Her Sport Magazine: Issue 2

EMPOWERING WOMEN IN SPORT No. 2 March 2022

LINDSAY PEAT

No stone left unturned

NIAMH MC EVOY

My retirement letter

NATALYA COYLE

‘It’s actually not winning a medal that’s upsetting, it’s not being able to try’

AMY HUNTER

16-year-old record holder

Rachael Blackmore Her Sport Athlete of the Year1

INTRODUCING THE NEW LIFE STYLE SPORTS BRAND AMBASSADOR

KATIE MCCABE “

“

Life Style Sports has always been such a special place to me and it’s a privilege to become Brand Ambassador

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FROM THE EDITOR

H

CONTENTS

ello and a very warm welcome to the second edition of the Her Sport magazine. To say the first issue was a success would be an understatement. The feedback and response have been overwhelmingly positive and we are proud to be a part of a community who are passionate

6

Rachael Blackmore A Grand Year like no other.

about driving forward women’s sport.

A lot has happened at Her Sport since our last issue, with new milestones hit.

In February, we hosted our first ever in-person Her Sport Awards which were a major success. We brought together athletes and the general public across the country, to recognise and celebrate the remarkable achievements by our sportswomen.

2021 was arguably one of the greatest sporting years of all time, a year that will go down in history for women in sport. We had Olympic and Paralympic success, Solheim Cup heroes, AllIreland Champions, Grand National Winners and Undisputed World

24

Champions. We’ve seen fresh young stars emerge, bursting onto the scene with fearless energy. Irish sport and

Niamh McEvoy

our female athletes captured the heart

Hanging up my boots after

of our nation.

18 years of football.

In this issue we will continue to shine a light on our incredible sportswomen; past, present and future. We will uncover inspirational stories and look at some of the trailblazers who have pioneered the way forward for the next generation. As we continue to push the boundaries for women’s sport, we welcome you to join us. Sit back, relax and enjoy the read!

Niamh Tallon niamh@hersport.ie

10 16 22

Olivia O’Toole

Ireland’s greatest ever goalscorer.

Her Sport Awards

Celebrating the exceptional Irish sports women of 2021: get the full recap.

No woman should live in fear

Every woman has the right to be safe both in their own homes and in their communities.

PUBLISHERS HerSport and Record Media  EDITOR IN CHIEF Alana Fearon  FEATURES EDITOR Niamh Tallon  DESIGN

 CONTRIBUTORS Niamh McEvoy, Alanna Cunnane, Jessica Woodlock, Aoife Kane, Sarah McGeough, Seana Cooke, Niamh Tallon

4

ABOUT HER SPORT If you’re picking up our magazine for the first time, you may be wondering, ‘what is Her Sport?’ Her Sport is a

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digital-first brand, centred around all things women’s sport. Our aim is to give girls and women a voice in sport through daily content including video, podcasts, newsletters, online and social media. Through the power of sport, we are fostering gender equality.

We founded due to the clear underrepresentation of women’s

Natalya Coyle

sport in the media. The statistics

What does the future

are startling. Currently just 6% of

hold for Natalya Coyle?

sports media coverage in Ireland goes to women’s sport, this despite the fact that 41% of participants in sport are women. Such levels of undercrediting achievements and starving young people of female role models

Lindsay Peat

are unsustainable and have a lasting impact. By the age of 14, twice as

Basketball. GAA. Rugby. No

many girls drop out of sport as boys

stone left unturned.

- research from all over the globe has produced this same, sad statistic. For our part, we want girls and women to see a future in sport, to feel like they belong and to seize opportunities to get

30

involved, no matter what the standard or the role they play.

With Her Sport, we have built something unique; a platform that gives our sportswomen what they have earned - recognition, visibility, support and respect. Her Sport is here to make real, tangible change and

29 36 38

Laura Delany (Cricket)

The second women’s national team in Ireland to introduce professional contracts.

inspire future generations. We believe that it’s time to review our attitudes as a society and be honest about the attention and investment we are giving women’s sport.

Amy Hunter

The world’s youngest international centurion on her 16th birthday.

Many people identify as sports fans - but are they true fans or just men’s sports fans? It’s time to give female athletes and female teams their

Amy O’Donoghue Period Panel

Tackling the stigma around periods in athletics with Amy O’Donoghue.

moment, so tune in and see what it’s all about. And guess what? You can enjoy twice as much sport, twice the excitement, and more!

N Sarah Buggy and Hans Spoelman  PRODUCTION James Wynne  COMMERCIAL Richie Kelly  PHOTOS Sportsfile  DISTRIBUTION Business Post Group

n, Mohammed Mahomed  FOR ADVERTISING SALES & PARTNERSHIPS CONTACT richie@recordmedia.org  FOR EDITORIAL CONTACT niamh@hersport.ie

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Rachael Blackmore

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IN THE SADDLE WITH

Rachael Blackmore

Her Sport Athlete of the Year

By Aoife Kane

R

achael Blackmore, who last year became

After an illustrious year, motivation is still

the first female jockey to ride the winner

running high for Blackmore in a sport where

at the Aintree Grand National, is the

no one stays on top for too long. But she isn’t

Her Sport Athlete of the Year 2021. In a

planning too far ahead.

year where she also galloped to victory

“I’ve never looked too far into the future because

at the Cheltenham Festival, Blackmore

if you do that, racing has a way of scuttling

showed the world with her energetic

your plans. Racing pulls you back down to earth

and competitive nature that barriers are

straight away. You’re riding Aintree and a few

there to be broken. And as she rode the

days later you’re back in Ireland. We were racing

11-1 Minella Times across the finish at

in Ballinrobe a few days later and that’s part of

the Grand National, wearing green and

what we do as jockeys, we lose a lot more than we

gold silks and a wide grin across her face,

win. You’re always brought back down to earth in

Rachael beamed: “I don’t feel male or female

this sport, so you’re well used to feeling that.”

right now. I don’t even feel human.”

Reflecting on her joyous outburst after winning horse racing’s most prestigious competition, the 32-year-old admitted she doesn’t know where the expression came from and that any thoughts she had before the race went “completely out the window” as the realisation of her historic achievement sunk in. “I don’t really know where that came from. That was quite a historic moment for female riders. I was the first female to win the Grand National so it was a historic moment in that sense.”

The talented jockey, who hails from the green flatlands of Killenaule, Co Tipperary, had many exceptional moments in 2021 - but one stands

“I don’t really know where that came from. That was quite an historic moment for female riders. I was the first female to win the grand national so it was a historic moment in that sense.”

out as the favourite. “I think the Grand National on Minella Times was the standout moment. It was that feeling crossing the line, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to emulate that again, it was just incredible. It’s a race with such history and you really feel part of that history now.”

