20x20 - Federation of Irish Sport

20×20 – Final Event Press Release

Michelle Mc Carthy — Thu, 22 Oct 2020 09:23:14 +0000

Final Event Press Release

Oct 22nd 2020

RESEARCH SHOWS 20×20 HAS HAD A STRONG IMPACT ON IRISH CULTURE AROUND WOMEN IN SPORT – BUT THERE’S STILL MORE TO BE DONE

80% of the population are more of aware of women’s sport since the launch of 20×20
61% are more likely to support women’s sport since the launch of 2020
75% of men say 20×20 changed their mindset positively towards women’s sport
42% of women say they are participating in more sport and physical activity than in 2018 due to awareness of 20×20
50% of the population and 60% of females say they would be more inclined to purchase from brands that support women’s sport

OCTOBER 21ST, 2020: 20×20, the movement originated and driven by the creative agency Along Came A Spider, and presented by the Federation of Irish Sport, came to a conclusion today at a star-studded virtual event hosted by KPMG. 20×20 set out two years ago to create a measurable shift in the perception of women in sport in Ireland, so that it would be seen as something strong, valuable and worth celebrating.

The campaign would never have come to life without five Irish businesses championing the 20×20 mission, KPMG, AIG, Investec, Lidl and Three. All of Ireland’s National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships, as well as a host of third level institutions, schools and clubs around the country also showed their support and signed a 20×20 Charter.

A key objective for 20×20 was to make women’s sport a bigger part of Irish culture by making it more visible. Research commissioned by 20×20 and conducted by Behaviour & Attitudes, details significant success here with 80% of Irish adults – rising to 84% of Irish men – saying they are more aware of women’s sport now, than before the movement launched two years ago. Three quarters of those surveyed also say they believe that women’s sport is seen as cooler. Of those aware of the campaign, 73% – rising to 75% of men – say that 20×20 changed their mindset positively towards girls and women in sport, with 68% stating they support women in sport more because of 20×20, and 42% of women saying they now participate in more sport because of the movement.

Despite this progress though, women’s sport still lags far behind men’s sport when it comes to participation, attendance and media coverage. In terms of media coverage, research conducted by Nielsen at the outset of the campaign, found that just 4% of sport’s online coverage and 3% of sport’s print coverage was dedicated to women’s sport. By the end of 2019, each of these had grown by 2%, up to 5% for online and 6% for print. TV coverage of women’s sport meanwhile saw a 40% decrease in the same period, even though coverage of women’s sport grew across both RTÉ and TG4. Despite the decline in coverage levels, audience of women’s sport on TV grew from 7% in 2018 to 18% in 2019. Participation grew by 13% while attendance in women’s sport increased by 17% during this period.

Some other key findings came out of the research, including the fact that 73% of the general population (and 80% of sports fans) agreed that ‘greater visibility of women’s sports and athletes is crucial to grow women’s sport’. Similarly, over 3 in 4 of the general population believe sponsors should invest in both versions of sport and that sponsors should support women’s sport. Indeed, fans show higher purchase intentions for brands who sponsor women’s sport, with half of the population, – and 60% of females – also saying that they would be more inclined to purchase from brands that support women’s sport.

Speakers at the KPMG and 20×20 final campaign event today included nine-time Wimbledon Champion Martina Navratilova, former Irish rugby international, Brian O’Driscoll and Olympic silver medalist at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, Sonia O’Sullivan amongst others. All lauded the significant strides made by women’s sport in recent years yet warned against complacency given the scale of the job yet to be done.

The speakers at the concluding event highlighted the significant opportunity available for society, for media, for sponsors and for sport itself from continued growth of women’s sport. They cautioned that this would not just happen but would require investment, promotion and commitment from all of Irish sport’s stakeholder. They asked that today not be seen as an end of a journey but rather as a catalyst to ensuring the true potential of women’s sport is maximised for the benefit of all.

