In a powerful display of support for young women in sport, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Emma Blain, welcomed teenage girls from sports clubs across the city to a special youth engagement event at the historic Mansion House yesterday.
The event, held in the Oak Room, was organised in collaboration with the Dublin City Sport and Wellbeing Partnership and supported by Sport Ireland’s Her Moves initiative.
It aimed to empower young female athletes, amplify their voices, and encourage long-term participation in sport.
The morning opened with a lively and engaging youth voice workshop, where girls representing clubs from all corners of Dublin came together to share their personal stories.
Facilitated by the Sport Ireland team, the session gave participants the opportunity to speak candidly about their sporting experiences, challenges, and aspirations. The feedback gathered will play a central role in shaping future programmes that promote more inclusive and supportive environments for girls in sport.
Lord Mayor Emma Blain addressed the group with a passionate message of support, reaffirming her commitment to empowering young women through sport. She highlighted the importance of listening to young athletes and understanding what motivates them to stay involved.
Whether it is better facilities, appropriate sportswear, or increased funding for local clubs, she stressed the need to remove barriers and ensure girls can thrive in sport. She also spoke of the many life skills sport can offer, from teamwork and leadership to resilience, well being, and enjoyment.
The event’s centrepiece was a panel discussion featuring some of Ireland’s top female athletes. Aoife Wafer and Niamh O’Dowd of the Ireland Women’s Rugby Team, Niamh Donlon from Dublin Ladies Football, and Aisling Groarke of Cuala GAA shared their personal journeys with the captivated audience.
They spoke openly about the highs and lows of competing at the highest levels, offering encouragement and advice to the next generation of female athletes.
Bethany Carson, Women in Sport Manager at Sport Ireland, spoke about the importance of the Her Moves campaign. She said the initiative is focused on redefining what it means to be sporty and removing the barriers that prevent girls from staying active.
She praised the event as an ideal example of what Her Moves stands for, noting that it was created for girls and driven by their voices. Carson also underlined the need to equip parents, coaches, and schools with the tools to support girls throughout their sporting journeys.
The event also celebrated the ongoing efforts of the Dublin City Sport and Wellbeing Partnership. Their year-round work plays a vital role in supporting young athletes and encouraging widespread participation across communities.
The gathering marked a significant step forward in Dublin’s mission to support teenage girls in sport. It showcased the power of collaboration, community leadership, and most importantly, the voices of the girls themselves in creating meaningful and lasting change.
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SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE
The gathering marked a significant step forward in Dublin’s mission to support teenage girls in sport. It showcased the power of collaboration, community leadership, and most importantly, the voices of the girls themselves in creating meaningful and lasting change.
WHAT’S UP NEXT?
Her Moves and the work of the Dublin City Sport and Wellbeing Partnership carry on every day.
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