Photo Credit: Cricket Ireland
Advancing Women’s Cricket through Leadership and Visibility
This past weekend marked a significant milestone in Irish cricket, highlighted by the women’s team achieving their first victory against England in a T20 International. Adding to the excitement, the game was broadcast live on Virgin TV, a first for cricket in Ireland.
In conjunction with the match, Cricket Ireland hosted the ‘Championing Female Leaders’ conference, at Croke Park. The theme of the event centred on advancing and growing female involvement in sport, featuring discussions on the steps taken to make progress.
Topics included targeted programmes to elevate women into leadership roles, increasing media visibility for female athletes, enhancing investment in infrastructure, and the importance of male allyship. Acknowledging the journey ahead, Brian MacNeice, Chair of the Board of Cricket Ireland, noted the significant strides made in recent years as he welcomed an audience from across Ireland and Europe. Orla Stevens, Managing Director of Certa, spoke passionately about the company’s sponsorship of Ireland’s women’s team and its alignment with their brand values. “It’s all about empowerment and breaking boundaries,” she said, expressing her enthusiasm for the growth and strength of the partnership, as well as the game’s historic broadcast on terrestrial television.
Alan Waite, Domestic Director of the Northern Cricket Union (NCU), highlighted efforts to cultivate a thriving women’s and girls’ game across the region and used his own local cricket club in Waringstown, Co. Down as an example. He emphasized the crucial role of NCU Development Officers in schools and the need to provide varied cricket experiences that cater to both competitive play and social engagement. “It’s important that women and girls have a quality experience in cricket—one that shows we value and support them,” he added.
A key topic during the conference was the positive impact of Cricket Ireland’s ‘On the Front Foot’ leadership development program. Launched in 2021, the initiative has seen 62% of participants step into new leadership roles across club, provincial, or national levels. This growing network of women is making waves not only on the field but also as coaches, administrators, referees, and in governance.
Panelists, including Carrie Archer, Sukhi Byrne, and Sarah Rountree, shared personal and professional insights on the programme’s transformative effects on their lives.
Conversations among notable figures such as Ryle Nugent, CEO of Premier Sports; Kelli O’Keeffe, MD of Teneo Sport and Sponsorships; Mohammed Mahomed, Co-Founder of HerSport; and Elaine Nolan, Director of Strategy & Growth at Cricket Ireland, provided invaluable perspectives on the changing media landscape and its increasing focus on women’s sports.
While frank discussions addressed the barriers and challenges ahead, the atmosphere in the room was one of optimism and unity, with attendees committed to creating more inclusive opportunities for female athletes. The event was expertly MC’d by Gráinne McElwain.
The advancements in women’s cricket in Ireland are evident. Women and girls now account for 22% of cricket participants in Ireland, more than double the 9% share they held in 2013. Looking ahead, there is a clear ambition to further develop women’s cricket, enhance participation at all levels, and ensure equitable resources and opportunities for female athletes. The recent conference and match exemplify a collective effort to foster a sustainable future for women’s sports in Ireland, paving the way for continued growth and success.
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Cricket Ireland, officially known as The Irish Cricket Union Company Limited by Guarantee, is the governing body for cricket on the island of Ireland. It oversees the national men’s and women’s teams and organizes the Inter-Provincial Series, Super 3s, and All-Ireland club competitions. Ireland achieved Test status for women in 2000 and for men in 2017 when it became a Full Member of the ICC.