Speaking about the research, Sarah Colgan, CEO of Along Came A Spider and 20×20 founder said: “In October 2018 20×20 set out to create a shift in Irish culture and to begin a change in the value we place on women in sport in Irish society. We set a two-year window, up to October 2020 to have an impact. The results released today are hugely encouraging. The will to be progressive by all stakeholders in sport has got stronger, our female athletes are becoming unapologetic, fans are asking for more, voices are becoming louder, and a change has taken place in the Irish psyche. 20×20 became a national movement thanks to the support of Irish sport, Irish media, and the Irish public – in addition to the five Irish brands who made it possible. There is still a huge way to go to get to 50/50, and we are coming from a terribly low base, but the responsibility and the opportunity for everyone touching sport is huge now. We all need to set expectations high when it comes to women’s sport, to keep pushing for answers and questioning ourselves and what we see around us in order build on this momentum.”

CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport, Mary O’Connor said: “We have all come a long way since 20×20 launched in 2018 and it was fantastic to hear today the shifts that are happening in our culture and in perception around women in sport. The research shows just how important that visibility, participation and attendance has meant for women in sport across the country, and as we close the curtain on this fantastic movement, we are hoping that everyone takes the baton that 20×20 is handing over and continues to run with it long into the future.”

Emer McGrath, Partner at KPMG added: “It was a huge honour for all of us at KPMG to be involved in today’s event and to help spread the message of 20×20 to more and more people. These past two years have been phenomenal for 20×20 and for all of us who are involved in sport in Ireland. We are thrilled to hear from the research that such strides have been made for women in sport in Ireland, and we pledge to continue to promote this message forward for many more years to come.”

Sonia O’Sullivan added : “20×20 has been a significant movement in Ireland not just for women, but for all of society. It is fantastic to hear that people’s perception of women in sport has changed over the past two years, and that is thanks to the fantastic work by everyone involved in sport to drive this message forward. Now, the future lies in our hands, and we all must take it upon ourselves to keep driving it forward, keep the coverage coming, keep attending women’s sporting events and keep participating.”

Visit the 20X20 website

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Chloe Magee recognised for holding the All-Time record for most National Badminton Titles

Michelle Mc Carthy — Fri, 07 Feb 2020 09:32:16 +0000

Badminton Ireland has officially recognised Chloe Magee for holding the All-Time record for National Titles won. Chloe achieved this with National titles in both the Women’s Doubles & Mixed Doubles at the 2020 Nationals at the National Indoor Arena.

Chloe’s first National titles came in 2007 when she won the Women’s Singles & Women’s Doubles with Karen Bing. Throughout her career Chloe has won 10 Women’s singles, 4 Women’s Doubles and 12 Mixed Doubles National titles.

In 2019 Chloe Magee & Sam Magee broke the record for most National Titles won as a pair with 11 National Titles, breaking the record previously held Yvonne Kelly & Mary Bryan. Chloe & Sam have since extended that record with their 12th National win as a pair in 2020. This 12th Mixed Doubles National title tied Yvonne Kelly’s record of 12 National titles in an event which has been held since 1972.

Chloe Magee is a three time Olympian and is currently fighting for an Olympic qualification spot in Tokyo 2020 with her brother Sam Magee in the Mixed Doubles.

Chloe, who has featured as a 20×20 International Sports Woman of the Week on the Federation’s channels before is a fantastic representative of all that the 20×20 movement encapsulates. Chloe is a sporting hero #CantSeeCantBe

Both the Federation of Irish Sport and Badminton Ireland would like to congratulate Chloe Magee on this piece of history.

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20 Questions with Sophie Earley

Michelle Mc Carthy — Fri, 20 Dec 2019 09:00:01 +0000

20×20 Questions with Sophie Earley

1. What’s your first memory of sport as a child?

I can remember being a very sport girl and enjoyed any sport that I did.

2. How did you first become involved in sport?

I think my brothers were the main reason I got involved in sport. I would see them playing any sport and immediately that would make me want to play.

3. What sports did you try as a child?

When I was around the age of four or five I enjoyed playing football and gymnastics, but when I was six I started playing table tennis.

