Biography

Ciaran Mac Donncha has more than 20 years of experience working with different age groups in the context of measurement, physical activity and health promotion. His primary research focus is on the determinants and correlates of physical activity and sedentary behaviour across the life-span and relevant data harmonisation. He graduated from the University of Limerick with a degree in Physical Education in 1991, he was awarded a Masters degree from the University of Bristol in Exercise and Health Sciences in 1992. He completed his Ph.D in 1998. Ciaran was appointed a lecturer in the Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Limerick in 1998. Since that time he has held the following posts of responsibility at the University: Programme Director, Head of Department and Assistant Dean of Research, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences. He was a member of the National Steering Group for Physical Activity in Ireland who prepared the first National Physical Activity Guidelines and the Draft Physical Activity Plan for Ireland. He has secured approx. €1.6m in research funding; produced in excess of 60 research outputs; supervised 8 PhDs and 6 MSc students to completion; currently supervising 5 PhD students, Joint WP leader and Chair of DEDIPAC Data Pooling taskforce (2013-2016) - EU Joint Programme Initiative (JPI) Determinants of Diet, Physical Activity Knowledge HUB (DEDIPAC); member and made a significant contribution to the national committee on physical activity guidelines and national physical activity strategic policy (2008-2012); currently work package leader EMPATIA Erasmus+ project (2018-2020) and expert contributor EU JPI Policy Evaluation Network. Has engaged in significant research grant and journal peer review activities.

Research Interests

Determinants/Correlates of Physical Activity and related Health; Physical Activity and Health Promotion, Physical Education and Public Health

Professional Activities

Committee

  • 2008 National Physical Activity Steering Committee,
  • 2001 Physical Education Association of Ireland,

Employment

  • 2003 University of Limerick - Lecturer

Education

  • 1998 University of Limerick - Ph.D.
  • 1992 University of Bristol - M.Sc.
  • 1991 University of Limerick - B.A.

Publications

Peer Reviewed Journals

2018

Policy determinants of physical activity across the life course: a 'DEDIPAC' umbrella systematic literature review

Puggina, A,Aleksovska, K,Buck, C,Burns, C,Cardon, G,Carlin, A,Chantal, S,Ciarapica, D,Condello, G,Coppinger, T,Cortis, C,D'Haese, S,De Craemer, M,Di Blasio, A,Hansen, S,Iacoviello, L,Issartel, J,Izzicupo, P,Jaeschke, L,Kanning, M,Kennedy, A,Ling, FCM,Luzak, A,Napolitano, G,Nazare, JA,Perchoux, C,Pischon, T,Polito, A,Sannella, A,Schulz, H,Sohun, R,Steinbrecher, A,Schlicht, W,Ricciardi, W,MacDonncha, C,Capranica, L,Boccia, S,DEDIPAC Consortium (2018) Policy determinants of physical activity across the life course: a 'DEDIPAC' umbrella systematic literature review. European Journal Of Public Health :105-118

[DOI]

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2018

Socio-economic determinants of physical activity across the life course: A "DEterminants of DIet and Physical ACtivity" (DEDIPAC) umbrella literature review

O'Donoghue, G,Kennedy, A,Puggina, A,Aleksovska, K,Buck, C,Burns, C,Cardon, G,Carlin, A,Ciarapica, D,Colotto, M,Condello, G,Coppinger, T,Cortis, C,D'Haese, S,De Craemer, M,Di Blasio, A,Hansen, S,Iacoviello, L,Issartel, J,Izzicupo, P,Jaeschke, L,Kanning, M,Ling, F,Luzak, A,Napolitano, G,Nazare, JA,Perchoux, C,Pesce, C,Pischon, T,Polito, A,Sannella, A,Schulz, H,Simon, C,Sohun, R,Steinbrecher, A,Schlicht, W,MacDonncha, C,Capranica, L,Boccia, S (2018) Socio-economic determinants of physical activity across the life course: A "DEterminants of DIet and Physical ACtivity" (DEDIPAC) umbrella literature review. Plos One

