Researcher Details |

Sarah Meegan

Dr. Sarah Meegan joined the School of Health and Human Performance in 2005. Sarah received a BSc in Sports and Exercise Science from Liverpool John Moores University, an MSc in Adapted Physical Activity from the Katholieke University Leuven and a PhD in Inclusive Physical Education from the University of Limerick. Sarah's areas of teaching are on the inclusion of people with disabilities into sport and physical activity, the inclusion of students with additional needs into physical education as well as inclusive coaching. Sarah works in partnership with local disability service providers and special schools in delivering sports and PE programmes for children and adults with disabilities.

Peer Reviewed Journal

	Year	Publication
	2024	Kavanagh, H., Issartel, J., Meegan, S., Manninen (2024) 'Can Special Olympics coaches accurately report on the motor competence of children with intellectual disabilities?'. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 37 (2). https://doi.org/10.1111/jar.13195
	2023	Gavigan, Nathan; Belton, Sarahjane; Meegan, Sarah; Issartel, Johann (2023) 'Moving Well-Being Well: a process evaluation of a physical literacy-based intervention in Irish primary schools'. Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy, 28 (2). [DOI]
	2023	Hayley Kavanagh, Johann Issartel, Sarah Meegan, Mika Manninen (2023) 'Exploring the motor skill proficiency barrier among children with intellectual disabilities: Analysis at a behavioural component level'. PLoS ONE, 18 (11). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0288413
	2022	(2022) 'LifeLab: Co-Design of an Interactive Health Literacy Intervention for Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Adolescents'. Children, 9 (8). [Link] https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9067/9/8/1230
	2022	McGann, Jamie; Meegan, Sarah; Woods, Catherine; Murtagh, Elaine; Duff, Christina; Belton, Sarahjane (2022) 'Teacher experiences implementing the 'Active School Flag' initiative to support physically active school communities in Ireland'. Irish Educational Studies, 41 (2). [DOI]
	2022	Kavanagh, H; Manninen, M; Meegan, S; Issartel, J (2022) 'Assessing the Fundamental Movement Skills of Children With Intellectual Disabilities in the Special Olympics Young Athletes Program'. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly : Apaq, 41 (1). [DOI]
	2021	Goss, H., McDermot, C., Hickey, L., Issartel, J., Meegan, S., Morrissey, J., Murrin, C., Peers, C., Smith, C., Spillane, A., Belton, S. (2021) ''Understanding disadvantaged adolescents’ perception of health literacy through a systematic development of peer vignettes''. BMC Public Health, 21 . https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-021-10634-x
	2021	Gavigan, N., Belton, S., Meegan, S., Issartel, J. (2021) 'Moving Well-Being Well: a process evaluation of a physical literacy-based intervention in Irish primary schools'. Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy, . https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17408989.2021.1967305
	2020	Belton, S., Britton, U., Murtagh, E., Meegan, S., Duff, C, McGann, J. (2020) 'Ten Years of ‘Flying the Flag’: An Overview and Retrospective Consideration of the Active School Flag Physical Activity Initiative for Children—Design, Development & Evaluation'. Children (Basel, Switzerland), 7 (12). https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9067/7/12/300
	2020	Goss, HR; McDermott, C; Hickey, L; Issartel, J; Meegan, S; Morrissey, J; Murrin, C; Peers, C; Smith, C; Spillane, A; Belton, S (2020) 'Understanding disadvantaged adolescents' perception of health literacy through a systematic development of peer vignettes'. BMC Public Health, 21 (1). [DOI]
	2020	McGann, J., Meegan, S., Murtagh, E., Duff, C. and Belton, S. (2020) '...The Way that You Do It: An Exploratory Study Investigating a Process- versus Outcome-Oriented Approach to School-Based Physical Activity'. 10 (03):262-281.
	2020	McGann, J., Meegan, S., Woods, C., Murtagh, E., Duff, C., Belton. (2020) 'Teacher experiences implementing the ‘Active School Flag’ initiative to support physically active school communities in Ireland'. Irish Educational Studies, 10 .
	2018	Walsh, D.; Belton, S.; Meegan, S.; Bowers, K.; Corby, D.; Staines, A.; McVeigh, T.; McKeon, M.; Hoey, E.; Trépel, D.; Griffin, P.; Sweeney, M.R. (2018) 'A comparison of physical activity, physical fitness levels, BMI and blood pressure of adults with intellectual disability, who do and do not take part in Special Olympics Ireland programmes: Results from the SOPHIE study'. Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, 22 . [Link] [DOI]