4. What decided you to settle on your chosen sport?

I chose table tennis because I enjoyed it the most and because it was on the same day as gymnastics, so I had to choose one to play on a Saturday.

5. Who has had the most impact on your sporting career?

My brothers definitely have had a huge impact on my career as they help me with various things in my game and give me immense support.

6. What female do you most admire in the world of sport?

My favourite female sports star is Gabby Douglas who is an American gymnast

7. Outside of sport what do you do in your leisure time?

I enjoy watching movies in my spare time and going out with my brothers into town.

8. What is the last movie you went to see? What is your favourite movie of all time?

The last movie I went to see was Toy Story 4 and my favourite movie of all time is Pitch Perfect.

9. What music do you listen to?

I listen to anything that seems to be popular, but my favourite artist is Hailee Steinfeld.

10. Are you a reading fan? If so what are you currently reading?

I do enjoy reading and I am currently reading ‘It only happens in the movies’.

11. Do you follow any sports stars on social media? If so who?

I follow Nile Wilson, Cristiano Ronaldo, Mohamed Salah, Tom Daley and Gabby Douglas on Instagram.

12. Forget about your sporting diet for a moment? Your favourite meal when you breakout?

My favourite food outside of my sporting diet would be pizza.

13. Who do you most admire in your own sport?

I admire Swedish player Truls Moregard most in my sport.

14. Do you have a special ritual before competing?

I would say that in some matches I would foam roll and others I would listen to music and warm up.

15. Do you still play other sports for fun?

Unfortunately, I can’t risk getting injured, so I don’t play other sports.

16. What advice would you give to young girls & boys to encourage them to participate in sport?

I would say that they will gain a lot of life skills and will make plenty of friends. Sport will also give youngsters a lot of confidence and will build their self-esteem.

17. What has been your biggest sporting achievement?

My biggest sporting achievement would be defeating the European Under 15 number 1, Elena Zaharia, and the number 2, Vlada Voroning.

18. How do you cope with (a) injuries; (b) other setbacks?

For injuries, I would attend regular physio sessions and would try rest as much as possible. Resistance bands are good for injuries involving your arm or shoulder. For other setbacks, it makes me even more determined to improve from there.

19. What do your family make of your success?

My family are extremely proud of what I achieved and hope I will continue to improve and achieve big results. My mum and dad flew over to Poland when I was playing the World Cadet Challenge and they witnessed me taking out the European number 1 and 2. Before that my dad had never seen me play abroad so it’s nice he got to see that.

20. What does sport mean to you?

I believe that participating in sport is a great way to escape the stress of school or work and make friends along the way. I feel so lively and energetic when I am playing it. The release of adrenaline and the sense of achievement you get when you reach a goal is what motivates you to keep going and so even better. The amount of life skills I have learnt through my career is crazy. Having the sense of leadership in a team, time management, handing pressure, being able to learn from a setback and respect are very important not only in sport but in real life. Sport is like a magnet, you can’t get away from it.

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International Sportswomen of the Week

Michelle Mc Carthy — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 09:06:11 +0000

This week our International Award 20×20 Women in Sport goes to the Irish Times who this Friday along with their partners Sport Ireland,
will announce their Sportswoman of the Year Award. The scheme which has been running since 2004 has been paying tribute to Ireland’s
female sporting stars on a monthly basis for all those years. The first overall winner was Cathy Gannon. The brainchild of sports is editor Malachy Logan. The scheme is run for the paper by Mary Hannigan, who earlier this year was honoured with the Journalist of the Year Award in the Federation’s own Business of Sport awards. Reflecting another great year for Ireland’s sporting women the monthly winners in line for the overall title are Mona McSharry ( swimming),; Phil Healy ( athletics ) ; Ciara Mageean ( athletics) ; Rachel Blackmore ( horseracing ) ; Leona Maguire ( golf );Jenny Egan (canoeing ) ; Katie Taylor ( boxing ) ; Rhasidat Adeleke ( athletics ) ; Kate O’Connor ( athletics ) ;Sanita Puspure ( rowing) ; Niamh Kilkenny ( camogie ); Lyndsey Davey ( ladies football ) ; and Denise O’Sullivan ( soccer ) . We wish then all well and commend the Irish Times for their long term commitment to highlighting the best of women in sport in Ireland.

