Meath GAA

In this instalment of our Women in Sport series, we hear from Emma Duggan on her proudest moments, and changing attitudes.

I also like to take time to do gratitude every now and again, however, it’s something I would like to make a habit of in my daily routine, as I believe it’s so important. Along with that, I’d like to add a few more All Irelands to the collection with Meath, and more silverware with my club also! Other simple things like going for walks to get some time by myself to reflect on things, going for coffee with friends and just checking in with family every once in a while. I usually have some sort of college work to do for a couple of hours and then most days either a gym session, pitch session or a swim on recovery days. A lot of people nowadays comment on the physicality and power of women in sport and this change in language can only be encouraging for years to come. I think people have always had the perception that women aren’t “strong enough” to play sport or that we couldn’t possibly have the skills necessary to compete at a high level in our sport. Women probably have to achieve a lot more to get the same recognition a male would for something smaller, perhaps. Although a lot has changed in recent years with regard to women in sport, a stigma still exists. She has achieved the pinnacle of boxing success and yet she still finds the motivation and hunger to want more. Honesty, stubbornness and the ability to motivate yourself are the keys to success. My dad has always been a massive advocate for GAA, he was heavily involved in Gaelic all his life, both as a player and a coach, so he encouraged myself and my siblings from a young age to become involved. Playing the autumn blitz every year from the age of 6-10 in my local GAA club with the lads.