About Me
(Brian Boyle)
Empowering educators with resources for Physical Activity and Learning in Motion
Research Interests
Skill Development & Activity-Based Interventions
Skill development and activity based skill interventions amongst children right up to adolescents. I have a particular interest in the link between government policy and the lived reality as a result of these policies.
International Comparative Framework Analysis
Having carried out a Global snapshot as part of a Comparative Literature review paper has afforded me the necessary opportunity to build an appreciation of international approaches to PE and school-based partnerships.
School Sports Partnerships & Stakeholder Harmonisation
My research incorporates the mediation between pedagogical practice and institutional policy in PE. I have a keen interest in how the mechanisms of Fundamental Movement Skill (FMS), Sport Specific Skill (SSS) development and skill acquisition are influenced by practice and policy frameworks.
Policy and Practice Mediation
By examining the rise of external PE provision, my work examines how policy formation impacts the quality of instructional delivery and long-term physical literacy. My goal is to bridge the gap between motor learning theory and policy to ensure more equitable and effective PE outcomes for all learners.
Teaching Interests & Abilities
Primary teacher for 21 years with 14 of those spent as a teaching principal. I possess a diverse teaching portfolio across several Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), with a specialised focus on Initial Primary Teacher Education (ITE) in the areas of Physical Education, and Maths pedagogy as well as Teaching and Learning.
Higher Education Experience
Delivered modules in Early Childhood Movement Development, Primary PE Pedagogy, and Teaching & Learning at Marino Institute of Education (MIE), DCU (St. Patrick's), Mary Immaculate College, Hibernia College and TUS.
Postgraduate Supervision
Currently supervising Master of Education (MEd) research clusters at MIE, guiding students through research design and thematic analysis.
Online & Innovative Pedagogy
Developed PALMIreland (www.palmireland.com) and MySELFocus (myselfocus.vercel.app), a curriculum-agnostic Open Learning Environment (OLE). This platform integrates Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) with physical activity and is currently being positioned for Enterprise Ireland support.
Additional Subject Matter Expertise
As well as my extensive experience in the PE pedagogical space I have also been lecturing on Mathematics Methodologies and Enrichment, bridging the gap between core curriculum subjects and holistic student development.
Leadership and Mentoring Experience
I have been a primary school teacher for 20 years, 15 of which I have spent as a teaching principal. As well as providing school leadership my role involves mentoring newly qualified teachers which gives me a unique viewpoint into the nuances between exiting 3rd level education and entering the educator workspace.
Contributions & Service
National Policy & Consultancy
- Implementation Consultant (GAA):Leading the development of 'Gaelic Time,' a new Primary School PE programme launching in September 2026.
- National Coaching & Games Committee (Camogie Association): Serving a second four-year term as a Presidential nominee, influencing national strategy for player development and policy formation. Also sat on the Playing Time sub-committee and formulated the new national under 13 competition structure.
Academic Service & Dissemination
- Peer Reviewer: Currently reviewing Irish-context research within the Sport Education space for the European Journal of Sport and Society.
Publications & Presentations
PE PAYS Conference (June 2026)
Had a paper accepted for the PE PAYS conference entitled: 'A Scoping Review of External Physical Education Provision: International Models, Contexts, and Implementation Patterns with a particular focus on Ireland'
ESAI Conference (May 2026)
Had a paper accepted for the ESAI conference entitled: 'A Scoping Review of External Physical Education Provision: International Models, Contexts, and Implementation Patterns with a particular focus on Ireland'
MSc Dissertation
'Effectiveness of a Multi-Component Skill and Movement Based Intervention on Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) Proficiency and Sports Specific Skill (SSS) Competency amongst adolescent female athletes.'
DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.30284.01927/1HEX-SPO Conference (MTU)
Poster Presentation: 'An investigation into the FMS and SSS levels of inter county academy level camogie players and the effectiveness of a 20-week multicomponent intervention on FMS Proficiency and SSS Competency'
9th International CAPS Conference
International Guest Speaker: 'DESIGNING EFFECTIVE NON-CONTACT ACTIVE PLAY & PE ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN'
