Eimear Ryan: Male allies are a powerful force for women's sport

Bernard Brogan, and former Mayo player Tom Parsons were among those to pay tribute to Noelle Healy who announced her retirement from inter-county football last week. Picture: Ray McManus/Sportsfile
When the great Noëlle Healy announced her retirement from the Dublin ladies football team this past week, the media â both social and print â filled up with tributes.
Videos of her running directly into the heart of defences, causing havoc, were posted on Twitter; journalists and broadcasters wrote of her huge engine and ability to both track back and provide assists; and her high-profile teammates â Goldrick, Aherne, Rowe, Davey, and others â wrote glowing tributes alongside post-match celebration photos.