Oct 4, 2019
Mary Waldron is an Irish association football player and cricketer who has represented both the Republic of Ireland women’s national football team and the Ireland women’s cricket team. She has also stood as an umpire in cricket matches. In July 2010 Waldron made her One Day International debut for Ireland women’s cricket team, against New Zealand at Kibworth Cricket Club New Ground. She is a wicket-keeper. In June 2018, she was named in Ireland’s squad for the 2018 ICC Women’s World Twenty20 Qualifier tournament. In October 2018, she was named in Ireland’s squad for the 2018 ICC Women’s World Twenty20 tournament in the West Indies. In August 2019, she was named in Ireland’s squad for the 2019 ICC Women’s World Twenty20 Qualifier tournament in Scotland.
20×20: Questions with Mary Waldron
1. What’s your first memory of sport as a child?
My first memory of Sport as a child was playing football in the garden with my family and neighbours. We have a football pitch in the garden which had some makeshift goals made by my older brother.
2. How did you first become involved in sport?
I played football in the garden for as long as I can remember and a girl on my sisters camogie team played football also and that’s how I started playing with my local football team. I didn’t play any organised team sports in primary school so when I went to secondary school I then became involved with Basketball, Volleyball and Hockey.
3. What sports did you try as a child?
I started playing for a football team at 11. We played tennis in the garden during Wimbledon every year and I didn’t try anything else until secondary school. We played some rounders for PE at primary school but its too long ago to remember what else now!!
4. What decided you to settle on your chosen sport?
Cricket was definitely not on my radar growing up, the reason I chose it was because I loved playing it and felt I was an important part of the team.
5. Who has had the most impact on your sporting career?
There are many coaches and team mates along the way that teach and challenge you, however without the support of my parents when I was young and even now it would have been impossible to have a sports career without them. From driving me to Marino ever weekend for Irish training from the age of 13 or just being able to buy me the boots, and over the years lending me money or sending my gear bag to Australia. There are many, many things they have done for me. Both my parents equally supported me – I made my mum pay 1v1 basketball with me and my dad play 1v1 football with me! All my siblings have helped me at some stage also – I am the baby and get well looked after!
6. What female do you most admire in the world of sport?
There are several female athletes I admire in the sports world, currently I am a fan of Megan Rapinoe – She is a talented athlete but she is using her platform for good. She is empowering others and that is refreshing to see in a world where many can be just out for themselves.
7. Outside of sport what do you do in your leisure time?
The more I do these interviews the more I see that I need a hobby! I like to go for coffee or spend time with my dog. I literally spend all of time doing something related to cricket.
8. What is the last movie you went to see? What is your favourite movie of all time?
I think the last movie I went to see was “Lion” – I was crying my eyes out at the end. And my favourite movie is “we’re the millers” its very funny
9. What music do you listen to?
I listen to whatever is on the radio, I am a big fan of the Spice Girls and Paul Kelly. Not your usual mix I guess.
10. Are you a reading fan? If so what are you currently reading?
No I don’t read – The last thing I read was Joe Roots autobiography. I also need to read more!
11. Do you follow any sports stars on social media? If so who?
I follow a lot of cricketers and other sports women. Its good to see what other people are up to and if there is anything I can learn from them or support them in anyway. Its good to see how people are progressing too – like Katie McCabe, I played at lot with her when she was younger and its good to follow her career and see her become a role model.
12. Forget about your sporting diet for a moment? Your favourite meal when you breakout?
Ha I love Cadbury chocolate! And If I was getting take away I would go for a Pad Thai or Sushi
13. Who do you most admire in your own sport?
I think at the minute the whole Australian team are hard not to admire. They have really taken their cricket to the next level and are challenging the rest of the world to keep up with them. They have some serious talent at all levels. They are extremely professional, play hard and are clinical.
14. Do you have a special ritual before competing?
Generally on tour I have the same breakfast in the hotel – Which would have to include a coffee! Once we get to the ground I like to sit and relax. I have my general warm up, then I would do my specific skill drills whether we were batting or fielding. I have to take 3 high catches at some stage that’s definitely a ritual. In game then I have my own processes to help me focus on each ball.
15. Do you still play other sports for fun?
I went back and played for Shels a few years ago when we had a quiet international summer. It was the national league so I guess it wasn’t really for fun. I don’t think I’m at that stage yet. I got fined at the end of our recent tour for taking the football warm up too seriously.
