originally from the Gold Coast, Australia but as of 2004, Cork is now my home. I previously worked as a Project Manager with Food Dudes (a healthy eating programme in Ireland). Summer is my favourite season and mangoes are my favourite food. I have a keen interest in tennis, netball and swimming. I love working in schools to get all students, teachers and parents excited about healthy eating and physical activity

Juliet Murphy

• Email: Juliet.murphy@mycit.ie
• Research focus: Sedentary behaviours and patterns of primary school children
• Background: I am a graduate of CIT in Business Studies- Recreation and Leisure.  I worked in the fitness Industry for 5 years before I decided to open my own fitness centre.  In 2010 I graduated from Mary Immaculate College with a B.Ed. Degree in Primary Teaching.  I am currently a teacher in Scoil Bhríde Crosshaven N.S.  

Lisa Bolger

• Email: lisa.bolger@mycit.ie
• Research focus: Fundamental Movement Skills of primary school children
• Background: I am a postgraduate researcher in Cork Institute of Technology. I completed 4 years in the University of Limerick where I studied Sport and Exercise Sciences where I learned about coaching, anatomy and physiology, fitness and wellbeing among other areas of sport and exercise. I love all kinds of sport, especially GAA, tennis, rugby and athletics. The sport I play is camogie. I love coaching and teaching children and improving the physical activity levels, fitness levels and healthy eating habits of children is what I aim to achieve.

Yvonne O'Byrne

• Email: yvonne.obyrne@mycit.ie
• Research focus: Process Evaluation
• Background:

  I'm from Cork and have lived here all my life so far.  I am a graduate of Cork Institute of Technology in Recreation and Leisure Management (BBus) and Sport and Exercise (Hons). I am a very active person and in recent years have developed an interest for cooking. My favourite snack is low fat Greek yoghurt with raspberries and blueberries. I enjoy playing and watching all sports. I am definitely a very competitive person, I was always the child who treated PE class as if it were the Olympics when I was in school. Now, I play hockey for Ireland and am passionate about living a healthy active lifestyle and encouraging others to do the same.  I love coaching, teaching and working with children, teachers, parents and all school staff to encourage and motivate as many of them as I can towards living healthier, more active lives each day.