A real sporting chance: A great year for Irish sportswomen - but still more to do

From hockey to rowing, women’s achievements in sport are finally starting to get their fair share of attention. But there’s a lot more to be done, writes Marjorie Brennan

Irish women’s sporting successes just keep on coming, the most recent a stunning world-beating performance from Sanita Puspure at the World Rowing Championships. The achievement of our hockey players in reaching a world cup final this summer was a first for any team in Irish sport and was greeted by celebrations far and wide. Along with record attendances for women’s matches at Croke Park, growing sponsorship opportunities, and increasing television audiences for women’s sport, it appears that Irish sportswomen are starting to get their fair share of acknowledgment and attention. But it’s clear this isn’t enough — increased funding and resources are required to keep the momentum going.