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International Sportswoman of the Week

Michelle Mc Carthy — Fri, 13 Dec 2019 08:56:04 +0000

Our International 20×20 Women in Sport Award this week goes to Chloe McGee and her brother Sam who in January will be off travelling the world again in pursuit of a place at the Tokyo Olympics.

Last weekend their contribution to the sport of badminton in Ireland was deservedly recognised at the annual Badminton Ireland Awards in Dublin where they received the award for Players of the Year. And what a year it was as they traveled far and wide to win vital points in their quest for Olympic qualification. During the year they were in Germany, Spain, Singapore, Malaysia, Ukraine, Russia, Japan, China, Korea, Holland, Switzerland, Thailand and England. And it is back on the road again in January in that search for points. Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia are their first stops in 2020.

The competition is fierce with only 16 spots available worldwide for the Mixed Doubles. Currently they are third reserve for Europe so more points, and huge dedication, are needed. Chloe is of course a already a triple Olympian having competed in the Games in Beijing, London and Rio. At the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, she became the first ever Irish woman to win a badminton match at the Olympics.

The pair have represented Ireland for a number of years with great distinction – including a bronze medal in the inaugural European Games in 2015.

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International 20×20 Women in Sport Award

Michelle Mc Carthy — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 16:26:23 +0000

Our International 20×20 Women in Sport Award this week recognises the work of the LPGA who have just released their plans for the 2020 LPGA Tour schedule. It’s going to be fantastic year for the world’s top female professional who will play for prize money of $75.1 MILLION during the year. Indicative of the increasing importance of the Tour it will feature five tournaments with prize money more than $2 million. The largest purse will be at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship with $4.3 million on offer – up $450,000 from 2019. There will also be increased television coverage all year with 500 hours of global television coverage including at least seven events being aired on network TV. The Tour will be broadcast in more than 175 countries and will be beamed into 500 million households. And the good news for Ireland is that for the first time ever there will be two Irish players playing in this, the most prestigious platform for women’s golf worldwide. Stephanie Meadows and Leona Maguire, two of our 20×20 ambassadors, are of course full members of the Tour in 2020 with playing rights for all 33 tournaments – across 11 countries – that make up the Tour schedule. The LPGA deserves huge credit for the way it continues to grow the Tour year on year. By creating ever more visibility for the sport it most definitely is encouraging more girls and women all over the world to take up the sport of golf.

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20 Questions with Stephanie Meadow

Michelle Mc Carthy — Fri, 22 Nov 2019 10:00:02 +0000

20×20 Questions with Stephanie Meadow

1. What’s your first memory of sport as a child?

Hitting balls with my dad at Ballyearl driving range when I was probably 5 or 6 years old.

2. How did you first become involved in sport?

My dad was a golfer and brought me along. I immediately become hooked and starting playing with him.

3. What sports did you try as a child?

Hockey, horse-riding, golf and swimming.

4. What decided you to settle on your chosen sport?

I loved it more than the other sports. I actually fell off the horse and realised that golf was really what I wanted to do. Ever since then I had my heart set on turning pro and making it my career.

5. Who has had the most impact on your sporting career?

My parents. They sacrificed so much for me while I was growing up and I know I would be nowhere near where I am today without them.

6. What female do you most admire in the world of sport?

Annika Sorenstam. She is by far the greatest LPGA golfer of all time. I admire her determination, grit and fire.

7. Outside of sport what do you do in your leisure time?

Cook, spinning, hang out with my family and friends. We travel so much with our sport that when we our home we really just enjoy doing normal things. Being in your house, going to grocery store, having a family dinner. For a lot of people these are normal but not for us as we travel 30 + weeks a year.

8. What is the last movie you went to see? What is your favourite movie of all time?

The last movie I saw was a long time ago. I actually watch a lot of my movies on the plane. I love Sandra Bullock so really any movie with her in it is great!

