Women in Coaching Network
15th November
10-2pm
Kilashee Hotel, Naas, Co. Kildare
The Women in Coaching Network brought to you by Athletics Ireland, Cycling Ireland, Rowing Ireland, Swim Ireland and Triathlon Ireland, supported by Sport Ireland is back for 2025. This is the only event in the country where female coaches from all sports can come together. This project, supported by Sport Ireland, aims to establish and grow a network of female coaches and create a support structure for all. We are encouraging as many female coaches as possible to attend this event to create the first Women in Coaching Network in Ireland.
This event is for all coaches at all levels across all sports. The Women in Coaching Network will offer inspiring keynote speakers, interactive self-development sessions, and tangible takeaways. This is an exciting opportunity to help to start to shape the future of coaching for women in Ireland. If you have a passion for coaching and want to help shape the future this is where we can make a start.
Early Bird Ticket Offer 32 Euro (includes refreshments and lunch)
Speaker Announcements
Emma Cowley
“It’s Not You, It’s The System – Keeping Women in Coaching”
From grassroots to elite levels, women coaches face multiple barriers that drive them out of the system. Through reflection and discussion, this session explores why so many women drop off along the coaching pathway, and how we can create environments that not only help women stay in but also lead the game.
Dr Emma Cowley is a sport and exercise researcher at the SHE Research Centre, TUS Athlone. Her work focuses on women’s (often invisible) experiences in sport and exercise. Drawing on research across the island and internationally, she explores how systems, not individuals, shape women’s opportunities to stay, lead and thrive in sport.
Carol Keenan
Finding Balance: Managing Time, Energy, and Wellbeing in a Busy World
Carol Keenan is a Performance Life Skills Consultant with the Sport Ireland Institute and former Player Development Manager with Rugby Players Ireland, supporting elite and professional athletes across rugby, hockey, and Olympic pathways. A registered Guidance Counsellor and Sport & Exercise Psychology graduate, Carol specialises in , and career development in high-performance environments. Carol’s work centres on helping individuals navigate the challenges of high performance — balancing wellbeing, workload, and career planning for lasting fulfilment.
Between work, family, volunteering and personal ambitions, many women in sport find themselves stretched thin. Carol explores how to manage time, protect wellbeing, and maintaining balance. This session offers real-world strategies to help you lead, perform, and live with greater balance.
Key Note speakers to be announced next week!