	2017	Hoey, E.; Staines, A.; Walsh, D.; Corby, D.; Bowers, K.; Belton, S.; Meegan, S.; McVeigh, T.; McKeon, M.; Trépel, D.; Griffin, P.; Sweeney, M.R. (2017) 'An examination of the nutritional intake and anthropometric status of individuals with intellectual disabilities: Results from the SOPHIE study'. Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, 21 . [Link] [DOI]
	2016	Corby, D and Hoey, E and Walsh, D and Bowers, K and Mckeon, M and Staines, A and Meegan, S and Belton, S and Griffin, P and McVeigh, T and others (2016) 'Methodological issues arising in recruitment and conducting field work with people with intellectual disabilities and their families: Results from the SOPHIE study'. 60 (7).
	2015	Bowers, K; Corby, D; Lambert, V; Staines, A; McVeigh, T; McKeon, M; Hoey, E; Belton, S; Meegan, S; Walsh, D; Trépel, D; Griffin, P; Sweeney, MR (2015) 'People with intellectual disability and their families' perspectives of Special Olympics Ireland: Qualitative findings from the SOPHIE study'. Journal of intellectual disabilities : JOID, 20 (4). [DOI]
	2014	Belton, S.; O'Brien, W.; Meegan, S.; Woods, C.; Issartel, J. (2014) 'Youth-physical activity towards health: Evidence and background to the development of the Y-PATH physical activity intervention for adolescents'. BMC Public Health, 14 . [Link] [DOI]
	2013	Meegan, Sarah; Dunning, Carol; Belton, Sarahjane; Woods, Catherine (2013) 'Teaching practice: University supervisors' experiences and perceptions of a cooperating physical education teacher education programme'. European Physical Education Review, 19 (2). [DOI]
	2011	Dunning, C., Meegan, S., Woods, C. & Belton, S. (2011) 'The impact of the COPET programme on student teachers' teaching practice experiences'. European Physical Education Review, 17 :153-166.
	2011	Dunning, Carol; Meegan, Sarah; Woods, Catherine; Belton, Sarah Jane (2011) 'The impact of the COPET programme on student PE teachers' teaching practice experiences'. European Physical Education Review, 17 (2). [DOI]
	2010	Belton, Sarahjane; Woods, Catherine; Dunning, Carol; Meegan, Sarah (2010) 'The evaluation of a cooperating physical education teachers programme (COPET)'. European Physical Education Review, 16 (2). [DOI]
	2010	Belton, S., Brady, P., Meegan, S. & Woods, C. (2010) 'Pedometer step count and BMI of Irish primary school children aged 6–9 years'. 50 :189-192.
	2010	Belton, S., Woods, C., Dunning, C. & Meegan, S. (2010) 'COPET: The Evaluation of a Cooperating Physical Education Teachers Programme'. European Physical Education Review, 16 :141-154.
	2009	Belton, S; Brady, P; Meegan, S; Woods, C (2009) 'Pedometer step count and BMI of Irish primary school children aged 6-9 years'. Preventive Medicine, 50 (4). [DOI]
	2006	Meegan, S. & MacPhail, A (2006) 'Irish physical educator's attitude toward teaching students with special educational needs'. European Physical Education Review, 12 :75-97.
	2006	Meegan, S; Maraj, BK; Weeks, D; Chua, R (2006) 'Gross motor skill acquisition in adolescents with Down syndrome'. Down's syndrome, research and practice : the journal of the Sarah Duffen Centre, 9 (3). [DOI]
	2006	Meegan, Sarah; MacPhail, Ann (2006) 'Irish physical educators' attitude toward teaching students with special educational needs'. European Physical Education Review, 12 (1). [DOI]
	2006	Meegan, S., Maraj, B., Weeks, D. & Chua, R. (2006) 'Gross motor skill acquisition in adolescents with Down syndrome'. DOWN SYNDROME RESEARCH AND PRACTICE, 9 .
	2006	Meegan, S.; MacPhail, A. (2006) 'Inclusive education: Ireland's education provision for children with special educational needs'. Irish Educational Studies, 25 . [Link] [DOI]
	2006	Meegan, S. & MacPhail, A. (2006) 'Inclusive education, Ireland's education provision for children with special educational needs'. Irish Educational Studies, 25 .

Book Chapter

	Year	Publication
	2010	Meegan, S. (2010) 'Using ethnography to explore the experiences of a student with special educational needs in mainstream physical education' In: Young People's Voices in Physical Education and Youth Sport. [Link] [DOI]

Other Journal

	Year	Publication
	2009	Belton, S., Meegan, S., Brady, P., Woods, C. , (2009) 'Relationship between PA levels and BMI in Irish primary school children' 5 .
	2007	Meegan, S (2007) 'Providing an inclusive and accessible fitness environment' 10 .
	2006	Meegan, S (2006) 'To include or not to include: Physical activity for all abilities' 9 .
		Dr. Sarah M Meegan .

