“Rugby was for the boys” - Anna Caplice, rugby coach and commentator, and former Irish international rugby player | Ep.11

Aoife is Head of Department of Sport and Health Sciences in Technological University of the Shannon (TUS). Aoife leads the SHE Research Centre which focuses on Bridging the Gender Data Gap in Sport, Health and Exercise Science Research. She also is the co-chair of Míde Research, which is an all-island, cross-institute consortium set up to conduct high-quality interdisciplinary research around women and girls in sport.

Jennie Rogers is the Head of Player Development and Wellbeing at the Gaelic Players Association (GPA), bringing together extensive experience in psychology, coaching, leadership, mental health and elite sport. Jennie has 17 years of experience competing at inter-county level with Westmeath Ladies, representing her county from 2005 to 2021 and captaining the team in 2015 and 2016. At club level with her club Milltown Ladies, she won an Intermediate All-Ireland Club title and Leinster Club title in 2015, along with eight Westmeath Senior County Championship titles. She is deeply passionate about supporting individuals to reach their potential and believes strongly in the power of sport as a catalyst for positive societal change, particularly in how we understand, discuss and support mental health. We talked about the impact sport can have on young players and how it can change where you go in terms of college and careers. Jennie also spoke about the role of the GPA, the power of bringing female and male players together, and why it is so important to support our players on and off the field.

Neill Fleming is the owner/director of Cúl Sliotars. Founded in 2016 with his partner Liam Mockler, Cúl Sliotars provides a variety of sports equipment for gaelic games across Ireland. Neill shares his journey from an intercounty player with Dublin hurling team, to his career path through business and entrepreneurship. We chatted about the impact vision and drive has in local GAA clubs and how Naas have excelled at underage development, which has led to their success at adult levels. This is a great listen for anyone interested in following their passion, and creating a business in an industry they love!

Mairéad McParland is the Director of the Canal Court Hotel and Spa and the manager of the Carrickdale Hotel and Spa in Armagh. A huge GAA fan, she has spent much of her life in the backroom and county board for Armagh Ladies GAA. Mairéad originally trained and worked as an accountant, but is now working in her family business in hospitality. In our conversation we discussed the importance of financial support for female teams, and the impact sport has across communities, both in the North and South of Ireland. We also chatted about the need to support local club teams, and how they are the lifeblood of our county panels. This is a conversation for all GAA fans to listen to! Produced by @cutdownstudios Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Orna Murray is a ball of energy driving sports participation forward with a particular interest in female health. A two-time Irish national squash champion and European Cross Country runner, she pairs elite sports experience with academic rigor, holding a degree in Applied Psychology (UCC) and a masters in Health Psychology (NUIG).