Advancing Women’s Cricket in Ireland Through Leadership and Visibility
18 September: The ‘Championing Female Leaders’ conference hosted by Cricket Ireland took place at Croke Park over the weekend, focusing on actions to grow and advance female involvement in sport. The event was expertly MC’d by Gráinne McElwain.
Topics included targeted programmes to elevate women into leadership roles, increasing media visibility for female athletes, enhancing investment in infrastructure, and the importance of male allyship. Acknowledging the journey ahead, Brian MacNeice, Chair of the Board of Cricket Ireland, noted the significant strides made in recent years as he welcomed an audience from across Ireland and Europe. There were plenty of familiar faces from NCU in the room.
Alan Waite, Domestic Director of the Northern Cricket Union (NCU), highlighted efforts to cultivate a thriving women’s and girls’ game across the region and used his own local cricket club in Waringstown, Co. Down as an example. He emphasised the crucial role of NCU Development Officers in schools and the need to provide varied cricket experiences that cater to both competitive play and social engagement. “It’s important that women and girls have a quality experience in cricket—one that shows we value and support them,” he added.
Also speaking as a panellist was Sarah Rountree, alongside other graduates of the ‘On the Front Foot’ Leadership Programme for women in cricket. Launched in 2021, the initiative has seen 62% of participants step into new leadership roles across club, provincial, or national levels.
Sarah shared insights into her own journey in cricket, as well as her experience and involvement in the On the Front Foot Programme. With 23 years of playing experience in women’s cricket, Sarah has witnessed the growth of women’s cricket since the age of 12. In 2004, Sarah founded the CSNI women’s cricket team and was involved with the Ulster women’s setup up which was the precursor to the NCU women’s teams.
Getting involved in the programme was timely for Sarah for many reasons, including her move home and desire to reconnect with her club and the game in NCU. She currently serves on the NCU domestic committee, is Chair of the NCU women’s committee and holds the position safeguarding officer at her club, CSNICC. Sarah currently plays for the NCU senior women’s team.
Other conference topics included increasing media visibility for female athletes, enhancing investment in infrastructure, and the importance of male allyship.
Orla Stevens, Managing Director of Certa, spoke passionately about the company’s sponsorship of Ireland’s women’s team and its alignment with their brand values. “It’s all about empowerment and breaking boundaries,” she stated, expressing her enthusiasm for the growth of the partnership and the historic broadcast of the game.
Conversations among figures such as Ryle Nugent, CEO of Premier Sports; Kelli O’Keeffe, MD of Teneo Sport and Sponsorships; Mohammed Mahomed, Co-Founder of HerSport; and Elaine Nolan, Director of Strategy & Growth at Cricket Ireland, provided invaluable insights into the evolving media landscape and its increased focus on women’s sports.
While candid discussions addressed the barriers and challenges ahead, the atmosphere in the room was one of optimism and unity to continue to make progress in advancing women in sport.