Nigel Dunne – Pursuing His Passion for PE and Coaching Through a Career Change at Portobello Institute

Former inter-county footballer turned pundit, Nigel Dunne, brings an inspiring blend of passion, dedication, and life experience to his new role as a student ambassador for the BA (Hons) Physical Education at Portobello Institute.

After an extensive career in finance, returning to education after nearly 20 years with a young family and fresh ambition takes real courage. Nigel’s decision to step outside his comfort zone to pursue a long-held dream of becoming a PE teacher is an inspiration to those considering further studies or career change.

Having proudly represented Offaly’s senior footballers for 15 years, coached Offaly minors to their first Leinster win in 35 years, and most recently working as Offaly's Games Development Coordinator with Leinster GAA, his life has been deeply rooted in sport and coaching.

Now, he’s beginning a new journey, studying for his PE undergraduate degree at Portobello Institute with the aim of progressing to postgraduate studies to become a PE teacher.

“Even by that brief introduction, my whole life was completely intertwined with Gaelic football, with sports, with coaching people, coach development. I'm fully immersed in it, and that's why Portobello Institute and the BA in Physical Education is a very natural fit for me," he said.

A Lifelong Connection to Sport

Nigel’s experience in Gaelic football spans far beyond the pitch. From playing at senior level to mentoring teams, coaching development, and providing analysis as a pundit and co-commentator for RTÉ, his career has always centred around developing people through sport.

“I've built up a lot of experience over the years, whether it be playing on the field senior inter-county football for such a long period of time, coaching inter-county football, which I'm thankfully now doing, working as a pundit and as a co-commentator for RTÉ, and in my day-to-day job with Leinster GAA, I'm completely immersed in coaching and developing people," he said.

Choosing Portobello Institute as a Path to PE Teaching

While Nigel has long dreamed of becoming a PE teacher, he admits that his earlier years lacked the focus and maturity to pursue the path. Now, with a renewed sense of purpose, he's returning to education.

“When I left school, I would have always had the idea in my head that I wanted to be a PE teacher, but I suppose I hadn't the work put in, or hadn't matured enough or applied myself enough in the years leading up to a decision like that, where I could potentially apply for a course," he said.

That dream never left him. And thanks to the blended learning course deliver at Portobello Institute, Nigel found the opportunity to finally make it happen, balancing his work and life commitments while studying.

“It really wouldn't have been possible only for the blended learning option in Portobello Institute. I'm at a stage of my life where there's different financial commitments and different strands, and you're balancing so much between work, hobbies, and paying bills and whatnot," he said.

Support and Positivity on the Return to Education

Returning to education after nearly 20 years could have been daunting. But for Nigel, the welcoming environment at Portobello Institute has made all the difference.

“I'm 36 years of age, I haven't studied or been in college or school in close to 20 years. I'm married with two kids, and life has different pressures and different struggles, and the people at Portobello have really put me at ease.

“From talking to the staff and from former students, it's refreshing to see how passionate everyone is that works there, and how friendly they are," he said.

Motivation and Legacy

Nigel’s motivation to return to education goes beyond personal ambition. His children play a central role in inspiring his decision to finally pursue his dream.

“A huge motivating factor for me was having kids and being able to look them in the eye in a few years as they get older and understand that their father… he wanted to be a PE teacher, and he went after it and did it.

“He didn't hide away from it, or because it became more difficult as he got older, he didn't give up on it," he said.

While he admits that might sound “a bit cringey,” he stands by it:

“It is the truth, and it's something that really motivates me every day now to get up and to do my best," he said.

Looking Ahead

Nigel is embracing this next chapter with excitement, gratitude, and confidence in the path he’s chosen.

“I genuinely can't wait to get started. I'm so excited. I haven't been this excited in a while, and I'm looking forward to it," he said.

As both a student and an ambassador for Portobello Institute, Nigel is now combining his lifelong experience in sport with a clear educational goal.

“The BA in Physical Education is a real natural fit for someone like me, and I can't wait to get going,” he said.

Join Nigel on His Journey

Whether you’re an experienced coach, a former athlete, or simply someone with a dream of teaching PE, Portobello Institute’s blended learning options make education accessible, no matter your stage in life or how many commitments you're balancing.

If you're interested in studying at Portobello Institute, visit our sports faculty and get in touch today.

Feature Image photo credit: Piaras O Midheach/Sportsfile