This International Women’s Day, Rowing Ireland is proud to amplify the voices of our high-performance athletes as we continue to accelerate action towards true gender equality in sport. Through a series of powerful video messages, we explore why gender equality matters, who has influenced our athletes the most, and what it means to feel supported and empowered in sport. To answer these questions, some of Rowing Ireland’s top high-performance athletes shared their perspectives:
Natalie Long – Olympian
Andrew Sheehan – U23 Medalist
Mags Cremen – 2-Time Olympian
Fin O’Reilly – U23 Medalist
Zoe Hyde – Olympian
Fintan McCarthy – 2-Time Olympic Champion
Why Gender Equality in Sport Matters
In our first video, Michelle Carpenter, CEO of Rowing Ireland and Chair of the Olympic Federation of Ireland’s Gender Equality & Inclusion Commission, opens with a powerful message about the importance of ensuring that women in all sports have a voice, opportunities, and a clear pathway to leadership and success.
“This International Women’s Day is about making faster, more effective strides towards true gender equality in sport. But why does gender equality matter? And what does it really mean for athletes at the highest level?”
Recognising the Women Who Inspire Us
In our second video, Deirdre Lysaght, Communications and Commercial Manager at Rowing Ireland, asked some of our athletes about the biggest female influence in their lives.
Moments of Inclusion, Support, and Empowerment
In our third video, Ciara Harte, Acting Women in Sport Officer at Rowing Ireland, asked our high-performance athletes to share a moment when they felt truly included, supported, or empowered in their sport.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, Rowing Ireland remains committed to championing gender equality, supporting our athletes, and fostering an inclusive environment for all.
