This summer, three John Carroll exercise science majors — Julia Niehaus ’27, Aidan Ramsden ’27, and Victor Denen ’28 — embarked on a ten-week internship experience in Castlebar, Ireland with the County Mayo Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA).
Their experience began on May 25 and will go through July 28, allowing them to gain hands-on professional experience while exploring how sport and wellness are integrated into Irish culture and community life.
John Carroll’s partnership with the County Mayo GAA began in 2019, when representatives from the organization connected with university faculty and staff to develop a unique internship opportunity for exercise science students. Since then, the program has brought 3 to 4 John Carroll students to Ireland each summer for immersive learning experiences in coaching, fitness, rehabilitation, and community wellness.
“County Mayo GAA professionals Bill McNicholas and Kieran Kilkenny go above and beyond with their attention to detail in high-quality programming,” said Bryan Beigie, Experiential Learning Coordinator for the Exercise Science and Sports Leadership Department at JCU. “They welcome John Carroll students as if they were members of the GAA themselves. Both gentlemen are instrumental in organizing the education and certification requirements for students, and the GAA never disappoints in ensuring that diverse and meaningful events and responsibilities are entrusted to our students. We could not be more thankful for their trust in who we send to represent Cleveland, Ohio and John Carroll University.”
During the internship, students build practical skills across multiple areas of exercise science, including strength and conditioning, personal training, injury assessment, and physical therapy. They also have the opportunity to work in a private fitness facility, coach youth sports camps, and teach fundamental movement skills to students with additional needs.
The experience is designed to expose students to a wide range of career pathways while encouraging cultural immersion and service-oriented learning. Through their work with athletes, children, and community members, students gain professional confidence and a broader understanding of the role sport can play in improving connection and wellness.
“Over the 10 weeks I spent in Castlebar, I was grateful to observe, learn, and gain hands-on experience in the field of human movement,” said Will Rahill ’26, a recent John Carroll graduate who participated in the internship program last summer. “I cannot speak highly enough about my time in Ireland. Growing professionally and culturally is a gift I won’t take for granted. I will take everything I learned with me for the rest of my life!”
A key contributor to the program is Mark Durcan, a private physical therapist in Castlebar, who welcomes John Carroll students into his clinic for observational and experiential learning opportunities. His mentorship allows students to deepen their understanding of rehabilitation practices and patient-centered care in an international setting.
The program is made possible through the generous support of several partnerships and organizations. The GAA and Mark Durcan provide lodging accommodations. The Cleveland Mayo Society and the Catanzarite Family Foundation also provide financial support through weekly stipends and assistance with living expenses.
“This is the fifth year we’ve had the opportunity to send John Carroll students to Ireland to work with the GAA,” said Beigie. “While in Castlebar, students are challenged to grow professionally, culturally, and personally while making a meaningful contribution to the community. The program also provides a valuable opportunity for our student-athletes whose in-season schedules often make it challenging to pursue internships during the academic year, especially those with an international component. It’s rewarding to see students gain real-world experience, broaden their perspectives, and return with a deeper understanding of how they can impact the health and well-being of others.”
As Niehaus, Ramsden, and Denen spend the summer living and working abroad, they are gaining far more than professional experience. Through experiential learning, cultural immersion, and service, they are developing the skills and confidence that will shape their future careers.