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2021 WINS ■

Irish Champion Hurdle

■

Top Jockey at Cheltenham

■ Grand National ■ 2nd in Jockey’s Championship ■ 2nd in Irish Jump Jockey Championship ■ Quadruple Grade 1 competitions ■ Hattons Grace ■ Betfair Chase

So what’s her secret to success? “I don’t actually set myself any major goals, it’s just never been something I’ve done because racing can change so much and there are so many different things at play. I just try and take it week by week, or even day by day.”

Less than a month

before riding into the history books at Aintree, Blackmore won the Ruby Walsh Trophy for Top Jockey at Cheltenham with six wins, another groundbreaking feat in the sport for female riders.

She would continue to rack up 92 wins in the 2020/2021 National Hunt Season. But despite her blatant talent in the saddle, Blackmore’s riding career has taken a path she never thought was possible.

Never did she think while riding her pony, Bubbles around her family farm as a child in Tipperary that she would one day be riding winners and making

Honeysuckle with Rachael Blackmore,

history at Aintree and Cheltenham. She grew up

on their way to winning the Chanelle

surrounded by animals and enjoyed eventing and

Pharma Irish Champion Hurdle. Photo

hunts in her teens but, after finishing studying

by Sportsfile

HORSES ■ Minella Times ■ Honeysuckle

equine science at the University of Limerick aged 25, Blackmore stood at a crossroads. Fuelled by

growing up and even now as a professional jockey,

her love of horses, she toyed with the idea of doing

Rachael said there’s been few differences between

Veterinary but, regardless of what career path

the sexes. “It’s completely equal if you’re good

she chose, the one certain was that she wanted to

enough and you put in the work, male or female,”

work at a stables. And when it came time to get

she revealed.

■ Quilixios ■ Tellmesomethinggirl ■ A Plus Tard ■ Sir Gerhard ■ Allaho

a real job or take the risk of turning professional, Rachael felt she had nothing to lose and took a

But she also credits the female jockeys who have

punt on herself.

gone before such as Nina Carberry and Katie Walsh for blazing the trail. “For me, the fact that I was

Given that horse racing is a sport dominated

able to cross the line in the Grand National and

by men, it was inevitable that Rachael was

not be hit by that fact (of being female). I was just

immediately asked the gender question after

thrilled that I was a jockey to have won it. I think

crossing the finish line victorious at Aintree. But

that’s massively down to all the women who have gone before me to put in the parameters that made me feel like that when I crossed the line.”

And the task of tackling any inequalities that remain doesn’t seem to faze this fearless jockey.

While conscious of the influence and impact she has on the next generation of aspiring riders, Blackmore is more focused on the variables she can control. “You just keep moving forward and you keep producing the results and that’s all one can do.”

SCAN HERE For video interview with Rachael Blackmore.

Sponsored by Revive Active.

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“You just keep moving forward and you keep producing the results and that’s all one can do.”

YOU NEVER RUN ALONE

You get yourself out of bed, but it’s your friends who get you over the finish line.

9

Olivia O’Toole Breaking records for the love of it

Olivia O’Toole

By Seana Cooke (Póg Mo Goal)

O

livia O’Toole sits behind only Robbie Keane in goals scored for Ireland. During an international career that spanned 18 years, she bagged 54 goals and collected eight FAI Cups and nine League titles. But a glimpse through her achievements makes it clear that the three-time player of the year should be a far more celebrated figure in

the Irish game.

A supremely gifted player, O’Toole was one of the most dynamic and lethal players this country has ever produced. The Dubliner

FACTS ■

had a keen eye for

Childhood: Born and raised in Sheriff Street in Dublin

■

International debut: Against Spain in 1991, aged 20. Scored the winning goal.

■

International highlights: Scored 54 goals, picked up three International Player of the Year awards and a special merit award at the FAI International Football Awards.

goal and possessed incredible close

Olivia, or ‘Livy’ as she is better

international career. She played in

control and dribbling

known, spent her childhood kicking

every game and scored 11 of the 17

skills, establishing her

in yards and alleys.

goals, most notably putting four

as a leading light in

past Scotland and a hat trick against

the Irish set-up for

‘Livy’ joined Drumcondra women’s

Greece.

almost 2 decades.

team at 16, but it took four years

She continued to break records and

of playing in the local league

netted her fifth career hat trick

Inner-city Dublin in

before her chance to line out for

against Malta in 2004, the first

the 1970’s and 80’s

her country would come. She made

player to do so in a green jersey, a

was a difficult place

her international debut in 1991 in

record she still holds to this day.

to grow up as Ireland

Cordoba, Spain. For the Irish star,

O’Toole had spells with Castle

endured a decade-

2001 would be the best year of her

Rovers, Shamrock Rovers, Raheny

long recession.

Heroin ripped through the heart of the city, exacerbated by poverty and unemployment. The streets of the capital became the epicentre of a drug epidemic, and that left only two options for most young people - drugs or sport.“If it wasn’t for football, I’d be in a completely different place,” admitted Olivia.

Around Dublin, street football was played mainly by boys, with one noted exception. Sheriff Street was the training ground of O’Toole, one of Ireland’s finest natural talents.

10

United and St Catherine’s, where

The streets of the capital became the epicentre of a drug epidemic and that left only two options for most young people :drugs or sport.

success followed. In total, she bagged 54 senior international goals which included a 50th against Italy in 2007 before she hung up her boots for the final time in 2009, summing up a total of 130 caps.

The inaugural Her Sport Hall of Fame inductee, Olivia was a one of a kind player and someone who continues to give back to her community.

SCAN HERE For video interview with Olivia O’Toole at Her Sport Awards. Sponsored by Clubforce.

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“It’s actually not the not winning a medal that’s very upsetting; it’s more not being able to try.”

By Alanna Cunnane

“

W

hat’s coming in the future? I’m not sure yet.” Self-

“For me at the moment, to get the

asked and answered, it’s a statement which is as

sport into the LA 2028 games is the

true for Natalya Coyle’s own career as it is for the

most important thing. I’m not sure

future of the sport she has brought to the attention

what that format will look like at the

of the nation - modern pentathlon.

moment” says Coyle, who is on the

Ironically named given it’s designed to reflect the

UIPM’s athlete commission involved in the consultation.

abilities of a soldier in battle, the discipline itself includes fencing, swimming, laser pistol shooting,

“I feel like I’ve slightly come full circle

running and, up until recently and the fiasco of last

a little bit to maybe help shape the

summer’s Tokyo Olympic Games, horse riding.

future, whatever that might look like.

Setting herself in good stead after the swimming and fencing

“I wouldn’t be in this sport now if it

portions, and fancied to be in medal contention, Natalya’s

wasn’t for the Olympics. I want all

podium dreams were destroyed when the randomly-allocated

the 16 and 17-year-olds to have that

horse she had 20 minutes to get to know refused both the

opportunity, and to have something to

equestrian hurdles. Looking back on the “devastating” moment

reach for.”