9. What music do you listen to?

A little bit of everything depending on what I’m doing. Anything from Hip Hop to electronic to old school.

10. Are you a reading fan? If so what are you currently reading?

I read a little bit when I travel but not a whole lot. I just finished The Art of Racing in the Rain.

11. Do you follow any sports stars on social media? If so who?

I follow lots of other sports stars. I admire anyone who has the work ethic and talent to be at the top of their sport. Lindsey Vonn, Serena Williams and loads of others.

12. Forget about your sporting diet for a moment? Your favourite meal when you breakout?

Any kind of Pasta and a really good chocolate desert!

13. Who do you most admire in your own sport?

Annika Sorenstam

14. Do you have a special ritual before competing?

I always use one of three balls markers and always mark my ball with a pink clover.

15. Do you still play other sports for fun?

Not really

16. What advice would you give to young girls & boys to encourage them to participate in sport?

Sport is an unbelievably powerful thing and you don’t have to be the best to reap the rewards. No matter what sport you choose it will teach you so many things. You learn discipline, respect, confidence, time-management, failure, success, teamwork, dedication, and perseverance. Sport is about so much more than “being good at it”. Give it a go and make friends while your at it.

17. What has been your biggest sporting achievement?

Representing Ireland at the 2016 Olympics in Rio. There is nothing quite like representing your country at the highest level.

18. How do you cope with (a) injuries; (b) other setbacks?

Injuries and set backs are inevitable in sport. You have to set out a plan and drive forward to overcome the obstacles. I think that understanding that things might not turn around right away is key. Anything worth working for takes time and we have to remember that.

19. What do your family make of your success?

I know they are very proud of me but I’m still just Steph (one of the fam)

20. What does sport mean to you?

Everything. Like I said before it has taught me so many things, given me so many friends and allowed me to see so many places.

Check out the 20×20 Women in Sport Calendar for upcoming fixtures

https://20×20.ie/event-calendar/

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International Sportswoman of the Week

Michelle Mc Carthy — Wed, 20 Nov 2019 14:04:03 +0000

Our International 20×20 Women in Sport Award goes this week goes to Denise O’Sullivan who many would argue – and we will not disagree – is perhaps the finest women’s soccer player Ireland has ever produced. Denise who won her 75th cap for Ireland in their recent game against Greece has had a phenomenal year that saw her play a vital role in her team North Carolina Courage winning the National Women’s Soccer League title in the US for the second year in succession. In the process her team mates voted her the team’s Most Valuable Player (MVP), is for the second year in a row. An incredible achievement in a team that includes several of the US team that won the World Cup earlier this year. And even more recently she was voted the FAI’s International Women’s Player of the Year. Denise started her career with Wilton United in Cork before moving to Peamount in Dublin. Next up was Glasgow City before she moved to the US and the Houston Dash. After a short time there, it was on to North Carolina Courage and huge success. Her coach Paul Riley speaks glowingly of her ” She was the biggest gift we ever got, what a player this young lady is and she’s improved so much, she’s the one player we can’t play without. That’s what she’s become”. She has become one of the best midfielders in the world. Team-mate Rachel Corsie who captains Scotland says “She’s so good in the little pockets with the ball at her feet and she brings others into play. She brings the best out of others, she is, in my opinion, one of the best midfielders out there, one of the best in the world.” The US season is now in its winter break but no rest for Denise as she has joined Canberra United in Australia on loan as a guest player for the winter. Her chief target next year will of course be qualifying for the European Championships with Ireland.

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International Sportswomen of the Week

Michelle Mc Carthy — Wed, 13 Nov 2019 16:11:23 +0000

Our International 20×20 Women in Sport Award this week goes to all the women who every day volunteer their time and expertise all over the world to ensure that sport happens in every country on the planet, Women who ensure that young girls ,and indeed in many cases young boys, get to participate in sport and who in many cases slow the seeds that see those girls and boys go on to national and international success.

