Adrian Russell: Spotlighting sportswomen in The Book of Sporting Heroes

With two young daughters, Adrian Russell was keen to examine how women have fought for an equal playing field in his latest book about Irish sporting heroes

Author Adrian Russell with his daughters Robin and Ruby in Cork. Pic: Denis Minihane.

Having a new kids’ book out, I’m now on the school-visit circuit, along with fire-safety officers and the Lord Mayor.

I was delighted, and slightly nervous, when asked recently to go and speak to a group of bright sixth-class students about my life, career in sports journalism, and The Book of Irish Sporting Heroes.

Sipping a coffee at the top of the class, leaning awkwardly against the big desk, I surveyed the young faces, some of whom had identified this chat for what it was: A nice doss for a while.

After a big introduction from one of the generous teachers, I stood proudly at the top of the classroom, in front of these curious and patient kids, recounting my nascent journalism career — the thrill of seeing your byline in print, watching the old printers spit out the next day’s newspaper, and the lorries pulling out of the garages around Academy St.

I mused about the future of journalism, underlined their generation’s important role in shaping how we consume news, and recounted the value of various college courses. I reminisced about career milestones along the way and, most importantly, instructed them to buy a copy (at least one each) of the book.

Then, feeling smug, we took some questions, the early stand-out being: “Did you prefer when you had hair?”

After I explained that I shave my head, actually, we debated the comparative values of Messi versus Ronaldo. I tried to come up with an impressive answer to “Who’s the most famous person you’ve interviewed?”, and we discussed Roy Keane’s TV persona.

It was an enlightening and invigorating chat — for me, at least.

Author Adrian Russell with his daughters Robin and Ruby. Pic: Denis Minihane.

After reflecting on my time in sports journalism, which is a rare opportunity in this game, I did drive home with the nagging feeling that my experiences and answers were all very male.

A lot has changed in the past 20 years or so, and representation has improved a lot, from a low base. In the book, myself and illustrator Graham Corcoran, try to tell the history of Irish sport for children.

We cover big, cultural moments, like Italia ‘90 and the opening up of Croke Park for soccer and rugby, and introduce national icons and controversies.

And, when it comes to women’s sport, there are lots of signposts to progress on Ireland’s sporting journey.

Sonia O’Sullivan blazed her own trail, of course, and won medals and admirers, while quietly fighting for better treatment and support throughout her career.

We recount the tale of Irish women’s rugby, and how a group of women fought to establish the game here. 

We may now look forward to watching our national team on the national broadcaster but the first live televised women’s rugby game wasn’t aired until 2013.

It happened because the group of players and coaches who developed the game here, earned Grand Slams, and later World Cup wins, over the likes of New Zealand, thanks to their stubborn work.

Lots of us strung out the bunting and pulled on the green jersey for Ireland’s maiden appearance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, last summer.

This generation of Irish soccer players — household names like Denise O’Sullivan and Katie McCabe — earned their spot at the top table, thanks in part to work done by those who came before them.

Emma Byrne and her generation took a stand in Liberty Hall, and effectively went on strike in 2017, so that female Irish footballers wouldn’t have to change out of their squad tracksuits in airport toilets anymore. With a new commitment from men in suits, the team brought the success they often promised.

Women’s boxing was introduced to the Olympics in 2012, mainly because Katie Taylor’s consistent excellence ended any argument against it. Kellie Harrington has followed in her footsteps and there’s more shadowboxing behind her.

Rachael Blackmore became the first female jockey to win the Aintree Grand National, in the race’s 180-odd-year history.

Irish women have also led the way in golf, sailing, and rowing.

We even had a winner in the Wimbledon singles tennis championship (Lena Tice invented the overhead smash, won at SW19, and died at the young age of 41).

The work towards equality goes on, of course. When South Africa won the men’s Rugby World Cup last month, Nike were quick to mark the occasion with a tweet: “Congratulations Springboks, the new World Champions and the first rugby team in history to do it four times.”

New Zealand women have six world titles. Just include the word “men”, Ireland rugby star Anna Caplice replied.

Author Adrian Russell with his wife Sara and their daughters Robin and Ruby in Cork.

I brought one of my daughters to Croke Park, with some of her team-mates, for the first time in September, to witness Cork reclaim the camogie All-Ireland.

A five-year-old who was more interested in the fizzy-up and ice cream from the concourse, will she remember the action on the pitch and Amy O’Connor’s thrilling, quickfire hat-trick? 

Possibly not, but it’s now part of Irish sporting history, which is becoming a much more balanced story.

• The Book of Irish Sporting Heroes, written by Adrian Russell and illustrated by Graham Corcoran, is published by Harper Collins, and available now