“I feel like I’ve slightly come full circle a little bit to maybe help shape the future.”

when five years of hard work were dashed in just a few seconds, the 31-year-old Meath woman describes the experience as a

Having achieved that role model status throughout

“blur”.

her three Olympic cycles, Natalya feared she’d let down her loyal fans by returning home last

“I remember turning the corner to the area that people would

summer without the anticipated silverware. But

have seen that I had the trouble in and trying my best, but

the two-time world cup medallist couldn’t have

knowing that it just wasn’t going to happen” she says.

been more wrong. Posters, cards and a community brimming with pride were what awaited her in

“It was devastating and I think it only really hit me in the

Meath, support she’ll never forget.

months afterwards. It’s actually not the not winning a medal that’s very upsetting, but it’s more not being able to try.”

“I got to meet so many people and I got loads of cards in the post. I have them at home and they’re

With Coyle and many of her competitors robbed of the

so special to me, they always will be,” she says.

opportunity through “chance and luck” rather than anything of their own doing, calls for change came thick and fast, inciting

“When I was over there I nearly thought like, ‘oh,

the Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne to remove

I’ve disappointed a lot of people because I didn’t

horse riding from the sport - in the coming months the fifth

win a medal’. When I came back, obviously it

element will be decided. And now Skryne woman Natalya’s

would have been lovely to bring a medal but people

priorities lie with ensuring modern pentathlon lasts the distance.

12

Natalya Coyle

13

FACTS

were just like, ‘you went to the Olympics’ and I

and running “quite a bit.”And while

kind of sometimes forget, because I’ve gone to

admitting that LA 2028 may be a

three, how special it is to go.

“step too far”, it remains to be seen

■ Name: Natalya Coyle

whether Paris 2024 has the same fate

■ Sport: Modern

“Hopefully I’ll have inspired the next generation

or whether Natalya will give Olympic

of not just modern pentathletes, but even a sport

glory one last shot.

■ Personal Best:

“For me to go again, it would have

■ Home: Co Meath

Adamant that no family or coaching pressures

to be driven by a huge amount of

■ Tokyo marked Nata-

will birth such future stars, Natalya believes the

passion. I just have to wait and see

lya’s third Olympic

“difficult” and “lonely” life of an athlete can only

if that’s enough to carry me through

Games. In 2012, she

be endured when the individual wants to pursue it

for the next two years” she says.

became Ireland’s first

that might be a little bit obscure at the moment.”

Pentathlon World Ranking 13th

“with every fibre of your being.”“It’s really tough

modern pentath-

because every day is not a great day,” Coyle told

“I’m just going to make that decision

lete to qualify for an

Her Sport.

probably in the middle of summer.

Olympics since the

I’ll decide then what I choose to

1980’s and finished

“Of course there are some amazing times and

do after the Masters, but it’s just I

ninth in London. In

Natalya

I’ve travelled the world and gone to the Olympics,

wanted to have a break anyway and

Rio 2016, she finished

Coyle is

but there are bits in between that aren’t as nice.

come back fresh.”

sixth and she qualified

represented

You’ve got to really want to do it yourself and

very early for Tokyo

by Navy

I think if someone is forcing you into it, it just

2020 by finishing 5th

Blue. Photo

doesn’t work.”

at the 2018 European

by Stephen

Championships.

McCarthy Sportsfile

Currently assessing that very conundrum herself as she takes a “break” from modern pentathlon and instead hunts a Masters in Sustainable Resources in London, she still partakes in fencing

“I wouldn’t be in this sport now if it wasn’t for the Olympics. I want all the 16 and 17-year-olds to have that opportunity, and to have something to reach for.”

14

Honeysuckle with Rachael Blackmore, on their way to winning the Chanelle Pharma Irish Champion Hurdle.

Photo by Sportsfile

Get to know me with 400m athlete Sophie Becker

By Mohammed Mahomed

I

n case you’ve been living under a rock, Sophie Becker is a 400m athlete from New Ross in Co Wexford who was an Olympic finalist in the Tokyo Games in the 4x400m mixed relay. That team set a new Irish record in the heat to become the first Irish relay team to make an Olympic final, and Sophie herself set a new personal best of 52.32 for the 400m, a time which moved her to fifth in the All-time Irish list.

There aren’t enough column inches to detail her achievements to date, so we sat down with Sophie to find out more about the athlete behind the headlines.

Favourite athletics memory?

Oooh. Probably Berlin 2018. It was my first Senior experience.

It was just different to U23’s or anything like that.

Favourite pre-event meal?

I find it hard to eat before a competition. The only thing I’m able to eat before races are pancakes, so I usually make banana pancakes or protein pancakes.

Always early or always late?

Late… Oh God, don’t even ask. I wish I could say early! Like if people want me to be there for 2 o’clock, usually they’ll tell me half one, that’s how bad I am.

If you weren’t a runner, what would you be?

I’d like to be someone who feeds baby pandas. You know, in the zoo?

I’d love to do that!

Olympic tattoo. Yes or no?

Yes!

The best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

FACTS ■ Club: Raheny Shamrock AC ■ Memorable

One of the cards that I got from someone

moments: Qualified

at work said something really nice. ‘Do

for Team Ireland’s first

what you do best.’ I think that sums

ever relay team in an

everything up.

Olympic final with a

Funniest member on the Athletics Ireland team?

- 6th All Time Irish

new National Record.

Outdoor 400m (52.35)

Siofra [Cléirigh Büttner] is pretty funny.

- 4th All Time Irish

In your opinion, who is the greatest Irish athlete of all time?

- 400M Indoor &

Hmm.. I think Katie Taylor, she is

Indoor 400m (52.64) Outdoor National Champion 2020

incredible. I don’t think she gets enough credit for what she does.

15

RELIVE THE PRIDE AS WE TAKE A LOOK BACK AT

1

The Her Sport Awards

2

1

By Aoife Kane

2

021 proved to be a momentous year for women in sport. There was Olympic and Paralympic success, Solheim Cup heroes, All-Ireland Champions, Grand

National Winners and undisputed World Champions.

IN THE SADDLE WITH Fresh young stars emerged, bursting onto the scene with fearless energy, and our acclaimed sporting

Athlete of the Year Rachael Blackmore Sponsored by Revive Active

veterans continued to show the world how it’s done.

