This year has started off with a fast-paced start, with women’s sports in Northern Ireland and beyond seeing some fantastic early-season performances. Starting off the Female Sports Forum has launch as women in sport survey! If you have not had time to take it and share it please do, we want to get as many responses as possible! (LINK)
While the Ashes remain an age-old competition, women’s cricket has started the year strong. England and Australia have kicked off another fierce battle in the multi-format Women’s Ashes. Australia have won the format this year extending their streak another year. The T20 will kick off with Ireland being in the mix. It will be an exciting year with the World Cup for these players.
The Irish women’s indoor hockey team had a narrow defeat at the Danish International Indoor Hockey Tournament at the start of the month, hopefully we will keep seeing strong performances from the team through out the year.
As we make our way into another Six Nations season, all eyes are on the Celtic Challenge, with the Wolfhounds and Clovers competing strongly. Ulster players have been key figures in these teams, continuing to showcase Northern Ireland’s talent on the pitch- Brittnay Hogan, Sadhbh McGrath, Fiona Tuite, Meabh Clenaghan, Claire Boles have been named to the teams with Sophie Barrett being used as replacement in the latest round.
Louise Thompson has made Northern Ireland football history as the first female to officiate at a Sports Direct Premiership men’s match. In addition, Northern Ireland international Toni-Leigh Finnegan has completed a move to Aberdeen Women, while Simone Magill has been named Northern Ireland’s senior women’s player of the year.
The LGFA Lidl National Football League has kicked off again, promising plenty of excitement and drama. Armagh, Dublin, Waterford, and Meath all secured victories in their opening Division 1 matches. This weekend is the Ulster Derby with Armagh up against Tyrone. Fermanagh is also playing Antrim and Derry is playing Leitrim in Division 4 as well this weekend.
Northern Irish athletes have been delivering incredible performances early in the season. Anna McCauley achieved a personal best and secured the pentathlon title at the English Championships. Ellie McCartney equaled the Northern Ireland Senior Indoor pole vault record with a 4.31m clearance.Rachel McCann and Emer McKee delivered strong performances on the European stage. Hannah Gilliland won the Raheny 5 Mile race, with her mother, Alison, being the first woman to cross the line in the F50 category.
There are plenty of opportunities for people to get active and involved in women’s sport across the country, Basketball NI has numerous She Got Game Opportunities. Additionally the Inline Hockey is hosting a tournament at the End of February! It will be the first year of the tournament. Check out more information here