Women in Sport Conference 2026 hosts Ireland WNT manager Carla Ward among other powerful speakers in Enfield

“I knocked down every door. And when someone said no, I found another door to knock down.”

It was a morning of education, important conversations, and informative insight at the Women In Sport Conference 2026, hosted by Meath Local Sports Partnership on Saturday. Taking place at The Johnstown Estate in Enfield, there were a host of voices who spoke to help advance the role of women in sport.

The conference was a ticketed event open to the public, and featured speakers such as Carla Ward, manager of the Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team, and many other influential advocates and former athletes.

Hosted by award winning-sports broadcaster Marie Crowe, there was a significant turnout in south Meath to hear about various experiences from women in sport, thought-provoking research, and how female sports can move in a positive direction.

Meath County Council representatives kicked off the proceedings in Enfield, as cathaoirleach, Sarah Reilly was followed on stage by Deputy Chief Executive and Meath LSP chairperson, Des Foley.

Reilly explained that sport was a huge part of her life growing up, before pointing out, “It’s fantastic to see so many coaches in the room today. Without the coaches, there are no dreams. And without dreams, we don’t have the professionals who are going to inspire and motivate us here today.”

Foley then started by saying he had a ‘lifelong interest in sport’, and explained his delight that he was able to get involved with Meath LSP. “It’s so good to be involved in sport at all levels.”

He added that the quality of speakers at the ‘outstanding’ event was important to highlight the importance in promoting women in sports across county Meath, as well as the rest of the country.

Mary Van Lieshout, the director of Sport Ireland, then took the stage, as she highlighted some important statistics, progress made, and future considerations that can be made to strengthen women in sport.

Her talk included significant informative insight including, diversifying volunteering roles, media coverage contrasts with male sport, athletic identity, keeping women engaged in sport during their early 20s, and making adjustments to support women’s life demands.

“Change has to be set up across the system,” she said. “Change doesn’t happen by an individual programme, or one dimension.

“It has to be both horizontal and vertical… We need to make sure that representation equals influence and contributes to influence. We need to make sure we’re creating an ecosystem that is sustainable and values the individual needs of our source participants.”

Next, came a panel discussion among Moria Aston, the CEO Canoeing Ireland, Jackie Sheils, head coach of Navan RFC and former Ireland rugby international, Dr Bronagh McGrane, academic, coach educator and former Louth footballer, and Nina Carberry, MEP and former jockey.

Aston was the moderator for the 30-minute panel, as the group of four had an eye-opening and natural conversation about various subjects within women, the broader women in sport topic.

Some of the topics that were discussed among the former athletes were adversities they had faced throughout their career, the support systems they had in their journey, what leadership was and how they perceived it, their personal motivations, confidence, and more.

This included Shiels pointing out some of the struggles she faced, both in her playing career and early days as a coach. But, she was also happy to see that women are beginning to be given more facilities and help to perform to the best of their ability.

“My playing experience would have been working Monday to Friday, getting a flight home from London on a Friday night, training two sessions on Saturday, two sessions on Sunday, getting a flight back on Sunday night, and all over again. My first year in London, I flew home 19 weekends in a row. But fast forward where we are now and Irish girls, they're getting full contracts. They have a whole week to get the details ready for their games, which is amazing.”

With every member of the panel coming from a different background, the captivating discussion covered significant ground through their perspectives, which truly engaged the audience throughout.

Meath woman and disability activist Eva Grace then began her discussion. The Trinity College student explained her background and ambitions, as she experienced barriers in sport dealing with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and dyspraxia. “When I had to give up camogie, due to recurring injuries because of my disability, I wasn’t just losing sports. I was losing a huge part of my social life.”

Motivated by her own frustrations, Eva is now using her voice to encourage positive changes in sport and inclusion.

“Sport should be for everyone”, she said. “But the real question is; are we actually going to make that happen?”

Her powerful words touched on a significant spectrum of points in terms of inclusion and accessibility. Just some of her topics included visibility of sports women with disabilities, more considerate inclusion, support, and confidence.

“Creating a sporting environment, where everyone can participate, lead, and thrive, isn’t just opening doors. It’s about making sure that when someone comes through those doors, they feel like they belong.”

Lisa O’Dowd, the sports development officer with Meath Local Sports Partnership followed, as she highlighted the path she had taken in her career to get into her current role, and the important word that is being done now in terms of inclusion and opportunity.

This included her work with the Inspiring Girls Forum, which is funded by Sport Ireland under the ‘Her Moves’ project. This initiative helps to keep women engaged in sports for longer, as research has shown a significant drop-off in involvement numbers among teenage girls.

“For me, it’s such a privilege having to shape opportunities for women and girls in sport across the county. From participation programmes to leadership initiatives. Just creating sustainable pathways for women to start their journey in sports, and to stay involved.”

Continuing on from O’Dowd with a focus on leadership was Emma Jane Park, the founder of Martinstown Lodge in Athboy.

With her business acting as a development center, the equine centre enables coaching and leadership progress, and her discussion gave fascinating insight into what makes a good leader.

“For me, leadership is a behaviour. It’s not this hierarchy. We, as women, are all leaders. Whatever the role you have is. Whether it is washing the club kit, coaching, high performance or participation.”

It was then a perfect final guest to follow on from the Martinstown Lodge founder’s talk, as English woman Carla Ward sat down for a discussion with Marie Crowe.

Early parts of her discussion included the fact that there were a lack of female inspirations for her growing up, but that she was happy that has changed in the modern day. “It’s really bad, but my role models were all men! There weren't enough [female role models]. But now, young girls have the opportunity to watch Katie Taylor, Ireland rugby, Irish football. It’s incredible, they have an opportunity that we didn’t have.”

The manager, who was speaking just a week out from Ireland’s crucial World Cup qualifier with Kazakhstan, then talked through the early stages of her coaching career. Ward, like some of the athletes speaking before her, touched on some of the adversity she faced, including fighting for meals, and the use of club facilities such as gym equipment.

It was clear in Ward’s discussion that she has been resilient throughout her life, and engaged in a very honest discussion with the broadcaster. When asked if she ever got sick of the constant pushback, and fighting for what she wanted, Ward replied, “I love it!”

“I knocked down every door. And when someone said no, I found another door to knock down.”

Although Ward mentioned that she continues to feel pressure and is often the victim of ‘online trolls’, she doesn’t let such things bother her.

“[Dealing with noise and criticism] it's tough. But that’s the job. It comes with pressure. But, pressure is brilliant. I love being in the chaos and the pressure. I wouldn’t have taken this job if I didn’t.”

As for those who look at Ward and want to also pursue a role in coaching, her advice to them was to be obsessed with their goals, and to be authentic to themselves on the journey.

Finishing up, Ward did not mince her words when it came to her affection for Ireland, and was even campaigning for an Irish passport should she successfully guide the team to the World Cup in Brazil next year.

“I love the Irish people. I connect well with them. People don’t care like the people here care. Every time there’s a game, the crowds are going wild. There’s nothing like the Irish… You’re all mad!”