Evanne Ní Chuilinn has carved out a unique and influential role in Irish public life, blending a distinguished career in sports broadcasting with a growing impact in national politics as a Senator.
She began her career with RTÉ in 2004, first as a sports sub-editor before quickly moving into on-air roles that made her one of the most recognisable sports journalists in the country. Evanne became a familiar presence on The Sunday Game, reporting from the sideline at major GAA fixtures, and later presented sport on RTÉ’s flagship Six One News.
Her work took her to some of the world’s biggest sporting events, including multiple Olympic and Paralympic Games, and she earned a reputation for insightful, empathetic coverage delivered in both English and Irish. Her visibility and professionalism helped broaden the presence of women’s voices in Irish sports media at a time when they were still rare.
In 2025, Evanne transitioned into public life when she was nominated to Seanad Éireann as a Fine Gael Senator. She now serves as the party’s spokesperson on arts, media, sport and communications, carrying her deep expertise in sport and broadcasting into the political arena. Her priorities include championing women and girls in sport, strengthening minority sports, advancing Irish-language broadcasting, and speaking openly about issues such as mental health, women’s healthcare and infertility — causes she has addressed with both courage and authenticity.
She stands out as a leader whose work continues to influence how Irish sport is covered, understood and supported at national level. Her journey from the sidelines of major games to the Seanad chamber reflects a commitment to visibility, inclusion and public service, and underscores her growing influence across sport, media and politics in Ireland.
Evanne is the 9th new entry and the 24th overall addition to this year’s list.
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Previously Listed
Dr Una May, Moira Aston, Mary O’Connor, Michelle Carpenter, Brenda O’Donnell, Sarah Keane, Karen Coventry, Michelle Tanner, Mary McAleese, Rosie Barry, Sinead Hosey, Laura Heffernan, Jacqui Hurley, Aoife Lane, Tracy Bunyan, Lisa Clancy, Aoife Clarke, Thelma O’Driscoll, Catherine Tiernan, Helen O’Rourke, Niamh Tallon, Julie Nicholson, Aisling O’Reilly
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This is the 13th edition of the Sport for Business listing of 50 Women of Influence in Irish Sport in partnership once more with our friends at AIG.
We began this journey in 2013, when we were challenged to produce a list of 20 Influential Women in Irish Sport. The 20 stretched to 30, then 40 and 50, and it still does not do justice to the talent out there.
Substantial progress has been made during this time. The Government, mindful of the importance and need for gender equity, challenged Irish sporting bodies to achieve a 60/40 gender split on their main boards or leadership entities by the end of 2023
Internationally, the gender split in doctors ranges from 46 per cent female in New Zealand to 48 per cent in the UK, 52 per cent in France, and 54 per cent in the United States. Sport has, for too long, lagged.
The gender gap in participation is targeted to be non-existent by 2027, and the profile of our elite athletes is as high for Katie Taylor, Katie McCabe, Rhasidat Adeleke and Leona Maguire as it is for the best of our men.
We are nearing the point where sport is sport regardless of gender.
The gap remains too big in media, sponsorship, attendance, and funding, but it is only by highlighting the wrongs that we can make them right.
This year’s list will again draw from all the multiple areas that make up sport. From the fields of play to the corridors of power, from the boardroom to the studio, and from every corner of the country.
We will divide the list into the CEO Club, the Influencers, and the Sponsors Lounge. the Administrators and others
This year, once again, we will challenge ourselves to generate at least 40 per cent of new entrants to ensure that fresh recognition is given to those making a mark.
This will mean some who fully deserve to remain stepping aside but that is part of what influence and leadership is about and they are in no way diminished by their not being on the list this year.
The list we will build over the coming weeks is a snapshot of women who are changing the way sport is played, consumed, grown, and delivered.
They are part of making the role of women in sport unexceptional by being exceptional in what they do.
Recognition of their contribution is rarely asked for but is entirely deserved, and we want your help in identifying those who you feel should be among them.
So, who else do you think should be on the list for 2025?
Image Credit: Sport for Business
Further Reading for Sport for Business members:
Read our Sport for Business Coverage of Women in Sport
Image Credit: IRFU and Dan Sheridan, Inpho.ie
Further Reading for Sport for Business members:
Read our Sport for Business Coverage of Women in Sport
SPORT FOR BUSINESS Upcoming Events
December 9th – Our 12th Annual Women in Sport Conference in partnership with Lidl.
January 2026 – The Sporting Year Ahead 2026 in partnership with Teneo – Launching Soon
Sport for Business Podcasts
MEMBERSHIP AND EVENTS,
AIG, Sport Ireland and Lidl are among our partners expanding the visibility of Women in Sport in Ireland, and among the leading sporting and business organisations in and around the world of sport, who are part of the 300+ members of the Sport for Business community.
This includes all of the leading sports and sponsors, as well as commercial and state agencies, individuals interested in our world, and an increasing number from beyond these shores taking a keen interest in Ireland.
Find out more about becoming a member today.
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