It is totally appropriate to acknowledge their efforts in a week in which the Federation of Irish Sport paid tribute to all the volunteers who ensure sport happens every day of the year in Ireland. Recent research by the Federation

showed that some 450,000 Irish men and women volunteer across all sports every year in Ireland. Furthermore the research indicates that the value of their volunteering – if it had to be paid for – is worth in excess of One Billion Euro annually.

Minister Brendan Griffin was on hand at Farmleigh to congratulate the winners of the awards. A volunteer in every one of the 32 counties was presented with an award although as was pointed out on the day the awards were set up not alone to honour the winners but in doing so to honour all 450,000 of those who volunteer in sport in Ireland. The awards also featured a Volunteering Team of the Year. This went to Women on Wheels. And finally there was an Outstanding Contribution Award which recognised the contribution made by an individual to sport in Ireland many years. This went to swimings Mary Dunne ,who has, and continues to, made a massive contribution to the sport of swimming through her work with Ballina Dolphins, Connaught Swimming and Swim Ireland. In 2016 she was made Honorary President of Swim Ireland.

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20 Questions with Leona Maguire

Michelle Mc Carthy — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 14:05:59 +0000

20×20: Questions with Leona Maguire

1. What’s your first memory of sport as a child?

From a young age I remember going to all sorts of GAA club matches and Cavan county games with Dad to cheer on the boys in blue. I was about five when I remember watching Sonia O Sullivan win her silver medal at the Sydney Olympics and watching Ian Thorpe dominate in the pool for Australia.

2. How did you first become involved in sport?

I was involved in all types of sport from a very young age. I enjoyed being and playing outside with my sister and friends in the evenings and at weekends so playing anything with a ball or a stick was right up my alley. Gaelic football and swimming were my two favourite but I really enjoyed playing any sport or game that fuelled my competitive spirit.

3. What sports did you try as a child?

I literally played every sport under the sun. I really enjoyed playing Gaelic football with the local club and at school and I spent countless hours in the swimming pool as well training both in the mornings before and in the evenings after school. Dad used to help run a summer camp for kids when we were younger too and the highlight of that was always playing some Olympic handball or rounders outside!

4. What decided you to settle on your chosen sport?

I loved the fact that golf could be played outside in the fresh air for countless hours on end everyday. I really like the challenge golf presents, you rarely get the same conditions 2 days in a row and each course varies so much depending on the weather, design and grass type.
One of the things that I liked the most about golf was the transfer of skills that could be applied to everyday life. The lessons that I have learned on the golf course have had direct applications to other areas of my life such as school and college. Over the years, golf has helped foster my strong work ethic, sense of discipline and determination, all qualities that will come in handy in other areas of my life.

5. Who has had the most impact on your sporting career?

My parents have been huge role models for me growing up and still remain very much so to this day. They have made so many sacrifices in order to ensure that I have the opportunities to pursue my dreams both on and off the golf course and for that I couldn’t be more grateful.

6. What female do you most admire in the world of sport?

I have so much admiration and respect for Katie Taylor both as a person and as an athlete. She has been a true pioneer for women’s boxing and for sport in Ireland all while remaining so incredibly humble and gracious. I also really admire Ellen Keane for tenacity and overwhelming sense of positivity. Her passion for swimming and life in general is truly infectious and she is truly an inspiration to us all when it comes to the determination it takes to overcome adversity and to do so with a smile on your face!

7. Outside of sport what do you do in your leisure time?

I love going to other sporting matches with friends and take time out in the evenings to go to the cinema. When I am at home I really enjoy spending time with my two golden retrievers Sydney and Snoopy, taking them on nice long walks in the countryside and around the golf course.

8. What is the last movie you went to see? What is your favourite movie of all time?

I just went to see the Joker last weekend but as a kid I was a huge fan of the Harry Potter books and I could watch all the movies back to back no problem!