16. What advice would you give to young girls & boys to encourage them to participate in sport?
Giving sports a try is the best way. Especially cricket , people think its boring or they don’t understand it so they automatically don’t like it. So I would encourage them just to try it! There are obviously massive benefits to playing sports like learning to be part of a team, dealing with set backs and things like that. I’m not sure that’s going to encourage them to take part however!!
17. What has been your biggest sporting achievement?
I’ve played in 3 T20 world cups, it was always a goal of mine to play in a world cup, I assumed it would be in football but it was cricket, but it is something I am very proud of. I have won cups with football and hockey but I guess that’s the biggest.
18. How do you cope with (a) injuries; (b) other setbacks?
I think they are things you don’t have much control over so when they happen its annoying but you set about your rehab as there is not much else you can do. During a big injury I have taken a week or so out to take my mind off sport and then set into the gym program or whatever I have been told to do. With setbacks I try and think of them logically, Is there anything I could have done better? And that’s what I need to work on. Deliberating over whether things were fair or not don’t really help so its best to look at things as they are and move forward. Trying to learn from the experience is the best thing you can do.
19. What do your family make of your success?
My family have always been very supportive, and are very proud of me. I think they found it strange when I moved from football to cricket. But now it’s a career and career pathway for me they see the benefits. My parents have been to all continents supporting me and the team. The rest of my family follow too and there will always be a picture or article shared in the family whats app group. I am one of 6 children and I’ve lots of nieces and nephews, so some or all of them might show up to a game! I am very lucky to have a family that will come out and support no matter what. They still ask questions about the rules of course!!
20. What does sport mean to you?
Sport means everything to me, I often think what I would be doing If I didn’t play or have an interest in sport. All of my friends are through sport and it has shaped my entire life. I would book holidays around sport, leave jobs and move country to fit around sport so it has been extremely influential. I do still have my school friends that I go and see and we don’t speak about cricket! They are an important balance, but I think we even played basketball together in school!
Check out the 20×20 Women in Sport Calendar for upcoming fixtures
https://20×20.ie/event-calendar/
Oct 2, 2019
Our International 20×20 Women in Sport Award this week goes to one of our own for her fantastic achievements on the international stage. Roisín Lynch who stood on not one, but two championship podiums this summer. This inspiring 70 year old triathlete won silver at both the ITU World Triathlon Grand Final Lausanne and the Weert ETU Triathlon European Championships.
For over 30 years, Roisín has taken part in triathlon and was a founding member of North West Triathlon Club in Derry. Roisín, a retired school teacher, first represented Ireland in 2013 when the ITU Grand Final visited London. Wanting a new experience, Roisín took on the challenge and was thrilled to finish with 11th place in London.
This year Roisín moved into the 70 – 74 age category and has certainly made her mark with two silver medals at European and World Championship level. Speaking after her race in Lausanne, Roisín was delighted with the result
“To achieve it in Switzerland out of a field of 23 other athletes is just something I never would have believed…to achieve a silver medal has been beyond my wildest expectations! Over the moon, absolutely!”
So, what keeps Roisín Lynch in the sport after three decades of triathlon?
“I love the camaraderie of triathlons, I’ve loved the participation, I’ve loved the competition and I must say when I put my toe to the pool bank, or the sea or whatever the adrenaline kicks in then and it’s the greatest, it’s just the greatest feeling. And the sense of achievement, irrespective of where you finish, just to tick it off and say ‘there’s another one under my belt.’ ”
There is no sign of Roisín Lynch slowing down and she already has her sights set on next year’s championships in Estonia and Edmonton, Canada. Over the winter her focus will shift to doing strength and conditioning and watt bike sessions with her coach. We look forward to having Roisín as part of the Irish International Age Group team again next year!
A fantastic woman and an inspiration to all!
Sep 27, 2019
27-year-old Ciara Mageean, hails from Portaferry, County Down is a middle-distance International athlete competing in the 800m and 1500m. Ciara won a European bronze medal in 1500in 2016, after coming back from a severe ankle injury when she unable to compete or train over a two-year period. In 2019 she claimed another bronze in the European Indoor Athletics Championships.
