A key pillar of the Women in Sport Strategy is developing and supporting our female leaders in our clubs, committees and our community. With funding secured from Sport Ireland, we are able to deliver programmes and offer pathways for leadership development.

Over the past few months Athletics Ireland has committed to further supporting our leaders by delivering two female leadership programmes aimed at clubs and committees.

15 women have recently completed the Women in Sport Leadership programme delivered by Sarah O Shea and Lisa Clancy. This 5 week blended programme supports women who are currently in committee roles, club chairs or aspiring to be a future club leader. This year we have had some amazing women on this programme. The programme is delivered over 5 zoom sessions and an in-person day with scenario based challenges and presentations. Well done to Róisín Barry, Olivia Buckley Farrelly, Breda Browne, Lyn Darcy, Paula Doolan, Korrina Dillon, Valerie Gorman, Anita Mcglynn, Evelyn McMullan, Sarah Forte, Ann Marie Walsh, Karen Savage, Anna Foley, Kelly Ann O Brien, Noreen Keene.

New to 2026 has been our Young Leaders Programme delivered in collaboration with Swimming, Rowing, Triathlon and Cycling. The programme is led by Move2B delivered by Orna and Niamh Murray. We had 5 young women complete this programme recently representing Lucan Harriers, Clonliffe Harriers, St Abbans AC and Dundrum South Dublin. Well done to Katie Baldwin, Aoife Fitzpatrick, Ana Jone, Robyn O’Halloran Caffrey and Emily Jachna.