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Bernard Brogan on imposter syndrome: 'Am I good enough to be here?'

Newstalk's Bobby Kerr sat down with Bernard Brogan to talk Life and Leadership - and the love of the game
Jack Quann
Jack Quann

10.43 18 Mar 2023


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Bernard Brogan on imposter syn...

Bernard Brogan on imposter syndrome: 'Am I good enough to be here?'

Jack Quann
Jack Quann

10.43 18 Mar 2023


Share this article


GAA star Bernard Brogan has said he experienced imposter syndrome several times when out on the pitch.

He is best known for his countless appearances in the Dublin shirt, and holds seven All Ireland medals.

Since hanging up his boots, he has become a successful entrepreneur with his PepTalk company landing a major investment in the US.

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Newstalk's Bobby Kerr sat down with Brogan to talk Life and Leadership - and the love of the game.

"I did crave that big occasion, and I always felt - when I look at myself - one of my biggest strengths I believe is my resilience and not willingness to... shirk responsibility," he said.

"I'm not afraid to take that next shot; even if I miss two I'll go again and I'll keep going.

"A mindset I used to have is that in a big game, and at times I got a couple of scores later on in games, I'm going to get another chance: be ready, be clued in.

"What happens in the game is people start to drift and they start to lose their focus.

"I always try to just bring myself back".

Bernard Brogan launching the Enactus Ireland National Competition in Dublin in 2016 Bernard Brogan launching the Enactus Ireland National Competition in Dublin in 2016. Picture by: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland.com

Bobby asked if nerves ever got the better of him.

"I think maybe because I started late, as I was 23, I'd spent three or four years on the panel," Brogan said.

"I'd been around Croke Park, I'd been around [during] the big day, I wasn't part of the crave to be out there but I was on the bench or I was in the stands.

"I was around the team bus and the buzz, so I was very comfortable with the environment when I actually got a chance.

"There's loads of days where I doubted myself, like anyone that's trying to play a high-performance [sport].

Bernard and Alan Brogan Bernard and Alan Brogan celebrate victory after the. GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship Final Kerry v Dublin at Croke Park. Picture by: Ray McManus / SPORTSFILE

"Loads of days where you have that bit of imposter syndrome, where you're saying, 'Actually am I good enough to be here?'

"Especially as I got a bit older; I'm like, 'Do I have anything left in the legs?'

"You're trying to keep yourself positive but more a bit of self-doubt more than nerves at times - but I always try to push through it," he added.

Listen back to the full interview below:

Main image: File photo of Bernard Brogan

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All-ireland Bernard Brogan Bobby Kerr Croke Park Dublin Entrepreneur Gaa Star Life And Leadership PepTalk

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