Rena Buckley and Breege Corkery, with an incredible 32 All Ireland Medals between them have been named as the Irish Times Sportswomen of the Year.
The event is one of our favourite events of the year when the Irish Times and Sport Ireland gather to celebrate the achievements of women in sport through the year and name the one, or occasional two, that stands out as the Sportswoman of the Year.
Buckley and Corkery were chosen from 14 individual or shared winners of monthly awards through the year.
Those winners came from Rugby, Camogie, Ladies Football, Boxing, Canoeing, Special Olympics, Paralympics, Athletics, Horse racing, Golf, Squash and Soccer.
They are a vibrant and energetic reflection of the massive growth we have witnessed in recognition, participation and popularity of women as equals in sport over recent years. the Irish Times has played a crucial and consistent role in that, as has Sport for Business in our own small way.
Sport Ireland has also been unwavering in its putting women’s sport at the top of the agenda. It’s the area where the greatest positive change can be made happen and that is what all of us who have a passion for what is right in terms of fairness, opportunity and making a difference will continue early in 2016.
Friday was a special day as well because it marked the launch of a wonderful reflection on how far we have come with regard to Women in Sport. The campaigns to make things better are built on the shoulders of stars that have broken through the public consciousness in their own way.
Their heart and soul is laid bare in the publication of ‘Changing the Game’ a digital book with limited copies printed for those attending today’s Awards and featured in the book. It captures the moments that have propelled women to the centre stage of sport and those that show their human side, their appeal as role models for the generations that will come behind and who will hopefully see little of the challenge that they have overcome in securing coverage, recognition and a place in history.
Top marks to Sport Ireland for making this project happen, ti Inpho photography for providing the images of past and present that tell the story of women in sport with great eloquence and Anne McCarthy who has overseen the project and whose belief in the importance of what it has produced shines as bright as the spotlight it shines on the stars of the day.
Here are a selection of our favourite images from the 178 that are included…
And here is a link to how you can download a digital copy of the book
