I had the pleasure and good fortune to be introduced to Cillian by a fellow decrepit old triathlete in late 2017. I was 2 years after a hip arthroscopy, and still shell shocked from the news my surgeon had delivered in late 2015 – that my running career was over, and I would be back for a hip replacement within 5 years; sooner if I didn’t listen to him and tried to run in the interim.

That 5 years is now almost up and instead of hobbling around on a dodgy hip, I have just smashed my first Ironman in 9 hours 42 mins and I am now targeting a sub 3 hour, PB marathon. Thanks to Cillian.

I formally competed at both Modern Pentathlon, and Triathlon at an international (age group) level, and always dreamed of completing a sub-10 hour Ironman. I had been out of the sport for c. 5 years, when I got going again in 2015, completing my first Ironman 70.3, only to run into injury problems that ultimately resulted in surgery, and the devastating news that I might not (should not) run again.

The introduction to Cillian in late 2017 completely transformed my mental, and physical approach. Cillian gave me the mental belief first of all, that I was not done; that I could compete again. And then he set about rebuilding my core strength and running approach, from scratch.  An intense rehab phase (4 months, 4 days a week in the gym), before I had my first run: a 4 x 2 mins slow jog set, with a walk recovery – essentially learning to run again. Since then, Cillian shifted my program over time from rehab, to special, workload balanced training program – both from a physical workload perspective, and from a career (lots of travel), and personal life (3 young kids) perspective. Under Cillian’s guidance, I have been able to fit it all in, gradually rebuilding to the point where I completed my first Ironman in October 2019. I only wish I had the knowledge that I now have, when I was younger – and I owe an incredible amount to Cillian for showing me how it should be done. At 42 now, I am stronger and fitter than I have ever been, and I dare not deviated from the program Cillian has sets for me each week on Training Peaks!  I could not recommend Cillian more highly, no matter what your injury challenges or sporting ambition.

While recovering from actuate ITP (a blood disorder) I found out I was a celiac and had severe deficiencies in vitamins and minerals and to make matters worse I was diagnosed with osteopenia on set of osteoporosis which was a big blow as I love to run and had set a goal to complete an Ironman. I had previously attended group Strength training sessions with Cillian so made contact in the hope he could advise me where to go from here.  Cillian gave me the confidence that this was just a bump in the road and we set a goal of completing Ironman Lanzarote within a year.

Cillian gave me advice on nutrition and supplements to help with my health and wellbeing and he put a plan in place for me which included strength sessions to strengthen my bones and prevent injury, as well as my program for bike, run and swim sessions.  I had to reduce my running and increase my cycling and was not allowed to do anything if I didn’t complete my gym sessions.  Everything was monitored by my heart rate and it was a slow easy process but sure enough within the year I completed Lanzarote Ironman.

I had another dexa scan a year and a half after being diagnosed and even the radiographer was shocked at my dramatic improvement which removed me out of the danger zone. She said at my age it’s rare to see an improvement like it. So I actually got it checked twice. I fully credit this to Cillian. His holistic approach had a big impact on my health and enabled me to participate and to be competitive in the sport again.

(Lanzarote Ironman 2017, The Race Donegal 2018, Ironman Cork 2019)

“Dressing in sportswear, for its actual purpose rather than for just cleaning the house, was an alien concept to me and so you have some indication as to where I was at in terms of sporting / fitness level ….not comfortable in going to a gym, when I signed up for one to one sessions with Cillian O’Reilly. I was apprehensive but Cillian immediately put me at ease – with sessions tailored for my (lack of) ability, with clear instruction and encouragement to push myself, I quickly discovered that Cillian is fantastic at what he does.
I benefited so much from Cillian’s role as a qualified Physio and S & C coach, I see the rewards now in my everyday life as my strength and mobility have improved vastly. I have no hesitation in recommending Cillian, and his future clients should consider themselves very fortunate to be under his tuition.

Cillian is a fantastic physiotherapist who understands the needs of each athlete and their sport and tailors his advice and programmes to suit the individual.  Cillian was my strength and conditioning physiotherapist for two seasons. During that time, Cillian’s strength and conditioning programme played a crucial role in allowing me to perform to my full potential and win medals at major international competitions.

His coaching resulted in measurable power improvements on the bike. In addition, the training provided ensured I remained injury free throughout this time. Cillian’s training has also improved the range of motion in my ankle and my gait which has had a significantly positive impact on my quality of life. The level of support, comradery and expertise provided by Cillian is exceptional and I cannot recommend him highly enough.

“I was referred to Cillian a number of years ago, initially to help address the impact of too much time sitting at a desk with the only exercise being a few runs each week. From the beginning Cillian’s approach was very professional and honest with his experience fully evident all the time.

He is excellent at demonstrating exercises and ensuring technique is correct, as well as varying sessions to ensure a full breadth of impact. What started out as a short term course moved to regular twice weekly sessions with a combination of group and one on one appointments. These sessions have ensured that I have much better mobility and movement as well as staying injury free while running or cycling. I would have no hesitation in recommending Cillian and he delivers the highest standards possible with the utmost of professionalism and empathy.”

“As an enthusiastic member of a prominent Cycling Club, I felt a requirement to see what I could do to improve my performance on the bike rather than just building up road miles. A fellow cyclist recommended me to Cillian O’Reilly and I never looked back.

I had only been with Cillian for two months when I had an unfortunate accident due to an oil spill on the road. I was hospitalised for a sub-capital fracture to my left femur requiring surgery. Eight weeks after the accident I returned to Cillian who prescribed a completely new course of exercises that not just gradually but dramatically built up my strength and got me back out on the bike which was as important to me mentally as physically.

I set myself two goals:

To compete in the national hill climb championships the last race of the season giving me five months to prepare. I finished 3rd in my class.
My second goal was to prepare for my annual cycling trip to Gran Canaria. I completed 600km in five days and also successfully took on the Pico de Las Nieves, altitude 2,000m.

By the end of March in 2019 a year after my accident I was all prepared to participate in the Club’s League Races thanks to Cillian’s guidance to my gym work over the winter. On the weekend before the first race I came off my bicycle on a downhill descent at speed. (It was a new bike and I mistakenly chanced riding it without changing the front brakes from the continental side) I suffered multiple injuries – a punctured lung, fractured 12 ribs, broke a collar bone and fractured my scapula. In addition I suffered PTSD, after nine weeks I once again turned to Cillian who started me back on a new programme. My PTSD disappeared and within two weeks I was back on the bike. My goal was to be fit for my next trip to Gran Canaria, I endeavoured with his exercise programme which he updated for me every few weeks. Within no time I was improving my performance. For my trip abroad, I was once again well prepared for the various climbs and enjoyed my climb (24k; 5% – 16% Gradient) up ”The Valley of Tears” to no end.

I believe the exercise programmes that Cillian had prescribed to be were critical to both my recoveries and I look forward to many future years on the bike thanks to Cillian’s expert guidance. On each visit he will expertly analyse my performance and provide me with a new routine to get me to a higher level for the next visit.

I look forward to many future years on the bike.”

“Over a three-year period, I attended weekly strength and conditioning classes with Cillian. With very little gym experience and no sporting background, attending strength and conditioning classes was daunting. From the very beginning Cillian put me at ease and ensured that each session was tailored for my ability and experience. Throughout this period, I noticed significant improvements in my movement and strength overall.
Cillian’s passion for general health and well being is evident in every session and he places strong focus on teaching good tecnique and movement. Cillian is committed to helping you achieve your goals while ensuring long-term sustainable results.
I would highly recommend Cillian.”