Conference Contribution

	Year	Publication
	2016	Corby, D., Hoey, E., Walsh, D. Bowers, K., McKeon, M., Staines, A., Meegan, S., Belton, S., Griffin, P. McVeigh, T., Trépel, D. Lambert, L. and M.R, Sweeney (2016) IASSIDD 15th World Congress. Global Partnerships: Enhancing Research, Policy and Practice Methodological issues arising in recruitment and conducting field work with people with intellectual disabilities (ID) and their families: Results from the SOPHIE study Melbourne, 14/08/2016-19/08/2016.
	2016	Corby D, Hoey E, Walsh D, Bowers K, McKeon M, Staines A, Meegan S, Belton S, Griffin P, McVeigh T, Trepel D, Lambert V, Sweeney MR (2016) International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities 15th World Congress. Global Partnerships: Enhancing Research, Policy and Practice Methodological issues arising in recruitment and conducting field work with people with intellectual disabilities and their families: results from the SOPHIE study Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Australia, 15/08/2016-19/08/2016.
	2009	Belton, S., Meegan, S., Brady, P. & Woods, C. (2009) PEPAYS Research Forum An examination of step count, BMI and physical activity participation in Irish primary school children University of Limerick, 11/06/2009-12/06/2009.
	2009	Belton, S., Meegan, S., Dunning, C., & Woods, C. (2009) AIESEP International Forum COPET: The evaluation of a cooperating physical education teacher's programme Besancon, France, 27/05/2009-29/05/2009.
	2008	Woods, C.B., Belton, S., Brady, P. and Meegan, S. (2008) PE PAYS Research Forum An Evaluation of the Physical Education After School Activity Programme University of Limerick, 12/06/2008-13/06/2008.
	2008	Meegan, S (2008) National Conference in Adapted Physical Activity Inclusion in physical education: An ethnographic study Tralee, Co. Kerry, 17/11/2008-18/11/2008.
	2008	Belton, S., Meegan, S., Dunning, C., & Woods, C. (2008) PEPAYS Research Forum COPET: The development of a cooperating physical education teacher¿s programme University of Limerick, 12/06/2008-13/06/2008.
	2007	Meegan, S. (2007) Physical Education Association of Ireland Annual Conference Including students with special educational needs in physical education University College Cork, 05/10/2007-06/10/2007.
	2005	Meegan, S. (2005) International Symposium in Adapted Physical Activity Children’s attitude toward inclusive physical education Verona, Italy, 09/07/2005-11/07/2005.
	2004	Meegan. S and MacPhail. A (2004) British Educational Research Association Annual Conference Teachers attitude towards inclusive physical education University of Birmingham, 16/09/2004-18/09/2004.
	2003	Meegan. S and MacPhail. A (2003) British Educational Research Association Annual Conference Ireland’s educational legislation for children with disabilities University of Edinburgh, 12/09/2003-14/09/2003.

Other Publication

	Year	Publication
	2016	Corby, D.; Hoey, E.; Walsh, D.; Bowers, K.; McKeon, M.; Staines, A.; Meegan, S.; Belton, S.; Griffin, P.; McVeigh, T.; Trepel, D.; Lambert, V.; Sweeney, M. R. (2016) Methodological issues arising in recruitment and conducting field work with people with intellectual disabilities and their families: Results from the SOPHIE study.
	2014	Brien, Wesley O'; Issartel, Johann; Woods, Catherine; Meegan, Sarah; Belton, Sarahjane (2014) The Durability of Physical Activity Promotion Amongst Irish Adolescent Youth: A Structured Pathway for Ensuring Sustainability.
	2014	Belton, Sarahjane; Issartel, Johann; Woods, Catherine; Meegan, Sarah; O'Brien, Wesley (2014) Y-PATH: A New Curriculum Model for Promoting PA in Second Level School Youth.
	2005	Meegan, S. (2005) Children’s attitude toward inclusive physical education.
	2004	Meegan, S. (2004) Teacher's attitude towards inclusive physical education.
	2003	Meegan, S. (2003) Ireland’s educational legislation for children with disabilities.

Honors and Awards

	Date	Title	Awarding Body
	01/01/2011	Research Career Start Award	DCU

Enterprise Engagement

	Year	Engagement Type	Client	Description
	2006	Continuous Professional Development/Training	St Michael's house	Collaboration with St. Michael's House for CPD and teacher training purposes
	2022	Continuous Professional Development/Training	Raheny National Special School	Teaching

Modules Coordinated

	Term	Title	Subject
	2022	Applied Studies in Aquatics	SS223
	2020	Description of 2022_SS309	SS309