'Women in sport make for inspiring role models'

Moves are continuing at Cushinstown AC to encourage female participation in sport with the success of the Meath ladies football team in winning this year's All-Ireland final a major source of inspiration for youngsters says the club's Juvenile PRO Suzanne Bellew.

"What a year to be a woman in sport, and particularly in 2021 a Meath woman. Women in sport make for inspiring role models and shows men and women as equals," she asserts.

"Sport has the power to change lives and has the ability to drive gender equality by teaching women and girls’ teamwork, self-reliance, resilience, and confidence."

The Cushinstown AC official says her club seeks to encourage more girls and women to take part in sport by holding regular coaching sessions.

"Our lady chairperson and our female coaches encourage and promote women’s participation. Holding numerous coaching sessions weekly and as a club we have played a key role empowering women and girls through athletics for many years. Undoubtedly the success of Meath LGFA ladies’ senior team has had a massive impact in our local area inspiring female involvement.

"Cushinstown AC provides their facilities to Duleek/Bellewstown GFC, Curraha GFC ladies football, girls underage football, and local Gaelic 4 Mothers and Others in supporting non-stop community involvement in sport.

"Athletics Ireland has been a huge support for females in sport in offering courses for coaches, teachers and tutors and have collaborated with Swim Ireland, Cycling Ireland and Triathlon Ireland in delivering these coaching programmes encouraging our next generation of leading ladies in their athletic endeavours."

Suzanne Bellew points out that age should not necessarily prevent participation in sport.

"Cushinstown Athletic Club are proud to be playing their part in empowering female participation in sport. Athletics is a sport for life, and you can be involved in any aspect of your local club at any stage and age."