[DOI]

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2017

Brief report: Associations of physical activity with anxiety and depression symptoms and status among adolescents

McDowell, CP,MacDonncha, C,Herring, MP (2017) Brief report: Associations of physical activity with anxiety and depression symptoms and status among adolescents. Journal Of Adolescence :1-4

[DOI]

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2017

Socio-cultural determinants of physical activity across the life course: a 'Determinants of Diet and Physical Activity' (DEDIPAC) umbrella systematic literature review

Jaeschke, L,Steinbrecher, A,Luzak, A,Puggina, A,Aleksovska, K,Buck, C,Burns, C,Cardon, G,Carlin, A,Chantal, S,Ciarapica, D,Condello, G,Coppinger, T,Cortis, C,De Craemer, M,D'Haese, S,Di Blasio, A,Hansen, S,Iacoviello, L,Issartel, J,Izzicupo, P,Kanning, M,Kennedy, A,Ling, FCM,Napolitano, G,Nazare, JA,Perchoux, C,Polito, A,Ricciardi, W,Sannella, A,Schlicht, W,Sohun, R,MacDonncha, C,Boccia, S,Capranica, L,Schulz, H,Pischon, T,DEDIPAC Consortium (2017) Socio-cultural determinants of physical activity across the life course: a 'Determinants of Diet and Physical Activity' (DEDIPAC) umbrella systematic literature review. International Journal Of Behavioral Nutrition And Physical Activity

[DOI]

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2017

Behavioral determinants of physical activity across the life course: a "DEterminants of DIet and Physical ACtivity" (DEDIPAC) umbrella systematic literature review

Condello, G,Puggina, A,Aleksovska, K,Buck, C,Burns, C,Cardon, G,Carlin, A,Simon, C,Ciarapica, D,Coppinger, T,Cortis, C,D'Haese, S,De Craemer, M,Di Blasio, A,Hansen, S,Iacoviello, L,Issartel, J,Izzicupo, P,Jaeschke, L,Kanning, M,Kennedy, A,Ling, FCM,Luzak, A,Napolitano, G,Nazare, JA,Perchoux, C,Pesce, C,Pischon, T,Polito, A,Sannella, A,Schulz, H,Sohun, R,Steinbrecher, A,Schlicht, W,Ricciardi, W,MacDonncha, C,Capranica, L,Boccia, S,DEDIPAC Consortium (2017) Behavioral determinants of physical activity across the life course: a "DEterminants of DIet and Physical ACtivity" (DEDIPAC) umbrella systematic literature review. International Journal Of Behavioral Nutrition And Physical Activity

[DOI]

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2017

Determinants of diet and physical activity (DEDIPAC): a summary of findings

Brug, J,van der Ploeg, HP,Loyen, A,Ahrens, W,Allais, O,Andersen, LF,Cardon, G,Capranica, L,Chastin, S,De Bourdeaudhuij, I,De Craemer, M,Donnelly, A,Ekelund, U,Finglas, P,Flechtner-Mors, M,Hebestreit, A,Kubiak, T,Lanza, M,Lien, N,MacDonncha, C,Mazzocchi, M,Monsivais, P,Murphy, M,Nicolaou, M,Nothlings, U,O'Gorman, DJ,Renner, B,Roos, G,van den Berg, M,Schulze, MB,Steinacker, JM,Stronks, K,Volkert, D,Lakerveld, J,DEDIPAC Consortium (2017) Determinants of diet and physical activity (DEDIPAC): a summary of findings. International Journal Of Behavioral Nutrition And Physical Activity

[DOI]

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2017

Psychological determinants of physical activity across the life course: A "DEterminants of DIet and Physical ACtivity" (DEDIPAC) umbrella systematic literature review

