Mark Lacey
Mark Lacey returned to education at 50 years of age to deepen his knowledge, enhance his skills, and gain confidence to make a greater impact in his work through sport and education. He chose to study his BA (Hons) Physical Education degree at Portobello Institute to strengthen his existing skillset and open new opportunities.
Starting his career as a chef, Mark moved into sports and spent four years as a Development Officer with the Dublin County Board. He has been the Sport and Physical Education Coordinator at St. Andrew’s Resource Centre in Dublin for almost two decades, working within the east inner city of Dublin Schools and sports programs.
“Studying made sense, as it enabled me to broaden my understanding and credentials in an area I love—sports and physical education. Having worked through all these areas over 19 years, I knew the next step would be to deepen my knowledge further, formalise the practices I had developed through application, and get certified for recognition.
“My heart has always been working with children and in disadvantaged areas—a passion I have developed and nurtured throughout my career. In my role, I’ve focused on bridging the gap between schools and local community clubs, creating opportunities for children to connect with sports programs that help them grow as individuals and grow within their community.
“These programmes aren’t just about physical activity; they’re about building life skills and bringing the children together, with confidence, and creating a sense of belonging.
“By linking the children to local clubs and initiatives, I’ve been able to give them the chance to develop important fundamental movement skills, gain confidence, and surround themselves with positive role models who inspire them.
“Through these partnerships, I’ve seen how sport can transform a child’s outlook on life, teaching them the value of teamwork, commitment, and healthy living. It’s rewarding to watch these young people not only develop as athletes but also as confident individuals ready to take on challenges in other areas of their lives.
“Studying at Portobello Institute has been a key part of my journey. It allowed me to take a step back and reflect on my work, giving me the time and space to deepen my knowledge and formalise my approach. The combination of theoretical learning and practical application has helped me strengthen my ability to create meaningful programmes that truly make a difference.
“Now, with my qualification, I feel better equipped to continue my work and expand my passion for supporting children and communities, ensuring that no child feels left behind and that every child has access to opportunities to grow, learn, and thrive through sport and physical education” he said.
Returning to Education
Mark has an impressive sporting background, giving him plenty to be proud of but he still had to dig deep to find the courage to return to education as a mature student.
“My firm and diverse sports background has significantly shaped my personal and professional life. I played GAA at a high level, achieving an All-Ireland Junior medal with Dublin College and reaching a Sigerson Cup final as a coach and trainer.
“I have also worked with underage Dublin and the Dublin Junior teams and served as a trainer and coach under Dessie Farrell, the current Dublin Manager.
“Beyond GAA, I have completed over 100+ marathons, seven Ironman races, and the gruelling Marathon des Sables. I am proud to be one of only 300 people in Ireland to complete the World Major Marathon Series and one of just 10 to climb all the mountains in every county in Ireland within seven days.
“These experiences have instilled in me a deep appreciation for resilience, dedication, and the transformative power of sport.
“At 50 years of age, returning to college as a mature student after more than 20 years was both a challenge and a rewarding experience. It took determination to return to education after a long time, but it was the right decision.
“My life and career experiences brought a unique perspective to my studies, and I appreciated the opportunity to learn and grow in a field I’m so passionate about. It’s never too late to invest in yourself and pursue new qualifications, and this journey has been an inspiring chapter in my life,” he said.
Aligning Passion, Skills, Experience and Knowledge
Reflecting on his time studying at Portobello Institute during his three-year blended learning BA (Hons) Physical Education, Mark says the course and experience were the perfect for him, aligning his passion with focus, knowledge and expertise.
“My experience studying at Portobello Institute has been immensely fruitful. The course has expanded my knowledge, improved my skills, and offered me an alternative perspective on my work in sports and PE. The supportive environment and hands-on learning have been incredible and allow me to expand my impact in the community and schools I work with.
“The best thing about studying at Portobello Institute was the practical and real-world focus of the course. The blend of expert guidance, flexible learning, and opportunities to apply what I learned directly to my work allowed me to grow both personally and professionally while continuing to make an impact in my community programs and schools.
“I would highly recommend Portobello Institute to a friend. The courses are practical, flexible, and led by knowledgeable staff who genuinely support your personal and professional growth. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to advance their career and make a real impact.
“This course at Portobello Institute was perfect for me. It aligned with my passion for sport and physical education, deepened my expertise, and provided both practical tools and theoretical knowledge to bridge gaps in communities through effective sports programs,” he said.
Career Development with a BA (Hons) Physical Education
Mark is already working in a career that he enjoys and is passionate about, this degree will give him the confidence and knowledge to develop and build on the work he is already doing.
“I’m working in the career I want, and my qualification has given me the knowledge and confidence to give back by supporting teachers and community sports programmes. I’m now focused on developing workshops to help teachers upskill in physical education, ensuring they feel empowered to deliver engaging and impactful PE programs in schools.
“The course has advanced my career by enhancing my expertise and providing new opportunities to grow and make a meaningful impact in my field.
“I feel proud and accomplished after completing my course. It has deepened my knowledge, enhanced my skills, and given me the confidence to make a greater impact in my work through sport and education,” he said.
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