Trailblazing jockey, Rachael Blackmore made

Irish female athletes provided some of the most thrilling

unprecedented strides for women in sport as she

and memorable moments in what was arguably one of

broke the ceiling in what has historically been a

the greatest sporting years of all time. And as women’s

male-dominated field. The Tipperary star asserted

sport continues to shine, the fourth annual Her Sport

herself as one of the best jockeys in the world as she

Awards, presented by Gym+Coffee, were hosted in the Astra

claimed SIX winners at the Cheltenham Festival. In

Hall at UCD to honour and celebrate the talent, dedication and

doing so, Blackmore became the first woman to be

success of these amazing athletes.

named leading jockey. Just a week later, the Tipperary

Sports stars and fans from across the country gathered for

trailblazer racked up victory at the Grand National

drinks and posed for pictures on the red carpet as the anticipa-

on Minella Times. Moments after winning the Grand

tion reached fever pitch. As the crowd spilled into the theatre,

National, she coined her now famous quote:

you could hear a pin drop as hosts Her Sport co-founder, Niamh

"I don't feel male or female right now. I don't even

Tallon and TG4 presenter, Maire Treasa Ní Dhubhghaill geared

feel human."

up to announce the gongs.

In case you missed it, or if like us you just want to relive the glitz and glamour, here is your round-up from the night:

“I was just thrilled that I was a jockey to have won it. I think that’s massively down to all the women who have gone before me to put in the parameters that made me feel like that when I crossed the line.”

Rachael Blackmore

16

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

2

Hall of Fame Olivia O’Toole Sponsored by Clubforce

Young Athlete of the Year Mona McSharry Sponsored by WHOOP

Olivia O’Toole was the first inductee into the Her Sport Hall Of

In 2021, Mona McSharry burst onto the scene and laid down a marker

Fame, a fitting honour for her outstanding contribution to sport.

as one of the finest swimmers in the world. At the Tokyo Olympic

The former Irish soccer international scored 54 goals for the

Games, the Sligo woman became the first Irish swimmer, male or

national team in a prolific career that spanned 18 years. But it’s her

female, to reach an Olympic final in 25 years. The 21-year-old set

contribution to women’s sport off the pitch that has arguably set her

record after record and stole the spotlight at the Short Course World

apart. “I never thought I would be a role model for anyone,” O’Toole

Championships in Abu Dhabi, where she set a mind-blowing eight

said, after a touching tribute video from a number of international

new Irish records and claimed bronze in the 100M Individual Medley.

stars including Katie McCabe, Aine O’Gorman and Louise Quinn.

Pioneering the path forward for Irish swimming, she’s not only one to watch for the future, but also the present.

Team of the Year Meath Football Sponsored by Sky In their first year at senior football, Meath pulled off one of the biggest shocks of all time in the All-Ireland Championship. The Royals went all the way to knock the seemingly unbeatable Dubs off their throne. Having experienced defeat in All-Ireland finals in 2018 and 2019, Meath avenged their heartbreak to claim the Intermediate title in 2020. And against all the odds, they went on to follow this up with a sensational first ever Senior title - beating the likes of Cork, Armagh and Dublin on the way to glory. In five games, Meath scored a scintillating 66 points and 7 goals, led by the deadly trio of Emma Duggan, Stacey Grimes and Vikki Wall. Manager Eamon Murray took over as manager in 2019 when Meath were playing in Division 3, but now they’re the team to beat.

“If we can do it, anyone can do it.”

“Mona is a superstar. I always tell my mates, ‘Did you ever see those stories about Ronaldo, his work ethic and his professionalism?’ That’s what she’s like. She deserves everything she gets. She’s deadly.”

Brendan Hyland, Swim Ireland teammate

Murray, after one of the biggest upsets in football history

TEAM OF THE YEAR

YOUNG ATHLETE OF THE YEAR 17

The Her Sport Awards Gallery

1

2

5

6

4

18

2

3

SCAN HERE For video of the full Her Sport awards.

1. Irish Rugby and Railway Union star Lindsay Peat alongside Hall Of Fame inductee Olivia O’Toole 2.Olympic Bronze Medalist - Rob Heffernan 3. Guests on the night; Robbie White, Sinead Dickson, Aoife Ni Thuathail and Fidel Gaul.

4. Her Sport supporters, Ali Bell, Caroline O’Callaghan and Nicolle McDonagh 5. Her Sport Founder Niamh Tallon presenting Ireland’s top goal scorer Olivia O’Toole with her award.

6. Olivia O’Toole and Lindsay Peat pictured with the Usher Celtic FC Team

7

7. Irish Kayaker Jenny Egan and Jon Simmons

19

“I’m everything the Taliban don’t want their women to be.”

By Niamh Tallon

M

eet Nadia Nadim: Refugee, Professional Footballer, Surgeon. At the age of 11, Nadim fled Afghanistan with her mother and four sisters to escape the Taliban that killed her father.

Twenty-two years on, Nadim has gone on to become one of the most prominent and prolific goalscorers in ladies soccer. The now Danish

Nadia Nadim

international boasts an exceptional

16-year professional career in the game. And as if that isn’t enough to brag about, Nadim recently qualified as a doctor after six years of studying.

To put it in her own words: “I’m everything the Taliban don’t want their women to be.”

Nadim was born in Herat, Afghanistan’s third largest city. Her father, Rabani Nadim was a general in the Afghan Army. In 2000, the Taliban

ask the coach if she could join in. As

took him from war-torn Afghanistan to the

time passed, she practised everyday

Karbala desert. For six months, his family were

and found her purpose. Living in a

left in the dark over his whereabouts. He never

Danish society which empowered

returned home and his heartbroken family later

girls playing sport, Nadim excelled

learned he had been executed.

and once her family were granted asylum, her professional career took

Soon after, the Taliban quickly took over the

off.

country and things changed drastically. Women’s rights were abolished, which included a new

Nadim went on to play for Sky Blue

regime forbidding girls from attending school.

FC and the Portland Thorns in the

It was that which prompted Nadim’s mother

MLS, before playing for Man City and

Hamida to desperately seek a way out for her

PSG. She has represented Denmark

and her family. She sold all of their belongings

since 2009 having notched up 98

- apartment, car and jewellery - to seek a new

caps and over 200 career goals.

life outside of Afghanistan. In the middle of the night, Nadim, her mother and four sisters fled

In addition to her impressive

the country in a small minivan. They escaped

football career, Nadim speaks

to Pakistan for two months with the intention

seven languages and early this year

of eventually arriving in London. But things did

qualified as a doctor. She fulfilled her

not go to plan and they ended up being left in a

dream to become a Reconstructive

refugee camp in Denmark.

Surgeon after spending six years studying and flying home for exams

The family spent nine months in the refugee camp

and hospital internships around the

and it was here where Nadim found her love for

football season.

football. While exploring the camp, she spotted a group of girls playing ball. Nervous, shy and

“Being a doctor someday in

not being able to speak the language at the time,

Afghanistan or somewhere in Africa

she would stand behind the fence and curiously

with Doctors Without Borders, you

observe. Time and time again she would come back

are someone’s last hope and I’ll be

and watch. Eventually, she built up the courage to

making a difference,” she said.