Cortis, C,Puggina, A,Pesce, C,Aleksovska, K,Buck, C,Burns, C,Cardon, G,Carlin, A,Simon, C,Ciarapica, D,Condello, G,Coppinger, T,D'Haese, S,De Craemer, M,Di Blasio, A,Hansen, S,Iacoviello, L,Issartel, J,Izzicupo, P,Jaeschke, L,Kanning, M,Kennedy, A,Ling, FCM,Luzak, A,Napolitano, G,Nazare, JA,O'Donoghue, G,Perchoux, C,Pischon, T,Polito, A,Sannella, A,Schulz, H,Sohun, R,Steinbrecher, A,Schlicht, W,Ricciardi, W,Castellani, L,MacDonncha, C,Capranica, L,Boccia, S (2017) Psychological determinants of physical activity across the life course: A "DEterminants of DIet and Physical ACtivity" (DEDIPAC) umbrella systematic literature review. Plos One

[DOI]

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2017

A life course examination of the physical environmental determinants of physical activity behaviour: A "Determinants of Diet and Physical Activity" (DEDIPAC) umbrella systematic literature review

Carlin, A,Perchoux, C,Puggina, A,Aleksovska, K,Buck, C,Burns, C,Cardon, G,Chantal, S,Ciarapica, D,Condello, G,Coppinger, T,Cortis, C,D'Haese, S,De Craemer, M,Di Blasio, A,Hansen, S,Iacoviello, L,Issartel, J,Izzicupo, P,Jaeschke, L,Kanning, M,Kennedy, A,Lakerveld, J,Ling, FCM,Luzak, A,Napolitano, G,Nazare, JA,Pischon, T,Polito, A,Sannella, A,Schulz, H,Sohun, R,Steinbrecher, A,Schlicht, W,Ricciardi, W,MacDonncha, C,Capranica, L,Boccia, S (2017) A life course examination of the physical environmental determinants of physical activity behaviour: A "Determinants of Diet and Physical Activity" (DEDIPAC) umbrella systematic literature review. Plos One

[DOI]

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2017

Validity and Reliability of Three Self-Report Instruments for Assessing Attainment of Physical Activity Guidelines in University Students

Murphy, JJ,Murphy, MH,MacDonncha, C,Murphy, N,Nevill, AM,Woods, CB (2017) Validity and Reliability of Three Self-Report Instruments for Assessing Attainment of Physical Activity Guidelines in University Students. Measurement In Physical Education And Exercise Science :134-141

[DOI]

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2017

Identifying and sharing data for secondary data analysis of physical activity, sedentary behaviour and their determinants across the life course in Europe: general principles and an example from DEDIPAC

Lakerveld, J,Loyen, A,Ling, FCM,De Craemer, M,van der Ploeg, HP,O'Gorman, DJ,Carlin, A,Caprinica, L,Kalter, J,Oppert, JM,Chastin, S,Cardon, G,Brug, J,MacDonncha, C (2017) Identifying and sharing data for secondary data analysis of physical activity, sedentary behaviour and their determinants across the life course in Europe: general principles and an example from DEDIPAC. BMJ open

[DOI]

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2016

Using concept mapping in the development of the EU-PAD framework (EUropean-Physical Activity Determinants across the life course): a DEDIPAC-study

Condello, G,Ling, FCM,Bianco, A,Chastin, S,Cardon, G,Ciarapica, D,Conte, D,Cortis, C,De Craemer, M,Di Blasio, A,Gjaka, M,Hansen, S,Holdsworth, M,Iacoviello, L,Izzicupo, P,Jaeschke, L,Leone, L,Manoni, L,Menescardi, C,Migliaccio, S,Nazare, JA,Perchoux, C,Pesce, C,Pierik, F,Pischon, T,Polito, A,Puggina, A,Sannella, A,Schlicht, W,Schulz, H,Simon, C,Steinbrecher, A,MacDonncha, C,Capranica, L,DEDIPAC Consortium (2016) Using concept mapping in the development of the EU-PAD framework (EUropean-Physical Activity Determinants across the life course): a DEDIPAC-study. Bmc Public Health

