Kidney brings McNulty in to Ireland set-up

It worked.

“Even now that I am out of that darkish place, I still use him now from a life coach point of view, whether it be things like public speaking, preparation and compartmentalising my life. It has progressed on from someone just giving you a little bit of an ego massage to structuring your life a bit better.”

McNulty is expected to work with the general group but also on a one-on-one basis so it should be seen as a similar role to what he has played with Leinster players, who first utilised his psychological assessment during the 2008-09 season.

“I’ve never worked with Enda before but I’m very much looking forward to it,” said Ulster’s in-form flanker Chris Henry. “I think it’s a great resource for us to have and myself personally I’ve used a guy called Hugh Campbell from Belfast who has worked with a number of the Ulster players.”

McNulty, managing director of the company Motiv8, has also worked with 400 metre runner David Gillick and professional golfer Shane Lowry, while current Ireland manager Mick Kearney remembers his work with the Ireland under-20s dating back to 2007: “Obviously he is a trained psychologist who knows all the trigger points in terms of mental drills and skills, rituals, mental toughness, but the secret of what Enda does is that he communicates and people can have all the training in the world but if they don’t communicate well in a team environment then it doesn’t actually work.

“There is evidence it doesn’t work all the time but from my experience working with Enda, his record with Leinster and other individuals he has worked with would lead you to believe that he is actually going to do an excellent job with us.”

Degree:In psychology and Masters in Sports Science.

2002:Member of Armagh side that captured the All-Ireland title and received an All Star to go with the seven Ulster titles he won over a 14-year Gaelic football career, which also saw him feature prominently for Na Fianna GAA club in Dublin.

2005:Established Motiv8. Mission statement: “To inspire, coach and guide individuals and teams to make most of their potential in the sports, business and educational sectors.”

2007:Began working with Leinster and Ireland rugby teams as a sports psychologist.

2013:Appointed performance psychologist for senior Ireland squad ahead of Six Nations.