Her Sport, Ireland’s leading platform dedicated to all things women in sport, has unveiled the Her Sport Foundation, a not-for-profit initiative.
The Her Sport Foundation has a mission to dismantle the barriers that prevent girls and women from participating in sport and to drive cultural change for a future defined by equality. With half of all girls dropping out of sport by age 20, and one in five leaving between primary and secondary school—four times the rate of boys—the need for change is clear. Through educational workshops, grants, research, and advocacy, the Her Sport Foundation aims to ensure girls and women are no longer left on the sidelines.
The launch of the Her Sport Foundation was celebrated at a sold-out fundraising dinner at the Castleknock Hotel, bringing together over 300 advocates, supporters, and champions of gender equality.
The event was an emotional evening filled with powerful speeches and thought-provoking panel discussions. Co-founder Niamh Tallon shared her personal connection to the cause:
“Sport has given me so much, yet it’s also where I’ve felt the greatest inequality. The barriers girls and women face in sport are unacceptable. Through the Her Sport Foundation, we ask you to think about your mother, sister, or daughter and commit to creating a better future for them. It might be too late for me, but it’s not too late for girls like Doireann who dare to dream.”
Click here to watch our founder, Niamh Tallon, speaking at the launch of the Her Sport Foundation and share her “why” with raw honesty and passion.
One such dreamer, 13-year-old Doireann Lanigan, captivated the audience with her poignant message:
“It’s hard to be a girl in sport because the world keeps letting us down. Girls don’t quit sport without a reason—they leave because they’re made to feel second best. Her Sport inspires me and shows the world that girls belong in sport. I’m asking you to help make change too.”
Click here to watch 13-year old Doireann Lanigan speak at the launch of the Her Sport Foundation.
The room was united by the voices of advocates and athletes, including:
- Stephanie Roche (Zambra), former Irish international footballer
- Carole Ann Clarke, former Irish rugby captain
- Philip Doyle, Irish rower
- Grace Walsh, Kilkenny camogie player
- Aisling Maher, Dublin camogie player
Co-founder Mohammed Mahomed underscored the collective responsibility to create an inclusive sporting world. “Sport belongs to everyone,” he said. “Tonight, we’re turning the tide and committing to making sport truly inclusive. Through the Her Sport Foundation, we will do whatever it takes to create that reality.”
This milestone launch comes 50 years after tennis legend Billie Jean King challenged inequality in her iconic "Battle of the Sexes" match. Yet, the statistics in Ireland show how far there is to go:
- 1 in 5 girls drop out of sport between primary and secondary school, four times the rate of boys.
- 94% of women in executive managerial positions have a background in sport, highlighting its role in shaping leaders.
The Her Sport Foundation aims to ensure that sport and education are accessible to all girls and women, advocating for change through powerful campaigns like #DoItForHer. In partnership with schools, clubs, and businesses, the Foundation will offer resources to help girls stay in sport, become leaders, and realize their full potential.
Gráinne McElwain, the event’s host, closed the evening by urging continued action:
“Thank you for being part of this movement. The journey doesn’t end here—it begins tonight. Together, we can rewrite the future for girls and women in sport.”
For more information on the Her Sport Foundation or to support its mission, visit www.hersport.ie or email [email protected]. Together, we can create a future where girls and women are seen, heard, and celebrated in every arena.