[DOI]

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2014

Towards the integration and development of a cross-European research network and infrastructure: the DEterminants of DIet and Physical ACtivity (DEDIPAC) Knowledge Hub

Lakerveld, J,van der Ploeg, HP,Kroeze, W,Ahrens, W,Allais, O,Andersen, LF,Cardon, G,Capranica, L,Chastin, S,Donnelly, A,Ekelund, U,Finglas, P,Flechtner-Mors, M,Hebestreit, A,Hendriksen, I,Kubiak, T,Lanza, M,Loyen, A,MacDonncha, C,Mazzocchi, M,Monsivais, P,Murphy, M,Nothlings, U,O'Gorman, DJ,Renner, B,Roos, G,Schuit, AJ,Schulze, M,Steinacker, J,Stronks, K,Volkert, D,van't Veer, P,Lien, N,De Bourdeaudhuij, I,Brug, J,DEDIPAC Consortium (2014) Towards the integration and development of a cross-European research network and infrastructure: the DEterminants of DIet and Physical ACtivity (DEDIPAC) Knowledge Hub. International Journal Of Behavioral Nutrition And Physical Activity

[DOI]

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2014

Year in School and Physical Activity Stage of Change as Discriminators of Variation in the Physical Activity Correlate Profile of Adolescent Females

Burns, C,Murphy, JJ,MacDonncha, C (2014) Year in School and Physical Activity Stage of Change as Discriminators of Variation in the Physical Activity Correlate Profile of Adolescent Females. Journal Of Physical Activity & Health :721-728

[DOI]

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2010

Reliability and validity of a new physical activity self-report measure for Younger Children

Belton, S; Mac Donncha, C. (2010) Reliability and validity of a new physical activity self-report measure for Younger Children. Measurement In Physical Education And Exercise Science :15-28

[DOI]

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2009

Meeting the international adolescent physical activity guidelines: A comparison of objectively measured and self-reported physical activity levels

Shiely, F; MacDonncha, C. (2009) Meeting the international adolescent physical activity guidelines: A comparison of objectively measured and self-reported physical activity levels. Irish Medical Journal

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2007

Lower back pain in physically demanding college academic programs: a questionnaire based study

Brennan, G; Shafat, A; Mac Donncha, C; Vekins, C (2007) Lower back pain in physically demanding college academic programs: a questionnaire based study. Bmc Musculoskeletal Disorders

[DOI]

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2005

THE CONSTRAINTS ON SCHOOL PROVISION OF POST-PRIMARY PHYSICAL EDUCATION IN IRELAND: PRINCIPALS' AND TEACHERS' VIEWS AND EXPERIENCES

MacPhail, A; Halbert, J; McEvilly, N; Hutchinson, C; MacDonncha, C (2005) THE CONSTRAINTS ON SCHOOL PROVISION OF POST-PRIMARY PHYSICAL EDUCATION IN IRELAND: PRINCIPALS' AND TEACHERS' VIEWS AND EXPERIENCES. Irish Educational Studies :77-91

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2000

A reliable technique for the assessment of posture: assessment criteria for aspects of posture

Watson, AWS; Mac Donncha, C (2000) A reliable technique for the assessment of posture: assessment criteria for aspects of posture. Journal Of Sports Medicine And Physical Fitness :260-270

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2000

Validity of field tests for evaluating endurance capacity in competitive and international-level sports participants

O'Gorman, D; Hunter, A; McDonnacha, C; Kirwan, JP (2000) Validity of field tests for evaluating endurance capacity in competitive and international-level sports participants. Journal Of Strength And Conditioning Research :62-67

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1999

Reliability of Eurofit physical fitness items for adolescent males with and without mental retardation

MacDonncha, C; Watson, AWS; McSweeney, T; O'Donovan, DJ (1999) Reliability of Eurofit physical fitness items for adolescent males with and without mental retardation. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly :86-95

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Books

This author has not written any publications of this type yet.

