Inaugural Women In Sport Female Coaches Networking Day A Huge Success 


Keynote Speaker Lisa Fallon during her address


The first-ever Women in Sport Female Coaches Networking Day took place at the Clayton Hotel in Dublin on Sunday, November 6th. 


Cycling Ireland in collaboration with Athletics Ireland, Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA), Rowing Ireland and Triathlon Ireland hosted the event for female coaches from the respective sports. 


The innovative event proved a huge success with keynote speaker Lisa Fallon and Dr. Phil Kearney providing excellent insight and expertise to those in attendance. 


The day also featured a networking workshop with Hayley Harrison as well as a range of other activities to help the coaches learn from one another. 


Lisa Fallon said: 

“To have the opportunity to be involved in a day like today where you can get female coaches together, get them to talk to each other, share those experiences but network and become part of each other’s support structures, I think is vitally important.” 

Cycling Ireland Women In Sport Officer Elaine Cahill said:  

“We were delighted to collaborate with the four other National Governing Bodies to deliver this innovative event for female coaches. This event has come about based on feedback from female coaches who have gone through the WIS coaching programme expressing a desire to meet up with other coaches more regularly. It was brilliant to have Lisa Fallon join as keynote speaker on the day along with Dr Phil Kearney who delivered an educational session on layering the 4 C's for optimal athlete development. Hayley Harrison facilitated a networking session where the buzz and fun from the room could be heard loud. It was an incredible say and hopefully it's the start of more regular events for coaches."


The event was organised after overwhelming feedback from coaches who have gone through the Women in Sport Coaching Pathway over the last two years, another initiative the five National Governing Bodies collaborate on.  


The coaches have spoken about the need for more networking events and the benefit they get from meeting up and learning from one another. 


The event was fully funded through the Women in Sport budget from Sport Ireland and completely free for coaches to attend.   


Dr Phil Kearney at the Women In Sport Female Coaches Networking Day (Image Credit: Mark Smyth)


Haley Harrison leads a networking workshop (Image Credit: Mark Smyth)