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 Orla Hickey from Mullingar Parkrun.
Name:
Orla Hickey.
Club or group:
Mullingar Parkrun.
What is your sport or activity?
Running.
What is your first memory of sport?
Playing football in school.
What age did you first play sport with a club/group or team?
Played basketball and hockey in secondary school.
Who was your sporting hero/idol growing up and why?
Always loved watching Sonia O Sullivan run.
What do you enjoy most about being involved in sport / physical activity?
I love meeting people for the chat and the buzz you get after a run is hard to beat.
Who was the biggest influence on your sporting career?
The friends who got me stared at running. Leona Kelly and Owen Peters.
What is the hardest thing about being involved in sport as a female?
It’s hard to balance family life sometimes and try to make time for yourself and exercise
What is the best thing about being involved in sport as a female?
At parkrun it doesn’t matter if you’re fast or slow. The important thing is that you’re out doing it your way and I love being part of that.
How do you think more women can be encouraged to participate and remain in sport and physical activity?
It’s easier if you have a buddy to train with and keep you motivated.
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?
Put the runners on and get to the start line, there’s always a friendly welcome and you won’t regret it .
Who is the sports person you would love to meet?
Muhammad Ali (in the next world)!