9. What music do you listen to?

I don’t really listen to that much music, I prefer to watch tv shows in my spare time but if I do I would probably just listen to whatever is most popular on the radio right now

10. Are you a reading fan? If so what are you currently reading?

I had to do a lot of reading as part of my psychology degree in college so I have taken a bit of a break from social reading right now. However, I do enjoy reading sports autobiographies from the likes of Serena Williams when I am travelling on long flights.

11. Do you follow any sports stars on social media? If so who?

Most of the accounts that I follow on social media are sports stars. I really enjoy getting an insight into their training schedules and seeing how they prepare for events. I enjoy seeing content from all our Irish athletes and teams as well as international stars such as Michaela Shiffrin, Elena Delle Donne, Lindsey Vonn, Serena Williams and Simone Biles.

12. Forget about your sporting diet for a moment? Your favourite meal when you breakout?

It’s hard to beat good southern BBQ; sweet potato casserole, beef brisket, cornbread, hush-puppies and ribs became a favourite of mine spending 4 years at college in North Carolina. For dessert, I really have a soft spot for Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream or a good 99!

13. Who do you most admire in your own sport?
I really admire Padraig Harrington for everything he has achieved and for what he has done to promote golf in Ireland. He has been a great role model for young Irish golfers who can watch him on TV or playing in Irish Opens, hoping one day to emulate his success.
I also have huge admiration for Suzann Pettersen, especially for her achievements and passion shown in the Solheim Cup, especially after giving birth to her son, Herman. The passion she shows for the game in incredible and her strong work ethic and drive to succeed is an inspiration for all young girls taking up the game.

14. Do you have a special ritual before competing?

I always have 10 tees in my pocket; 7 long ones and 3 short ones and my lucky shamrock or Duke ball marker. I keep my routine consistent for every round that I play and I don’t do anything different whether it’s the first round of a small tournament or the last round of a major.

15. Do you still play other sports for fun?

I still like to incorporate swimming as part of my fitness routine especially during the off season to build up some extra stamina. It is also a great way for me to relax and recover after long days on the course and after training in the gym. I used to play football up until a few years ago but I really can’t play contact sports at this point of my career as the risk of getting injured is just too high.

16. What advice would you give to young girls & boys to encourage them to participate in sport?

I would advise all young boys and girls to play as many sports as they can and to stay as active as they can growing up. Sport is a great way to meet new people, travel the world and experience new cultures all while learning new skills that will stand to you in all other areas of your life. But most importantly, have fun while playing sport, try playing with as many friends as you can and enjoy being outside in the fresh air after school or at the weekend. One last thing that I would say is to not get discouraged if you don’t enjoy the sport right away, there are so many different types of sports and activities that you can take part in, there really is something for everybody and you can achieve anything if you work hard enough!

17. What has been your biggest sporting achievement?

I have had so many great memories from the last number of years but I would have to say that my biggest achievements would either have been reaching and staying at the number 1 position in the world rankings for 135 consecutive weeks or representing Ireland at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.

18. How do you cope with (a) injuries; (b) other setbacks?

I have been lucky enough to remain relatively injury free over the last number of years. I always find it helpful to focus on the things I can control and to trust my processes. However, I focus considerably on exercises with my physio Julianne and my strength coach Timmy that will keep my body strong, healthy and flexible throughout the season. With respect to setbacks, I like to focus on what I can do to improve all areas of my game throughout the year and during the off season. I keep statistics from my tournaments rounds which allow me to analysis what areas of my game I can target in practice.

19. What do your family make of your success?

My family are incredibly supportive and have been extremely encouraging throughout my career. They love to come out to tournaments to watch me play and they have made plenty of sacrifices over the years so that I could chase my dreams of professional golf.

20. What does sport mean to you?

Sport has been a huge part of my life since I was a young girl and I simply couldn’t imagine my life without it. Sport has given me so many wonderful opportunities over the last number of years that I simply wouldn’t have been able to pursue without it. Being involved in sport has allowed me to meet so many incredibly people and develop so many wonderful friendships that I will treasure for a lifetime, I have been able to travel all over the world while playing the game I love and I have been able to experience so many new cultures that have really helped to broaden my horizons.

Photo Credit: Golffile

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