20

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21

No woman should live in fear

By Sarah McGeough

O

n January 12th 2022, Ashling Murphy went for a run by the canal at 4pm. She never returned home.

Ashling’s shocking murder was a heartbreaking reminder of the male violence against women which is endemic in Irish life. The national and global outpouring of grief and frustration in the weeks since that fateful day in Tullamore, Co Offaly has reignited conversations about the fears women in Ireland live with on a

daily basis.

The message behind Ashling’s viral #shewasjustgoingforarun hashtag was not intended to fuel a victim-blaming narrative,

Should women give up running alone? Should

as some people have suggested, but rather to

they skip training when the long, wintry nights

emphasise the reality that women feel unsafe

might force them to walk home in the dark? They

going about their ordinary, everyday business.

shouldn’t have to. Yes, there are ways to reduce

Her death made one thing painfully clear; that

the risks; exercising in daylight, in public or in

JOIN HER SPORT’S INITIATIVE

male violence is all-pervasive in modern society.

groups, carrying pepper-spray, or sharing your

Join HERSPORT’s

Exercising is one of those daily experiences that

live location via GPS. These measures can be

initiative to start a

leaves women feeling vulnerable and at risk.

helpful but, as Ashling’s case demonstrated, they

conversation about

Whether it’s going for a jog after work, a stroll

are not enough. Ashling was attacked on a public

the REAL fears

after dinner or walking home from training, almost all women at some point in their lives have experienced that prickling fear that makes them pull out their headphones and grip their keys and phones tighter. Many women know the feeling of panic when they find themselves alone with a dead phone battery or the nausea that settles in your stomach as the

There is no such thing as ‘asking for it’

path in the early afternoon. At the

women face on a

end of the day, you cannot control the

daily basis. All funds

actions of others.

go to Women’s Aid, an Irish

The bottom line is that the onus is not

organisation that

on women. Preventing women from

offers confidential

going out at night, from walking or

information,

running alone, or making them change

support and

their clothes and attitudes around men

understanding to

will not stop male violence. There’s no

women suffering

victim of lewd remarks hurled by a man you’ve

such thing as “asking for it”. It’s not women who

abuse from current

never even met before.

need to change their behaviours, it’s men.

or former partners.

Since Ashling’s death, many young women

Systemic change is required to transform the

speak of changing their routes and altering their

culture of our traditionally patriarchal society.

schedules to avoid the dark or isolated areas.

Acknowledging the issue of male violence,

Some question running alone in the areas they’ve

adopting a policy of zero tolerance, and educating

spent their entire lives in. Cities may have more

men are the first steps. Until misogyny and male

street lights and a greater safety net in terms of

privilege are addressed, women will continue to

proximity to other people, but what if those people

live in fear. It is imperative that we continue to

are the ones cat-calling or leering at you as they

play an active role in spreading awareness and

drive slowly by? Isolated, rural areas present their

pressurising the government to implement real

own issues with few well-lit options or populated

change.

spaces in which to train.

22

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23

Niamh McEvoy

“Reflecting on my journey now, the part I value most is the connections I made with the people with whom I share a common goal.”

24

“If you’re waiting on success to make you happy, you’re missing out on so much along the way.”

By Niamh McEvoy they were going through. Long story short, if someone is going well, let them know they’re going well. If someone has a go over an error, be generous in your understanding, because maybe they’re having a week where they are feeling the weight of the pressure that the environment brings.

I

Valuing connections

’ve worn the Dublin Football jersey to represent my club,

Reflecting on my journey now, the part I value most is the

my family and myself at inter-county level at either

connections I made with the people with whom I shared a

underage or as a member of the senior football team every

common goal. Of course there’s the obvious lifers (as we call

year for the past 18 years. Yet it still feels my retirement

ourselves!) who I will always lean on for support and will

from the team and group I love has come around at

love forever. I’m talking about the likes of Sinead Aherne,

lightening speed.

Noelle Healy, Nicole Owens and a few other headers! However, it’s not only those friendships for which I will be forever

I grew up alongside Dublin Ladies Football. It became

thankful; it’s for the connections I made with the people who

part of my identity. I played underage the whole way up

were at the end of their careers when I was starting out, the

through every age grade and it was the best childhood

people who only played for a few seasons, the people who

imaginable. I then played for the senior team through

dipped in and out and the people who only played that one

five different sets of management teams, five All Ireland

year. There’s the kids who are just starting out like Kate

final losses, five All Ireland final wins and numerous barren

Sullivan and Caoimhe O’Connor over whom I will always feel

years in between. Do I regret not going away travelling on

protective. There is Sarah McCaffery who remains the kindest

those years when we had unsuccessful campaigns? Not for

and most thoughtful person I have ever had the pleasure of

one second. However, at times throughout my years with

befriending. There is Siobhan Woods who, through thick

Dublin it’s safe to say I lost sight of the incredible journey I

and thin, supported me and stuck by me whether we were

was on. Playing for Dublin obviously means you’re engulfed

in direct competition or not. There’s Sinead O’Mahony and

in an extremely competitive environment. This in itself can

Fiona Hudson with whom I share some of my most precious

create a certain level of pressure and it must be said, stress.

memories, having played with them all the way up through

There was always also that underlying desire to be successful

underage and a few years at senior.

both as part of a group but also as an individual. All I can say now is that if I had the opportunity to advise my younger

Being a good teammate

self or even any young person starting out in their career, it

It’s funny how my motivating factors changed throughout

would be to enjoy the group; the different individuals, their

the course of my playing career. Initially I just wanted to

different world views, their different approaches to training

get off the bench and on to the pitch, then shortly after that

and to life in general. What an opportunity to learn and to

I wanted to start, then I had ambitions to play every minute

grow!

of every game. On a bigger scale, I wanted to win Leinster

Thoughts on success

titles and the biggest motivating factor of all was to win All Irelands. Honestly though, by the end of my career my biggest

What I’ve come to realise is that if you’re waiting on success

motivation was to be a good teammate, to enjoy the group, to

to make you happy, you’re missing out on so much along

contribute positively to Dublin football and the players who

the way. Don’t get me wrong, that ambition to be successful

would be as heavily invested in Dublin’s success as I have been

and to be the best version of oneself is important and was

for more than half my life. We are at the end of the day only

a huge reason why I kept going back and driving forward.

gatekeepers for those who are coming next.

