Medical Technology Ireland has announced that broadcaster and sporting icon Cora Staunton will be a featured speaker at the Medical Technology Ireland 2026 Conference, taking place at Galway Racecourse, Ballybrit, on 23–24 September 2026.
Staunton will present Leading Through Pressure, Change & Setbacks on Thursday, 24 September. The session, hosted by Yvonne Comer, Innovation Catalyst at Portershed, will explore the mindset, resilience and leadership lessons that have defined one of Ireland’s most remarkable sporting careers. Following her presentation, Staunton will also tour the exhibition.
Widely regarded as one of Ireland’s greatest athletes, the Mayo native has enjoyed an extraordinary career spanning almost three decades and four sports. She became a legend in Ladies Gaelic football, winning multiple All-Ireland titles with Mayo and Carnacon while collecting a record 11 All Stars – an achievement that remains unmatched.
Her sporting success extended beyond Gaelic games to soccer and rugby, where she won national honours and represented Mayo FC in European competition. In 2017, Staunton made history as the first Irish player to sign for the AFLW, joining the GWS Giants and helping pave the way for dozens of Irish women to follow. She became one of the league’s biggest stars, setting numerous records, including becoming the fastest player to reach 50 goals.
Staunton’s resilience has been a hallmark of her career. After suffering a serious leg break in 2019, she returned in time for the following AFLW season, later becoming the oldest player to compete in the league while finishing as the Giants’ all-time leading goal scorer and games record holder.
Away from the field, she continues to shape Irish sport as an RTÉ GAA pundit, Vice-President of the Gaelic Players Association, and Head Coach of Ballina Stephenites’ Senior Men’s Football team, where she has continued to break new ground in coaching.
Medical Technology Ireland is Ireland’s leading medical device manufacturing exhibition and conference, bringing together manufacturers, suppliers, innovators and industry leaders from across Ireland and around the world. The 2026 event will feature more than 420 exhibiting companies across four floors, alongside a comprehensive conference programme addressing the key opportunities and challenges facing the global medtech sector.
The exhibition and conference are free to attend, with visitor registration now open at www.MedicalTechnologyIreland.com
