The Sideline Live
Orla Keeling hosting the Impact Players live panel on stage PGM · LIVE PANEL

Bring the questions to your event.

Host, interviewer, panel MC, commentator. Orla Keeling arrives with the questions your audience wishes they had asked, and the room becomes a broadcast.

Orla recording a podcast interview across the table from her guest
Orla courtside, recording an interview with a player after a final
Orla on stage with mic and notes, leading the Impact Players live panel
Orla at a television studio desk, lanyard on, ready to go live

The host

CAM 1

Five years fronting the show that athletes actually open up on. Warm on the mic, sharp on the detail, never in the way of the story.

248 numbered episodes. Most weeks since September 2020.

What a booking looks like

The formats Orla is booked for most. If yours is different, tell her in the enquiry.

Panel MCSeason previews, club nights, conference panels. Orla briefs the guests, sets the pace and keeps the audience in it to the last question.
FiresideA one to one interview on stage, the podcast format brought into the room. Forty minutes, one guest, no notes needed on their side.
Awards hostRunning order, citations, winners and the thank yous, delivered so the night finishes on time and feels like it flew.
CourtsideMatch coverage, pre and post game interviews and live social for the club or federation running the fixture.
Orla Keeling on court at The Clubhouse with NBA skills coach Adam Harrington Orla Keeling laughing on stage, notebook in hand, hosting a live conversation Orla Keeling on a fireside chat panel on communication at the Irish Museum of Modern Art Orla Keeling speaking at a lectern with a microphone, an Irish flag behind her Orla Keeling on stage with a microphone, hosting a live panel under the lights Orla Keeling on a basketball court, holding The Sideline Live sign Orla Keeling in a television studio on the green screen set ORLA KEELING · THE CLUBHOUSE

On the record

“I still think of our conversation really warmly and I think you’re such a brilliant interviewer, your warmth and curiosity and kindness. The skill at being able to ask the right question at the right time, you’re exceptional at it.”

Prof Damian Hughes, The High Performance Podcast

“I have worked with Orla over a number of years in various capacities, including national events, commentary, content creation and hosting podcasts. Most recently I worked with Orla to create the #SpotlightHer series showcasing female basketball players in the US. The level of preparation, research and engagement with the participants was second to none and Orla just ran with the project. She is passionate about what she does, always looking for opportunities to learn and grow her experience. Orla has the ability to showcase sport at every level and no matter what the project, I am confident she will deliver.”

Louise O’Loughlin, COO, Basketball Ireland

“We are very grateful to Orla who supported our University of Galway Coaching Conference as MC. She facilitated some very interesting and thought provoking panel discussions.”

Des Ryan, Director of Sport and Physical Wellbeing, University of Galway

“Having attended the University of Galway coaching event in early December, not only was the content first class throughout but Orla came to my attention on the day. Through her confident delivery and knowledge of the speakers she displayed how to link the various speakers and topics. One example stood out to me of her hosting abilities: when she was MC on the group panel and the floor were reluctant to engage, Orla skilfully shaped the questions without applying pressure and opened up the topic in question. I would not hesitate to book her for this type of function on the evidence of this, my first observation of her professional performance.”

Sean Kimberley, Academy Manager, Galway United Football Club

“I had the pleasure of joining a Women in Sport panel at the Impact Players conference in May 2026 which was expertly hosted by Orla. Orla’s contribution elevated the entire event. She approached the topic with genuine knowledge and curiosity, and it was clear she had invested time in understanding the background and perspective of each of the panel members. Orla’s ability to keep the conversation flowing, draw out key insights, and maintain audience engagement was exceptional. She created an environment where everyone felt comfortable contributing. The panel discussion benefited enormously from her skill and preparation. I would gladly work with Orla again and highly recommend her as a panel host or moderator.”

Paula Stewart, Women in Sport panel, Impact Players conference, May 2026

“Orla is an excellent host who consistently goes beyond the obvious questions to explore a more in depth conversation with those she talks to. I’ve always enjoyed our conversations around leadership and high performance, and I really admire her curiosity and genuine desire to keep learning. Her ongoing commitment to upskilling her own craft reflects the depth and quality of the discussions she creates.”

Conor Meyler, Tyrone, audience member at Essential Skills Dublin

“Orla has an incredible ability to hold space with people to enable them to tell their story and meaningful insights. Orla’s preparation is on a different level altogether, which allows for greater connection and for more authentic conversations. In addition to this Orla brings herself to any event or panel, meaning there will be fun along the way.”

Alan Rigney, Athlone, attendee at Essential Skills Dublin 2025

“Orla presented to our performance team, appropriately pitching her messaging for the context and group. She weaved anecdotes into useful messages that left a lasting impression.”

Siubhean Crowne, West Bromwich Albion performance staff CPD, Birmingham 2025

“I have been lucky to see Orla work as a host and presenter. She has a natural ability to facilitate really meaningful conversation by asking thought provoking questions and allowing the conversation to breathe. I feel one of her strengths comes from her genuine interest in learning from others and a curiosity around high performance in various fields.”

Paul O’Brien, attendee, GAA Performance Analysis Conference 2024, Carlow

“Orla Keeling is one of those rare people who combines incredible professionalism with genuine heart. The care, research, and integrity she brings to every conversation is exceptional. She consistently champions others in a way that feels authentic and meaningful. She has a rare ability to listen, to read situations, and to meet people exactly where they are. Her approach is thoughtful, empathetic, and empowering, helping individuals feel seen, understood, and confident. She creates trust and connection that elevates every interaction.”

Michelle O’Connor, Cork, attendee at Essential Skills Dublin
  • RTÉ SportRadio and online contributor across basketball, camogie, cricket, sailing, boxing, women's football, hurling and Euro 2024
  • Irish ExaminerContributor, including CJ Fulton’s NBA Summer League story
  • Q102Reporter and host, Dublin Sport Today
  • Basketball IrelandMedia and communications, 3x3 media strategy, Spotlight Her co-producer
  • Open Coaching ForumCo-creator

Start a booking enquiry

Tell us the date, the room and what you want the night to feel like. You will hear back from Orla directly, usually within two working days.

Sponsorship and guest pitches for the podcast are welcome here too.

Prefer email? thesidelinelive@gmail.com

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