In 2019 Mageean also set a new Irish Indoor Mile record of 4:28.31 at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix in Boston and achieved the Olympic qualification standard at the Monaco Diamond League in July with a time of 4:01.21 well inside the needed standard of 4:04.20
Her main target for the 2019 season is the IAAF World Championships scheduled from 27 September and 6 October 2019 in Doha, Qatar at the renovated multi-purpose Khalifa International Stadium.
20×20: Questions with Ciara Mageann
1. What’s your first memory of sport as a child?
My first sporting memories are of learning to play camogie, pucking the ball about in my Granny’s garden with my Daddy and big sister Maire, and following my aunt Edel to the hurley club to hit the ball back to her while she practiced frees. My first memories of racing were in school. I lived for sports day, I’d practice in the weeks leading up to it by racing my siblings and cousins in my Granny’s garden. I loved being outside and was always super competitive.
2. How did you first become involved in sport?
My first love was camogie, and like most GAA families you’re born into it. I played for Portaferry from as early as I was allowed. I got involved in athletics thanks to my school teachers, we raced a few races in primary school but it wasn’t until I went to Assumption Grammar that my athletics really took off. My PE teacher Mrs McCambridge asked me if I’d like to try cross country and I jumped at the chance.
3. What sports did you try as a child?
I grew up playing camogie, but I also did Irish dancing, tap dancing, and played a bit of football. I also did drama, not really my forte – my little brother is the performer in the family.
4. What decided you to settle on your chosen sport
I wanted to represent Ireland at the highest level. My toss up was between camogie and athletics. I dreamt of being in the Olympics, so athletics won!
5. Who has had the most impact on your sporting career?
Goodness, as I’m writing this it’s bringing so many fantastic people to mind, who have played so many crucial roles in making me the athlete I am today.I wouldn’t be where I am today without my parents, they carted me everywhere throughout my childhood and gave me every opportunity to excel in sport. Be it camogie matches or athletics races, they never complained about the early mornings to bring me to Belfast to train, or all the dirty gear! I have to say my aunt Edel Mason was always my idol growing up. She played camogie and I aspired to be like her, and when my dreams switched to athletics she supported me all the way throughout the ups and downs. I’ve had 4 coaches in my life who have taught me so much. The first is Elizabeth Collins, my camogie coach from the age of 8 to 18. Elizabeth instilled in me the values of sportsmanship. She not only taught me the skills of camogie but the mental skills that I’d carry into my adult life both on and off the field of play. I’ve had 3 athletics coaches, Eamonn Christie, Jerry Kiernan and my current coach Steve Vernon. Each one strengthened and honed my athletic abilities while nurturing me as an athlete and a person. I’ll always be truly grateful for everything they have done for me.
6. What female do you most admire in the world of sport?
It’s too hard to narrow this down, being a female athlete I admire a lot of the women. Be that those who came before me in sport creating a pathway for women today to compete, or the athletes I rub shoulders with now. I see women coaching local teams, challenging themselves to achieve new goals, and overcoming all the obstacles that come before them. These are the women that I admire the most, nothing makes me happier than seeing my little cousins face light up when she tells me of the goals she scored or her new Judo moves. There are women to admire all around us in the sporting world.
7. Outside of sport what do you do in your leisure time?
I studied physiotherapy in UCD and and qualified a few years ago but I’m currently a full time athlete now so my day is solely dedicated to training. I usually train 2 to 3 times a day. So in between that I rest, eat and get ready for the next run. I enjoy reading, doing a bit of arts and crafts with my team mates, and I have two hurls in Manchester to have a puck about! My boyfriend bought me a guitar when I moved to join my team 2 years ago so I really need to get round to learning how to play it!
8. What is the last movie you went to see? What is your favourite movie of all time?
We had a wee movie night with my team mates in NB Manchester recently to see Yesterday, which was great because I love the Beatles. My favourite movie of all time would probably be Miss Congeniality, I like something light hearted and funny. Plus love a bit of girl power!
9. What music do you listen to?
I listen to a bit of everything, my spotify playlist ranges from Mary Black, to the Red Hot Chilli Peppers.
10. Are you a reading fan? If so what are you currently reading?
I don’t read as much as I should but I do enjoy it, I’m currently reading “Blink” by Malcolm Gladwell.