Book Chapters

This author has not written any publications of this type yet.

Edited Books

This author has not written any publications of this type yet.

Other Journals

2007

Primary Care Exercise Referral - Interim Findings.

Reddan, S; Sohun, R; MacDonncha, C (2007) Primary Care Exercise Referral - Interim Findings.. National Institute of Health Sciences Research Bulletin :76-79

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2007

Implementing a whole school approach to physical activity - preliminary findings in three pilot schools in the mid-west.

Sohun, R; MacDonncha, C (2007) Implementing a whole school approach to physical activity - preliminary findings in three pilot schools in the mid-west.. National Institute of Health Sciences Research Bulletin :74-75

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2005

The effect of a physical activity education programme in the hospital workplace setting.

Sohun, R; MacDonncha, C; Breen, C; Neeson, B (2005) The effect of a physical activity education programme in the hospital workplace setting.. National Institute of Health Sciences Research Bulletin

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Conference Publications

2017

11th ICCE Global Coach Conference – ‘Challenging Sport Coaching Frontiers: The Role of Sport Science and Technology'

Kinnerk, P., Harvey, S., MacDonncha, C. & Lyons, M. (2017) 11th ICCE Global Coach Conference – ‘Challenging Sport Coaching Frontiers: The Role of Sport Science and Technology'.

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2016

The Comparison Of Free-living Sedentary Time Using The Activpal3 Micro And The ActiGraph Gt3x.

Hayes, G,Dowd, KP,Powell, C,MacDonncha, C,Donnelly, AE (2016) The Comparison Of Free-living Sedentary Time Using The Activpal3 Micro And The ActiGraph Gt3x.. Medicine and science in sports and exercise :314-314

[DOI]

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2016

EUROPEAN PUBLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION (EUPHA)

Puggina, A,Aleksovska, K,Carlin, A,Condello, G,Cortis, C,Jaeschke, L,Kennedy, A,MacDonncha, C,Capranica, L,Boccia, S,DEDIPAC Consortium (2016) EUROPEAN PUBLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION (EUPHA).

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2016

European Public Health Association (EUPHA)

Boccia, S,Puggina, A,Aleksovska, K,Carlin, A,Condello, G,Cortis, C,Jaeschke, L,Kennedy, A,MacDonncha, C,Capranica, L,DEDIPAC Consortium (2016) European Public Health Association (EUPHA).

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2015

JPI HDHL Joint Action: DEDIPAC

Ahrens, W,Lakerveld, J,van der Ploeg, HP,Kroeze, W,Allais, O,Andersen, LF,Cardon, G,Capranica, L,Chastin, S,Donnelly, A,Ekelund, U,Finglas, P,Flechtner-Mors, M,Hebestreit, A,Hendriksen, I,Kubiak, T,Lanza, M,Loyen, A,MacDonncha, C,Mazzocchi, M,Monsivais, P,Murphy, M,Nothlings, U,O'Gorman, DJ,Renner, B,Roos, G,Schuit, AJ,Schulze, M,Steinacker, J,Stronks, K,Volkert, D,van't Veer, P,Lien, NN,De Bourdeaudhuij, I,Brug, J,DEDIPAC Consortium (2015) JPI HDHL Joint Action: DEDIPAC. Annals Of Nutrition And Metabolism :33-34

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2009

European Conference of Developmental Psychology

Connell, A; Smyth, PJ; MacDonncha C (2009) European Conference of Developmental Psychology.

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2007

American College of Sports Medicine

O'Neill, CM; MacDonncha, C (2007) American College of Sports Medicine.

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2003

American College of Sports Medicine

MacDonncha, C; McGrath, S; O'Gorman, D J; Warrington, GD (2003) American College of Sports Medicine.

