North Queensland Toyota Cowboys 2009 – 2013

McQuilty spoke about his experiences being Wounded in Action, Recovery, Rehabilitation, and developing Layered Resilience during recovery from wounds, injuries and/or illnesses. Together with Neil Henry, Head Coach NQ Cowboys, he developed a program for soldiers and players transitioning through Wounds, Injuries and/or Illnesses, to lean on each other to work together through rehabilitation and recovery.

Neil Henry, Head Coach NQ Cowboys 2009 – 2013 - “I first met McQuilty ‘Coco’ Quirke when I was the Head Coach of the North Queensland Cowboys in 2012 and we have remained in contact ever since. The Cowboys football department had an ongoing relationship with the Australian Army through their Townsville based Lavarack Barracks.

We would hold training camps at the Barracks and surrounding areas during preseason to help develop teamwork, leadership and resilience. Coco approached me regarding doing a presentation to our playing group and staff. We organised it and he talked about his life experiences with particular reference to Afghanistan as a combat medic and the injuries he sustained in combat. But more importantly he was keen to forge a link to the club for the soldiers who had returned from their service with psychological issues due to injuries sustained in battle.

His talk resonated well with our players; his passion for his colleagues was obvious, as were his efforts to find ways for them to heal, be accepted and move forward in their lives. We then ran quite a few gym and field sessions where men from the Soldier Recovery Centre participated alongside our players as part of their healing process. This also served to significantly raise awareness and understanding amongst our playing group.

Coco delivers a powerful and passionate presentation, and I have no hesitation in recommending him to any organisation.”

Credits

Neil Henry
Head Coach, NQ Cowboys, 2009 - 2014

Michael Hamer
Trainer, NQ Cowboys, 2012 - 2014