Nonetheless, I have regrets; like how at times I stumbled across that very fine line of being my best competitive self

My final year with Dublin, despite being seemingly

and being overly stressed. Looking back, it’s what I can only

unsuccessful to the outside world, was one of my most

describe as succumbing to a feeling of huge pressure. In

enjoyable yet. And so, to football, I will always be grateful for

those moments, or even at times full weeks, I didn’t enjoy my

the unbreakable connection and bond I have made with so

teammates, I wasn’t understanding of the unique experiences

many good people, too many to count!

25

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28

Irish Women’s Cricket captain, Laura Delany welcomes new level playing field with debut professional contracts

By Mohammed Mahomed

“

I

t’s massive,” declared a beaming

a leader or a captain in any sport.”

Laura Delany, who has captained

“Back in 2014, we didn’t have any of the support

the Irish cricket team since

that we have now. We didn’t have a nutritionist,

This summer, Australia, South

2016. Professional contracts

we didn’t have a strength and conditioning coach.

Africa and Pakistan, some of the

have always been earmarked

We were organising all our own gym sessions.

biggest and best teams in the world,

as the next step for women’s

are set to travel to Ireland to play

sport in order to elevate the

“After training, we would always take pictures and

standard and create a more

send them into the WhatsApp group to educate

competitive landscape. And

ourselves on what recovery food we should be

“It’ll be so nice to have those teams

Cricket Ireland have come to the

eating. I remember one night, Cecelia [Joyce] sent

over here for a good challenge but

fore as they announced their

in a picture of her snack at half ten at night and

also be able to play on home soil

first ever full-time professional

it was obvious she was still in the office working.

because quite often when we do

contracts for Ireland Women as part

I just remember being like ‘Oh my gosh, that is

play against the bigger sides it’s in

of a €1.5million investment in the

commitment to a whole new level.’ She was at

ICC tournaments and that’s always

women’s game.

work, went to training and then went back to

overseas.”

competitive cricket on Irish soil.

work, only to be up for a session the next day at A total of 20 players have been

half five in the morning.”

offered contracts, with seven fulltime, nine part-time/educational, and

At 29 years old, Delany is seen as one of the more

four non-retainer contracts. In doing

experienced players in the national team. The

so, the women’s cricket team are now

top-order batsman made her debut at the age of

the second women’s national team in

17 against New Zealand and six years later in April

Ireland to introduce full-time playing

2016, she was given the honour of captaining her

contracts.

country.

“The last Cricket World Cup that we

“It’s honestly such an honour. I feel like it

went to in 2018, we were the only

sounds so cheesy because even though I’ve been

team that weren’t professional.

captaining for a good few years now, there are

In our situation we were trying to

times when people introduce me as the Irish

manage full-time jobs or college and

captain and I’m like ‘Oh yeah, I am the Irish

you’d get home from training at half

captain!’

ten or eleven o’clock and you’d be up again the next morning at half five

“I think I have grown a lot since I took over

for the next session.”

the captaincy. I was very young, I was cheeky, I pushed the boundaries, I learned the hard way. In

In November, Ireland qualified for

the last couple of years I have grown a little bit in

the ICC Championship. This consists

confidence and I think that’s half the battle being

of 10 teams and out of the 10, Ireland were the only team who weren’t fully professional. Now things are changing. Recovery, analysis, preparation, nutrition and sleep - the fundamental basics which were once a luxury are now a given.

“I think I have grown a lot since I took over the captaincy.”

29

Lindsay Peat

30

“We need to change the cultural set up of women’s sport.”

By Jessica Woodlock

L

indsay Peat has done it all. From her first

starting jersey, you either take it or you don’t and

Lindsey Peat

Irish cap in soccer at underage, to co-

thankfully I showed glimpses of what I could do”

during the

captaining the senior Irish basketball team,

she told Her Sport. And Peat definitely showed

Women’s

an All-Ireland medal with Dublin GAA and

what she could do, going on to earn herself 38

Six Nations

now, a successful Irish rugby career, there’s

caps. A master of the game, indeed of all sports,

rugby

quite literally been no stone left unturned.

and a first-class example of a female role model,

champion-

retirement is bittersweet for Peat, following a

ship match

For Peat, who announced her official

tumultuous year for women’s rugby but an overall

between

retirement from the oval ball in January,

“amazing” personal career in the green jersey.

Ireland and

rugby was a sport that came at the right time,

And with other countries moving towards parity

Scotland.

after an unsuccessful All-Ireland attempt

with professional and semi-pro contracts for their

PHOTO

in 2014. “I was heartbroken and I needed

female players, it’s a changing time in Irish rugby,

Ramsey

some time, so you know it found me. I certainly

one she thinks should come from the “bottom-

Cardy/

have a love affair for rugby and I was able to bring

up”.

Sportsfile

in attributes of basketball and GAA,” said the “Professionalism needs to be on

41-year-old Dublin native.

Peat’s rugby career saw her arrive somewhat late to the game aged 35, when she got her call-up to the Irish camp after just five league games with Railway Union. “The calibre of player I was playing with was unbelievable. I liked the challenge but I hated the insecurity and the unknown of being at that baseline of amateur. The challenge of

“If young females see role models in all different shapes and sizes, it sends a good message.”

the cards but we need to look at the grassroots level, increasing the pool of players first. We need to change the cultural setup of women’s sport.

If young females see role models in all different shapes and sizes, it sends a good message.”

It comes down to improving skills at club and provisional level first, according to Peat. “I think there’s a huge opportunity. We invest in players, we attract better coaches, we

wanting to master it is probably what drove me

increase the skills, we keep the media coverage.

along,” she admitted.After getting her chance to

I don’t think we can go into full professionalism

start against England in the Autumn Internationals

yet until everything else is sorted.” As for what’s

in 2015, the prop certified her place on the team.

next, Peat will continue to play with her home

“When you have that opportunity to get into that

club, Railway Union. After over six years playing

31

LINDSAY’S RETIREMENT SPEECH

“I always dreamed of becoming a professional athlete, a sportsperson, and I have on the greatest level possible fulfilled that dream. I still feel the need to pinch myself to believe it.

“In 38 appearances I have scored tries for my country and given away a few too! I have laughed. I have cried. I really did go out and ‘break a leg’!

I have played in front of thousands of fans against some of the best players in the world. I have signed autographs and been on the telly.

“I have had tough conversations and I have had pleasant ones where I have met the most amazing people who have been interested to know more about me.

Lindsay Peat

with the club, she’s now a well-

the box, the stands or, in time,

during the

established player in the starting

the side lines. But one thing’s for

Women’s

pack. But that wasn’t always the

sure - the sports veteran won’t be

These past few years I have lived my

Six Nations

case and she remembers a match at

left wanting when it comes to new

dream and played for my country:

rugby

the start of her career, when she’d

opportunities.

