Meet the Team
The coaches who make every session happen.
Everyone on our team is Garda-vetted and trained in safeguarding and inclusive practices, and our coaches teach with the Halliwick approach to inclusive aquatics.
Leading the Club
Brian Casey
Co-Founder
Hi, I'm Brian, a proud father to Sophia and Ben, and husband to Jodie. Swimming has been a part of my life since childhood, beginning at South Tipperary Dolphin Swimming Club, founded by my late father. I went on to compete at a high level, represent Tipperary, train with Irish swimming squads, and work in a variety of aquatic roles including teaching, coaching, water polo and lifeguarding. Alongside my passion for swimming, I have spent over 20 years in education, working with young people of all abilities, including those with additional needs.
Tralee Little Dolphins was inspired by our daughter Sophia and the desire to create inclusive swimming opportunities for children who may not find them elsewhere. Bringing together my family's journey, my father's legacy, and my experience in education and swimming, Little Dolphins is about helping every child build confidence, friendship, independence, and a sense of belonging.
Read Brian's full story
Shane Lee
Co-Founder & Swim Coach
Hi, I'm Shane Lee, co-founder of Tralee Little Dolphins and a passionate swim coach. I've always believed that learning to swim should be about much more than just technique. It should help children build confidence, feel safe in the water, and genuinely enjoy every lesson.
I co-founded Tralee Little Dolphins to create a welcoming, supportive environment where every child can learn at their own pace while having fun. Seeing our little swimmers grow in confidence week by week is what makes it all worthwhile.
Jodie Casey
Parent Relations Officer
Hi, I'm Jodie. I'm a proud Tralee woman, but most importantly, I'm a mother to my two wonderful children, Sophia and Ben.
I'm a teacher with a strong background in special needs education. Through my work, I have developed a deep understanding of the importance of patience, inclusion and recognising the individual strengths of every child.
Before becoming a teacher, I worked as a designer in Dublin. Creativity has always been a big part of my life, and it continues to influence how I teach, support children and connect with families.
As Sophia and Ben's mother, I understand first-hand both the joys and challenges families can experience when trying to find genuinely inclusive opportunities for their children. I'm very proud to be part of the Tralee Little Dolphins story and everything it represents for children and families in our community.
Our Coaches
The coaches who make every session happen, in their own words.
Aoife Foley
Coach
Hi, I'm Aoife, a swimming coach with Tralee Little Dolphins. I have loved swimming from a very young age, and that passion is just as strong today. I love helping our Little Dolphins develop their swimming skills and watching their confidence grow with every lesson. It's also wonderful to see parents sharing in their children's progress and achievements.
I believe it is so important for children to learn how to be safe and confident in the water, and I strive to make every lesson fun through games, activities, and songs. One of my favourite parts of coaching is seeing the children's big smiles and watching them become happy, confident swimmers.
Kayla McGaley
Coach
Hi, I'm Kayla McGaley, a swimming coach with the Tralee Little Dolphins. I have two prosthetic legs and previously competed at the Irish Wheelchair Association All-Ireland Championships. My experiences in sport have given me a passion for helping every child enjoy the water, regardless of their abilities.
At Tralee Little Dolphins, we are committed to providing accessible, inclusive, and supportive swimming lessons for children of all abilities, including those with physical and additional support needs. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to build confidence, learn new skills, and have fun in the water. I am proud to be part of a team that encourages every swimmer to reach their full potential. Go Dolphins!
Luke O'Donnell
Coach
Hi, I'm Luke, a swimming coach with Tralee Little Dolphins. Swimming has been a huge part of my life since I was very young, and it continues to be something I'm incredibly passionate about today. As an international para swimmer, I've experienced firsthand the confidence, enjoyment, and sense of achievement that swimming can bring, and I love sharing that with our swimmers.
I particularly enjoy helping our Little Dolphins grow in confidence, learn new skills, and celebrate every milestone along the way. Seeing children become more comfortable and capable in the water is one of the most rewarding parts of my role. Above all, I want every child to feel supported, have fun, and develop a lifelong love of swimming while enjoying their own unique journey in the pool.
Emily O'Regan
Coach
Hi, I'm Emily! I'm a swimming coach with Tralee Little Dolphins, as well as a qualified lifeguard and swim teacher. I love everything about the water and am passionate about helping children develop their swimming skills in a fun and supportive environment.
What I love most about Tralee Little Dolphins is watching our swimmers grow in confidence and seeing the progress they make every week. Being able to share my love for swimming with the children and help them achieve their goals is incredibly rewarding.
Z
Coach
My name is Z, and I hold a Level 2 Teaching Qualification, which I obtained through the Health and Leisure course at MTU. I started working with Little Dolphins this summer, and it has been a privilege to help children develop the same love for swimming that I had when I was young.
My favourite part of working at Little Dolphins is seeing how excited the children are each week to return and participate in their lessons. Watching their confidence and enjoyment grow makes the role incredibly rewarding.
Sean O'Conor
Coach
Hi, I'm Sean, and I'm an SNA who helps out with Tralee Little Dolphins Swimming Club. What I love most about the club is seeing the difference in the children from their first week to their last. It is amazing to watch how much they progress and grow in confidence throughout the programme.
I also love that Little Dolphins provides a safe, supportive environment where the children can truly enjoy themselves, make friends, and have fun while learning valuable swimming skills.
Michaela Murphy
Coach
I teach all ages and abilities. I have an honours degree in adapted physical activity. Most of my swim teaching experience is from working with children who have additional needs. I enjoy working with Little Dolphins as I get great enjoyment from seeing the children progress. I also love to see the parents grow in confidence with the children in the pool.
Feidhlim Ginty
Coach
Swimming has been a huge part of my life for many years. As a former competitive swimmer, I had the opportunity to compete at international level, and I am also a qualified pool lifeguard and swim teacher.
I love working with swimmers of all ages and abilities, helping them build confidence, develop new skills, and enjoy their time in the water. My experience includes working with children who have additional needs, and I find it incredibly rewarding to see each child progress at their own pace. One of the best parts of my role is watching not only the children grow in confidence, but also seeing parents feel more comfortable and confident supporting their children in the pool. When I'm not teaching, you'll usually find me enjoying a good book or taking to the water for an open water swim.
Allie O'Keeffe
Coach
My name is Allie O'Keeffe, and I am currently a fourth-year student at MTU Kerry, studying Health, Sport and Exercise with a specialisation in Adapted Physical Activity. Having grown up as a competitive swimmer, swimming has always been a significant part of my life.
I am passionate about teaching and coaching swimming and enjoy sharing my knowledge and experience with others. I find it incredibly rewarding to help children build confidence, develop their swimming skills, and become more comfortable and capable in the water. Supporting each swimmer's progress and watching them achieve their goals is one of the most enjoyable aspects of my role.
Ready to Make a Splash?
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