The Origin Story of Elite Connections
By Ciaran Dunne
I've spent years in elite sport — on the pitch, in the treatment room, and in high-performance environments most people never see. I've worked in orthopaedics and MSK physiotherapy, supported both rising stars and seasoned pros, and experienced the pressure and isolation that comes with playing at a high level.
And one thing became painfully clear:
The more elite the environment, the harder it is to speak freely.
Athletes are surrounded — by agents, coaches, clubs, fans. Everyone wants something. But very few people offer space for real, grounded, agenda-free conversation. About legacy. Identity. Transition. Money. Meaning. Family. Injury. Reinvention.
I kept noticing it:
- •The most powerful moments in rehab and performance didn't happen during the drills — they happened during the in-between conversations.
- •That's where real insight happened.
- •That's where trust lived.
"The best support doesn't always come from more experts. It comes from the right peers."
So I built Elite Connections — a private, invite-only peer mentorship network for elite athletes.
No gurus. No hype. No media access.
Just athletes talking to athletes — across disciplines, generations, and continents.
Ciaran Dunne
Founder & Physiotherapist
The Vision
"What if we created a space where elite performers could build their future, not just survive their career?"
A place where an Olympic sprinter could learn from a Premier League midfielder. Where a UFC veteran could guide a GAA prospect. Where transition wasn't taboo, and wealth, mental health, and family were all part of the conversation.
This isn't a platform. It's a room.
Elite Connections is not for everyone.
It's for the 0.01% who know their next chapter matters more than their highlight reel.
Elite Connections
Where elite athletes get smarter, richer, and more connected — together.