I played for Ireland. Though I am

champion-

yet to make her mark in rugby. “In

simply a single thread within a

ship match

one of my first games I remember

shining green jersey, I hope that I

between

playing Belvedere. I had side-stepped

leave a bit of a legacy in the fabric

Ireland and

and was making a breakaway. And I

and that my beloved number 1 jersey

Scotland.

remember meeting Nora Stapleton”

PHOTO

said Peat with a smile.

Ramsey Cardy/

“I saw all this space and just Nora

Sportsfile

and I thought ‘oh yeah I’m going to get around this player’ and she absolutely lassoed me around the ankles. I’m there face planted on the ground and it was a reminder of how new I was to the sport and the calibre of the players I was against.”

For Peat, that high calibre is evident alongside her teammates at Railway who, after a successful win against Blackrock RFC, are All-Ireland champions for the 2021/2022 season - retaining their title with Peat at the fore.

As for the girls in green, she’ll be “roaring” them on in the upcoming Six Nations, whether that be from

32

“Though I am simply a single thread within a shining green jersey, I hope that I leave a bit of a legacy in the fabric and that my beloved number 1 jersey is better for me having worn it.”

is better for me having worn it.

“I want to take this opportunity to give a special thank you to everyone who has played an integral part in my journey over the last six years.

#NothingLikeIt Every player knows about making tough calls. As in the business world, there is nothing like depending on sound data, advanced analysis and teamwork to provide clarity and confidence when it’s time to make a decision. With Aon, be better informed and better advised to make better business decisions.

Good luck to the Irish team throughout its 2022 Six Nations campaign.

33

The Winter Olympics Recap In honour of the six talented athletes who battled it out in the snow last month, Her Sport has done a round-up of Ireland’s performance at the winter games - and some of our greatest achievements.

By Alanna Cunnane Elsa Desmond HER FIRST OLYMPICS 24-year-old Elsa Desmond, although the dream

Tess Arbez SECOND WOMAN TO REPRESENT TEAM IRELAND AT THE WINTER OLYMPICS

was sparked around 15 years prior. Pioneering as

The second woman to represent Team Ireland at

the first luge athlete to compete for Team Ireland

the Winter Olympics on two separate occasions,

at the Winter Games, the doctor by profession was

Tess Arbez is a legend in the country’s Alpine

selected as flag-bearer alongside Brendan New-

Skiing sphere. While a gate clip saw her DNF (fail

by in the opening ceremony. After the theatrics,

to finish) alongside 19 others on the ‘Ice River’ of

she went on to set a PB of 1.01.68 in her first run,

Beijing 2022’s Giant Slalom contest, the athlete

improving by 1.2 seconds on her previous record.

with local links to Carlow and Dublin snatched a

Her second outing on the same day saw a time of

48th overall in the Women’s Slalom two days later.

Beijing 2022 marked the first Olympics for

1:03.857, resulting in a 2:05.465 overall on her debut appearance.

Amid tricky conditions which saw 30 athletes fail to finish, she amassed two clean runs of 1:07.83

On day two of her competition, she reached similar

and 1:06.78 to yield a total of 2:14.61, backing up

heights when she clocked a 1:02.254 in run three,

the 46th she achieved in the event at Pyeongchang

the second fastest time on the track to close out

in 2018. She also made history when she took part

her campaign and seal 33rd place with a total of

in the women’s Super G, becoming the first ever

3:03.07.719. Reflecting on the performance, Elsa

Irish woman to do so and bagging 42nd place with

beamed that she was “absolutely ecstatic.”

a time of 1:25.18.

“I’ve dreamed of this as long as I can remember and I’m here and I did it and I didn’t do anything ridiculous and end up on my face” the athlete with Cavan and Cork connections said.

“I know my parents are at home watching and wish they were here and will be so, so proud. I can’t wait to talk to them, I know my mum will be in tears.

1:02.254

Elsa Desmond clocked this in run three of the 2022 Beijing Olympics, the second fastest time on

the track to close out her campaign and seal 33rd place.

34

2

140 The Km/H speed at

which Elsa Desmond plunges down the luge course while lying flat on her back on a sled

20

The number of Team Ireland

The age Tess Arbez

athletes who have made it to

was when she made

two Winter Olympic Games,

her Olympic debut in

namely Kirsten McGarry and

Slalom Alpine Skiing

Tess Arbez.

at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games.

Important Dates in Winter Olympic History

1992 2010 48 32 1 6 20 The first year Team Ireland

Ireland’s first female team

competed at the Games. It took

qualified for the Winter Olympic

place in Albertville, France.

Games in Vancouver, Canada.

where Terry McHugh and Pat

Aoife Hoey transferred from triple

McDonagh, as well as Gerry

jumping and Claire Bergin made

Macken and Malachy Sheridan,

the move from 400m running, with

took part in doubles Bobsleigh.

the double act finishing in 17th place in the bobsleigh event.

The place Tess Arbez

Kirsten McGarry’s highest place

The total number of

finished after two clean

across three events at the 2006

Luge athletes who have

runs in icy conditions in

Turin Games. She followed in

competed for Ireland

the Slalom Alpine Skiing

her older sister’s Alpine Skiing

at the Winter Olympics.

event this year at Beijing

footsteps to become Ireland’s

Elsa Desmond achieved

2022.

first sister contingent to

the feat this year at

have competed at the Winter

Beijing 2022.

Olympics.

The number of

The number of years since Team Ireland

women who

entered their first female competitor.

have competed

In 2002, Tamsen McGarry made history

with the Winter

at the Salt Lake City Games. There, the

Olympics’

Dublin woman took part in the Slalom

Team Ireland

and Giant Slalom and finished 35th and 46th respectively.

35

Centurion Hunter talks going pro and her World Cup dreams

By Aoife Kane

M

ost 16-year-olds celebrate

Amy started her cricket career on

their birthday with a party,

a boys team and eventually moved

but Amy Hunter spent hers

up the ranks, making the Irish U-15

in the middle of a cricket

squad in 2017. “Every Friday night,

field in Zimbabwe, hitting

both my brothers would have gone

121 not out runs for the Irish

down to Instonians under 11’s which

senior cricket team. Hunter

is my local club and then basically

garnered the title of the

I had nothing to do on my Friday

youngest centurion in Inter-

nights. So then my dad was like,

national Cricket in October

‘maybe head down to the local club

2021, making history as the

and see if they’ll take you.’ So we

youngest male or female

went down there, they said ‘no prob-

cricketer to complete 100 runs in a

lem’ and basically it started from

single innings. The Belfast native,

there.

who plays her club cricket with 2020 Super League winners, Typhoons

Amy, who also plays hockey and

Women, only made her senior debut

some golf, says some skills are

last May against Scotland, at the

transferable, such as hand/eye coor-

tender age of 15.

dination, movements, and of course the swings. And sport is quite obvi-

But despite the glittering record,

come off straight away. They gave

ously in her blood. “I just remember

modest Hunter said her success is

me a few opportunites and I did

playing a lot of cricket since I was

also down to the hard work of her

struggle a bit.

about nine or 10. I remember playing

teammates and coaches.

so much back garden cricket so I

She said: “So much went into it

“But I have to thank them for keep-

from myself and my teammates and

ing faith in me and I’m so grateful

coaches. I have to thank my team-

for it to have happened.”

