Women in Sport Week takes place between March 4th and 10th.
Each day this week has a specific theme and we’re delighted to be featuring some women in sport from across Co. Westmeath each day this week.
- Monday 4th – High Performance
- Tuesday 5th – Visibility
- Wednesday 6th – Leadership and Governance
- Thursday 7th – Coaching and Officiating
- Friday 8th – International Women’s Day 2024
- Saturday 9th – parkrun Women in Sport
- Sunday 10th – Active Participation
Today we are featuring Karen Goldrick from Westmeath Camogie.
Name
Karen Goldrick.
Club or group
Westmeath Camogie.
What is your sport or activity?
Camogie.
What is your first memory of sport?
Playing basketball for Community Games was my first experience of team sport.
What age did you first play sport with a club/group or team?
Our local GAA club at the time I was growing up didn’t have any female teams so I never got the opportunity to play team sports.
Thankfully they have both LGFA and Camogie Clubs now and both doing amazing; its great to see.
For me my real memory of being involved in a competitive team environment was when I moved to Mullingar a few years ago and I organised a tag rugby team with work colleagues and we took part in the Mullingar Rugby Club tag league every Thursday night. It was so well-organised and a great event which we looked forward to each year.
Who was your sporting hero/idol growing up and why?
I didn’t have a specific sporting hero, because growing up, I enjoyed supporting Tipperary hurlers. I come from a small parish in Tipperary, but it has the biggest GAA community. The passion all my uncles and aunts have for GAA is so inspiring, my memories of preparation for finals and the banter that followed, are memories which last forever.
What do you enjoy most about being involved in sport / physical activity?
Within my role as Chairperson of Westmeath Camogie, I enjoy the great friendships, the camaraderie and social connections within the clubs, which are the heart of Westmeath Camogie. Going to games, seeing parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts all supporting the girls and enjoying our game is so rewarding. There is nothing like going to a training session or game after having a long day at work, putting the phone away for an hour and getting fresh air.
Who was the biggest influence on your sporting career?
My dad.
I can’t remember a school game where my dad wasn’t on the sideline, he is always so supportive and encouraging. As I got older he got more involved in the administration side at both club and county level. That’s where I got my motivation from to get involved with Westmeath Camogie.
What is the hardest thing about being involved in sport as a female?
One of the challenges in being involved in sport as a female can be the disparities in funding, resources and facilities. I do believe we are heading in the right direction; its been a long and challenging road on the journey towards equality and recognition in female sports.
Westmeath Camogie are very fortunate to have a great working relationship with our GAA counterparts in the county.
What is the best thing about being involved in sport as a female?
I have no background in camogie, I never played competitively, but I have seen how much my daughters enjoy camogie and the friendship they have made. I am now involved with social camogie within our club and its great for the girls to see their ‘mammies’ play.
Last year we attended a ‘Come Hurl With Me’ blitz where the mother’s played the first half and the U12 girls played the 2nd Half. This a great initiative by the Camogie Association and brings a social and fun element to the sport.
How do you think more women can be encouraged to participate and remain in sport and physical activity?
I believe the Camogie Association have some brilliant initiatives, like the MNA Programme, Social Camogie and Teenager Programmes. Once clubs buy into these initiatives and provide supports within the club to promote and engage in these initiatives, I have no doubt they will see the rewards.
One piece of advice for girls who have either fallen out of a sport/activity and would like to return or have never been involved in a sport/activity, but would like to try out something?
Your strengths and weaknesses are your own and you have to find your own path. Think outside the box, sport is so versatile and there is a role for everyone. If you are not enjoying playing, you may be the eest coach/referee/umpire/executive member; each role is equally important to the success of the team!
Who is the sports person you would love to meet?
Jacqui Hurley.