11. Do you follow any sports stars on social media? If so who?
I love following my fellow Irish athletes, the 20×20 movement has been fantastic for also raising my awareness of the achievements of my counterparts. I love reading about our boxers, golfers, GAA players, soccer players, rugby players, badminton, modern pentathalon, swimming… the list goes on.
12. Forget about your sporting diet for a moment? Your favourite meal when you breakout?
To be honest I have a really healthy approach to food… it’s fuel. So I don’t have a breakout meal, I eat similarly all year round weather I’m on a break or not. I believe in being happy and healthy with my diet and have a wee biscuit or bar of chocolate if I want to, I just don’t over indulge. The only thing I probably do eat on my break that I wouldn’t normally are some Pringles!
13. Who do you most admire in your own sport?
A lot of the time we only see the athletes on the podium, but I have to say I have a lot of admiration for those who have overcome some tough times and kept their love for the sport. My own team mates in Team NB MCR Eli Kirk and Anna Silvander have had some tough injuries, I’ve seen them approach each day with a smile and determination that reminds me how lucky we are to be out competing. Our very own Phil Healy is an example of this too, overcoming a broken bone to be back racing this summer, I admire the strength to stay strong and work out of the limelight.
14. Do you have a special ritual before competing?
I wouldn’t say I have a special ritual, I used to have lucky pants and socks but they are long gone now. I decided that I make my own luck, and the good days weren’t down to what I was wearing. I do have a routine I stick to on race day. It means I feel calm and ready because my prep for every race is the same. I plan my timetable for race day the day before. Right down to when I will have my last snack before the race. I write it all on a piece of paper and slot in the back of my phone to cast my eye over on race day.
15. Do you still play other sports for fun?
Unfortunately not, I’d love to but aiming to compete at the highest level of athletics requires my full focus. I do still puck abut in the garden but no competing in other sports until I retire from athletics.
16. What advice would you give to young girls & boys to encourage them to participate in sport?
My words of advice would be to go and try a few different things, see what you like. Some people love team sports, others love individual sports, some people like competing, others don’t. The beauty of sport is there are so many options out there and there is something for everyone.
17. What has been your biggest sporting achievement?
I had a pretty glistening underage career, winning World Junior Silver and European Youth gold but I missed my whole under 23 career due to injury. So the greatest achievement for me would be the bronze at the European outdoors and confirming it at the indoors this year. Just to silence any doubters and any little doubts that floated about my own head.
18. How do you cope with (a) injuries; (b) other setbacks?
Like most sports people I’ve had my fair share of setbacks and injuries. When it comes to injuries I hope the worst of them are behind me (touch wood). I have a great team around me, I see the physio and the sports doctor and I follow their guidelines. I have a good head on my shoulders when it comes to dealing with niggles and the aches and pains that come with pushing your body to the max. In fairness injuries sometimes seem easier to deal with than the setbacks because at least then you have a reason for any dips in performance. When a setback happens, I remind myself that I am not a robot, I try my best every time I step out, sometimes things just don’t work out how we hoped. It can be hard to deal with these times but I always think we learn more from our failures than we do from our victories. I write things down, take a bit of time and then evaluate, and re-evaluate them, then I learn. “Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.” (Samuel Beckett)
19. What do your family make of your success?
You would have to ask them this question. I think my family are proud. They see all the hard work and the sacrifices I make, they see the good days and the bad. They are proud of my determination and commitment, they love to see me smiling on those good days. Equally they are there on the tough ones, just as proud and by my side.
20. What does sport mean to you?
Well this is a deep question. On the face of it sport is now my profession, I’m a full time athlete, it’s my job but if anyone thought sport was only that to me they don’t know me very well. Long before athletics came into my life sport was my escape, my identity, my dream and my driver. Goodness I’d live for camogie, when I think of my childhood the majority of memories I have a hurl in my hand. I learnt passion through sport, learnt how to control my emotions, how to harness my ambition. Sport gave me a way to express myself and to grow. To learn about who I was, and what I could be. Now, my relationship to sport has somewhat changed but it continues to teach me. To show me that the only limits I have in life are those I set for myself. Sport is my pulse, it’s not everything in my life but without it, I’d cease to exist as I know it!
Check out the 20×20 Women in Sport Calendar for upcoming fixtures
https://20×20.ie/event-calendar/
