Mark Cornish: Bringing World-Class Physiotherapy Experience to Portobello Institute

It’s not every day that one of your tutors steps onto the world stage - but for Portobello Institute lecturer and physiotherapist, Mark Cornish, working with athletes at the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar is all in a day’s work.

As physiotherapist for the Republic of Ireland U17 men’s team, Mark is part of the high-performance backroom team that keeps Ireland’s young stars healthy, resilient and ready to perform.

He's also a tutor on the MSc Physiotherapy at Portobello Institute - bringing his experience to our students in the classroom.

“As the physiotherapist with the Republic of Ireland U17s, I work as part of the medical and performance team to support the players with their medical needs.

“Our aim is to assist the players to perform to their potential during qualification and at major tournaments. I am only one cog in the wheel in the overall picture of the team behind the players, but it is a role I am very proud of," he said.

This is the first time that the Irish U17s have qualified for the World Cup and the first time since 2003 that an Irish underage team have qualified for a World Cup, and Mark is quick to acknowledge the team effort that makes it so enjoyable to be involved with.

“Having worked with the Ireland U17s age group since 2020, I have been fortunate to be involved in numerous European Qualification campaigns to date and the European Finals in 2023 in Budapest.

"It is a unique opportunity and one I am very grateful to be a part of," he said.

Behind every successful team on the pitch is a dedicated group of professionals working tirelessly and their impact cannot be overstated.

Roles like that of a physiotherapist are vital in ensuring players remain fit, recover quickly, and maintain peak performance throughout demanding tournaments.

The backroom team provides the structure, care, and expertise that allow athletes to focus solely on performing at their best.

From injury prevention and rehabilitation to managing the physical and mental stresses of competition, physiotherapists like Mark Cornish play a crucial part in sustaining the health and longevity of athletes, ultimately contributing to the team’s overall success.

Let's look at some of the key areas where his work will prove invaluable.

Performance Under Pressure  

Working in elite international sport means adapting quickly and maintaining the highest standards of care, whether that’s managing recovery after a tough match or keeping players safe in unfamiliar conditions.

The World Cup in Qatar presents some challenges which Mark and other backroom team staff have been preparing for, including everything from heat to homesickness.

“Responsibilities will include overseeing aspects of player wellness and recovery during the international camp.

"Leading on prehabilitation and ensuring player availability for all matches and training sessions, where possible, in conjunction with the wider medical and performance support team.

"Daily athlete monitoring, leading on recovery sessions, providing physiotherapy treatments, strapping and overall medical management of all injuries alongside the team doctor.

"Providing pitch side emergency care, communicating with technical and coaching staff regarding injuries, illnesses, and player availability throughout the World Cup.

"Whether it is working with a player on the pitch, providing treatment that speeds up recovery or helping implement recovery strategies.

"Sometimes communication with players and informal chats can be as beneficial as the traditional physiotherapy skills. That is the beauty of working with a larger group and the individual personalities involved," he said.

Qatar’s intense heat and humidity add another dimension to his role with temperatures of 29 - 31 degrees Celsius expected during November - a big change from working with athletes in Ireland.

“The heat and humidity will be a unique challenge for the players and one that we’ve considered greatly in advance.

"I am also partly responsible for some of the strategies around travel that will be implemented as well as the heat and humidity acclimatisation techniques that will be required to ensure optimal recovery and adaptation while in Qatar.

“The prolonged period of time away from home is something some of the overseas based players in our wider squad are more accustomed to, but some of our home-based players may not have experienced that in the past.

"A lot of work goes into creating a culture and team spirit that helps the players during international camps," he added.

Beyond the science and structure, Mark believes much of the job lies in connection with players, coaches, and colleagues. 

“I believe it’s important to have a tight-knit backroom team who go above and beyond to support each other.

"Having the trust and support of the staff, while also being challenged, is essential to ensuring high standards are maintained. Communication is key.

"The backroom team have worked together for many years, so it is a privilege and testament to their hard work and dedication for a number of years which makes it more special to work at a major tournament together," he said.

Career Built on Passion 

Marks education and career path wasn’t always straightforward, but it was consistently driven by determination to end up in the career he wanted as a physiotherapist.

“Like many others, I didn’t receive enough points in my Leaving Cert to study physiotherapy straight from school, so I had to take a more scenic route,” he said. 

He began with a PLC Higher National Diploma in Leisure & Recreation Management at Inchicore College and worked as a fitness instructor and lifeguard before returning to study physiotherapy as a mature student in the UK, graduating with First Class Honours. 

“I opened my clinic in Kildare Town shortly after. I continued to upskill and put in the long hours over the years that followed between working in the clinic, working with Laois GAA as the Men's Senior Physiotherapist and continuing my education.

"After completing the MSc in Sports & Exercise Medicine in UCC, I relocated to the UK with my wife and young son at the time and worked in professional football for a few years before returning to Ireland and settling back into the clinic," he said.

Since then, his professional journey has taken him across sport and academia - from Kildare GAA, Shelbourne FC, and the IRFU, to roles with Sport Ireland, Paralympics Ireland, and the Football Association of Ireland.

"I am fortunate enough at the moment to work in my clinics and lecture part time but also have the flexibility to take on some roles and contracts in sport that are exciting. It gives me a lot of variability professionally and keeps me on my toes!" he said.

World-class Experience in the Classroom 

Now lecturing part-time at Portobello Institute, Mark brings that depth of experience directly to his physiotherapy students sharing insights not just from textbooks, but from the frontline of international tournaments. 

“Generally, sharing some of the experiences and learnings I’ve picked up over the years is beneficial.

"Students can relate to those real-world experiences and the nuances you encounter with different patients and individuals.

"Like in any walk of life, I’ve had to learn from experiences where things haven’t worked out as expected, and that helps round you as a clinician in the long term," he said.

He adds that teaching has helped him to be able to continue learning and constantly improve and update his methods and practices.  

“Developing content for students has helped me revisit and relearn areas that have been less prominent for me in recent years.

"Student questions at times will challenge me, and being able to reflect on those questions, and show the honesty that sometimes we don’t have all the answers, has helped me develop a more personable approach," he said.

At Portobello Institute, tutors like Mark bring far more than academic insight, they bring their knowledge, expertise, and access to a living network of professional experience.

Their work at the highest levels of sport gives students a rare connection to current practice, real-world challenges and genuine career pathways.

It’s this blend of expertise and opportunity that makes studying physiotherapy at Portobello Institute a uniquely immersive experience. Students learn not just from the curriculum, but from the people shaping the profession itself.

Inspiring the Next Generation

For students hoping to follow in his footsteps and work in elite sport, Mark offers practical, down-to-earth advice. 

“Having a strong work ethic, learning the basics and fundamental skills, and implementing them appropriately will go a long way.

“Understanding anatomy and constantly being open to learning is crucial. Each patient or athlete you see is an individual with their own personality, knowing how to relate to people is essential," he said.

But for Mark the the rewards go far beyond the professional. 

“Supporting the players is paramount.

“Facilitating their development brings a lot of satisfaction. Over the past number of years, working within a cohesive backroom team has been really enjoyable - and I enjoy travelling too, so that’s certainly a perk of the role!” he said.

In a world where education and industry increasingly overlap, Mark Cornish embodies what sets Portobello Institute apart - tutors who don’t just teach theory but live their practice at the highest level, opening doors and perspectives for the next generation of sports professionals.