“Since I was about 10, I’ve been playing cricket. There werejust so many hours in the gym, but obviously, it’s all kind of been for that moment (the century), so it’s so worth it.”

36

It’s been a fruitful year for the young cricket star as, on top of her cricket

mates so much, even the selectors for backing me, because I didn’t

assume it was love straight away.”

Speaking about her historic century,

achievements, she was nominated

Hunter admitted her whole life had

for an RTÉ Young Sportsperson of

been building up to that moment.

the Year award and the Her Sport

She revealed: “Since I was about 10, I’ve been playing cricket. There were just so many hours in the gym but obviously, it’s all kind of been for

FACTS ■

Name: Amy Hunter

■

Age: 16

worth it.

■

Sport: Cricket

■

Batting Style: Right hand bat

“We’re a very young side but the

■

that moment (the century), so it’s so

coaches are really good with us, they don’t really put any pressure on us.

It’s sort of the pressure we put on ourselves, but to be honest it was pure relief just to get some runs. My aim for the day was to just get into double figures.”

Debut Match: Ireland Women vs Zimbabwe Women at Harare October 5, 2021

■

Accolades: Last October she became the youngest male or female cricketer to complete 100 runs in a single innings.

Amy

Hunter Young Athlete of the Year gong.

But despite the hype, Amy definitely knows how to stay focused and not let external factors affect her sport.

“With pressure, I think I do deal with it quite well, but I think I sort of have a carefree attitude so I don’t place too much pressure on any bit of it and just hope it comes off.

“I train hard and hope for the best.

To be honest, I think I just resort back to cricket all the time. I train hard but as soon as you start thinking about all the attention and all that, it can go straight to your head.

So I just keep playing that sport and keep trying to progress.”

Hunter is currently training with the Irish Senior team, primarily in Dublin. With three or four skills sessions and three gym sessions a week, Hunter calls this intense routine “a move towards professionalism” - but the 16-year-old also juggles school.

“I have to work as hard as I can in school when I’m there and then play as much cricket as I can. This year I’ve got GCSE’s, so I’ll have to prioritise school probably for May and June and then just get back into cricket as quickly as I can after that.”

Countries such as Sri Lanka, England, Australia and India provide the possibility for female cricketers to play professionally, a possibility that Hunter hopes to see on her horizon.

“I would love to be a professional cricketer and then just see where that takes me. There definitely is the potential (in cricket). Obviously you have to be good enough, but there definitely is the potential to go pro and hopefully we can qualify for a few World Cups in the near future.”

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PERIOD PANEL with Amy O’Donoghue

“Just listen to your body” says O’Donoghue

By Jessica Woodlock

I

rish runner Amy O’Donoghue sat down with Her Sport on the #PeriodPanel to discuss the taboo of periods in sport and to help break down the stigma that they have a negative effect on performance.

For Irish athlete Amy O’ Donoghue, periods have had an effect on her running career. Naturally, they affect her mood, her appetite and sometimes, her performance. The week before her period starts, the Limerick-born athlete will feel “more tired and sluggish” and won’t have as much energy as normal. However, it is something that every woman on the athletics track goes through and something O’Donoghue has worked into her training, with some of her best race times even

happening while she was on her period.

“I use apps to plan when I’m going to have my period,” said O’Donoghue, “because they’re so beneficial. It’s something I’m actually angry at myself for not looking at when I was younger”. Using her preferred apps – Period Tracker, Flow, Cycles and Fitr Woman - she can look into the science behind her period and how it might affect her performance.When it comes to match days, being prepared is key according to the athletics star. “Whether it’s a bush or a portaloo, I make sure I’ve pads and tissues in my pocket so I’m not looking for my bag. Just be prepared, have everything with you”, she told Her Sport.

“Every girl has this. My advice would just be to get it out there as soon as you can and be brave to do it because everyone goes through it, so talk to your coach, even with your friends. Once you have the conversation, it’s not a thing anymore”.O’Donoghue also revealed that, in athletics, there can be a stigma over periods, particularly not having one. “People think it’s a sign that you’re so fit. There might be a small plateau where you run well for a while, but it always ends up in injury.

“Just listen to your body. The minute you lose your period, that’s a warning sign from your body and it’s saying you’re pushing too hard.

The minute that starts to happen, you need to look into it. You don’t need to see if you can push more and more. You need to stop and push back and ask ‘is my diet good? Is my sleeping good? Am I doing everything right here?’”

With twice as many girls dropping

“Just listen to your body. The minute you lose your period, that’s a warning sign from your body.”

out of sports than boys at the age of 14, there’s a direct correlation between the dropout rate and getting your period. For O’Donoghue however, it’s done nothing to impede her successful running career, with the athlete recommending trying everything from pads to tampons to menstrual cups on running days to “find what works best for you”.

“Just remember, all girls go through this and it’s so natural and so normal.

There’s no need to be ashamed or embarrassed about your period.”

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CROSSWORD Down

Across

1. Dump, floater and wiper are terms used in which

4. What is the women’s equivalent to the Ryder Cup?

team sport?

5. Where were the 1988 Olympic games held?

7. In what country would you find the Fitzgerald

2. What horse did Rachel Blackmore ride home in the

stadium?

Champion hurdle?

9. Who scored the only goal in the 2021 Senior Ladies

3. How many players are there on a camogie team?

All-Ireland Football Final? (Full name)

6. How many goals did Ireland score against Georgia

11. Who is the current 100m Irish Women’s Outdoor

to set a new record in their soccer world cup

National Record Holder? (Last name only)

qualifier?

13. Which Winter Olympic Sport sees athletes move at

8. Who is the current holder of the Women’s USA

top speeds of 140 km/h?

Tennis Open? (Last name only)

14. In what city did Ellen Walshe and Mona

10. Who is the youngest ever Cricket player to score a

McSharry win medals at the Swimming World

hundred in an odi? (Full name)

Championships?

12. Who is the youngest ever Irish Rugby International

16. Who will Katie Taylor fight at Madison Square

to recieve a senior cap? (Last name only)

Garden this April? (Last name only)

15. In what sport would you find the Trinity Meteors

17. What is the term when a rowing crew rows with

and DCU Mercy?

two oars instead of one?

18. What county has the most senior camogie and football All-Ireland Titles combined?

1

2

3

4

5

8

6

7

9

10

11 12 13

14

15 16

17

18

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