Tell us a bit about yourself
I am 54 and a primary school teacher in Hazelbank PS outside Broughshane, near Ballymena.
I am very happily married to my husband Davy and a proud mum of two grown up daughters, a wonderful son in law and I also have a beautiful 9-month-old granddaughter.
I enjoy being in the outdoors going for walks with our two dogs. I am originally from Limerick so visit family there regularly.
When I’m not at the rugby club, I spend as much time as possible with my granddaughter.
What is your volunteer role within the club?
I am the Girl’s Minis Convenor and Team Manager of our two Women’s teams.
What attracted you to the role?
My daughter came home from school saying there was a meeting happening in Ballymena Rugby Club to set up girl’s rugby there. She absolutely loves the sport. So, I went along and offered to help with admin as I had no rugby experience and ‘Convenor’ was written beside my name.
How long have you been volunteering in the club, and has it always been in this role?
I have been involved as a volunteer in sport in Ballymena Rugby Club for 8 years now since the Girls Youth section was established. I was initially the W&Gs Convenor starting with the girl’s youth and then a few years later we introduced our girl’s minis and then 4 years ago our senior section.
Last year due to the W&Gs section growing so much I handed over the Girls Youth Convenor responsibilities to one of our youth coaches, and although I am still the girls minis Convenor, I am handing that over to one of our mini coaches.
Next season I will be focusing on our Senior Women as their Team Manager as we will have two teams in league next season.
Has volunteering had a positive impact on your life?
Yes. Volunteering in sport has positively shaped my life both personally and professionally. It has pushed me outside my comfort zone, helped me discover strengths I didn’t realise I had, and allowed me to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Seeing the confidence and enjoyment that sport brings to people has also strengthened my own passion and motivation.
What has been the highlight of your volunteering experience?
The simple moments mean just as much too. Going out every Wednesday night at training and seeing happy little girls out enjoying rugby genuinely warms my heart. I am so proud to have played a part in setting up and developing women and girl’s rugby at Ballymena RFC and watch it grow. Knowing those young girls now have a pathway where they can continue to grow as players, be part of a team, and potentially go on to represent Ulster or Ireland one day is something that means a lot to me.