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2003

American College of Sports Medicine

McGrath, S; Warrington, G; MacDonncha, C; O'Gorman, DJ (2003) American College of Sports Medicine.

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2003

American College of Sports Medicine

MacDonncha, C; Sohun, R; McGrath, S; O'Gorman, DJ; McGowan, E; Warrington GD (2003) American College of Sports Medicine.

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2000

European College of Sport Science

Murphy, A; Smyth, PJ; Mac Donncha, C (2000) European College of Sport Science.

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1998

Royal Academy of Medicine Ireland; Section of Biomedical Sciences

MacDonncha, C; A.W.S. Watson, AWS (1998) Royal Academy of Medicine Ireland; Section of Biomedical Sciences. :167-

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1998

Royal Academy of Medicine Ireland; Section of Biomedical Sciences

MacDonncha, C; A.W.S. Watson, AWS (1998) Royal Academy of Medicine Ireland; Section of Biomedical Sciences.

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1997

Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland; Section of Biomedical Sciences

MacDonncha, C; A.W.S. Watson, AWS (1997) Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland; Section of Biomedical Sciences.

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1997

Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland; Section of Biomedical Sciences

MacDonncha, C; A.W.S. Watson, AWS (1997) Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland; Section of Biomedical Sciences. :165-

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1996

American College of Sports Medicine

O' Gorman, D; Hunter, A; Mac Donncha, C; Kirwan, JP (1996) American College of Sports Medicine.

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1996

Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland; Section of Biomedical Sciences

MacDonncha, C; Watson, AWS (1996) Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland; Section of Biomedical Sciences.

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Conference Contributions

2013

The measurement of changes in well-being, health, physical activity and lifestyle by volunteers in the Limerick Smarter Travel (LST) challenge programme: a pilot study.

Y Nathan; A Hannigan; C O'Gorman; A Donnelly; M Mannix; C MacDonncha; C Dunne W Cullen. (2013) The measurement of changes in well-being, health, physical activity and lifestyle by volunteers in the Limerick Smarter Travel (LST) challenge programme: a pilot study. .

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Published Reports

2009

The National Guidelines on Physical Activity for Ireland

The National Physical Activity Steering Group (2009) The National Guidelines on Physical Activity for Ireland. Dublin : Department of Health and Children, Health Service Executive

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2000

Socialisation of people with a disability by motivating them for adapted physical activity

European Commission, Socrates Project - No 71189-CP-2-2000-1-LT-Minerva-ODL (2000) Socialisation of people with a disability by motivating them for adapted physical activity. European Commission : European Commission, Socrates Project - No 71189-CP-2-2000-1-LT-Minerva-ODL, http://distance.ktu.lt

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2000

Physical Activity Participation programme for people with Disability

Socrates Project - No 71189-CP-2-2000-1-LT-Minerva-ODL (2000) Physical Activity Participation programme for people with Disability. European Commission : European Commission, Socrates Project - No 71189-CP-2-2000-1-LT-Minerva-ODL, http://distance.ktu.lt/

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1999

Report of the people with a disability in sport taskforce

MacDonncha, C (1999) Report of the people with a disability in sport taskforce. Government of Ireland : Department of Tourism, Sport and Recreation. Government of Ireland

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Editorials

This author has not written any publications of this type yet.

Book Reviews

This author has not written any publications of this type yet.

Other Publications

2002

Physical education: benefits to society

MacDonncha, C (2002) Physical education: benefits to society. THE IRISH SCIENTIST :230-

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2001

A strategy for Physical Education in Ireland. Presented to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education and Science

MacDonncha, C (2001) A strategy for Physical Education in Ireland. Presented to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education and Science.

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2001

Physical Activity and Physical Fitness in Irish Adolescents

MacDonncha, C; Sohun, R (2001) Physical Activity and Physical Fitness in Irish Adolescents. Elements

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