Ulster University academics Dr Angela Carlin, Dr Maria O’Kane and Dr Lizzy Deery have developed míde connect, an all-island network for Professional Women in Physical Activity, Exercise and Sport.
This network is led in collaboration with Dr Maria Faulkner and Dr Denise Martin from Atlantic Technological University (ATU).
Following the inaugural event last year, the network hosted another successful event on the Farnham Estate in Cavan last week.
The theme of the event was ‘Visible & Connected’ and brought together practitioners, researchers, academics and other professionals across all career stages to champion the development of women in this field.
Dr Angela Carlin, School of Sport & Exercise Science at Ulster University, explains:
“míde connect is a dynamic, inclusive community designed for women at all career stages and across all disciplines within physical activity, exercise, and sport. This event brought together individuals working across the sector and focused on the key themes of being visible and connected. During the event, attendees were reminded of the importance of connections, and getting to know the individual behind the role, to fully develop meaningful networks.”
Attendees were welcomed to a fireside chat on Wednesday night (7 May) with Nora Stapleton (Director of Strategic National Governing Body Programmes and Women in Sport Lead with Sport Ireland) and Conor Myler (PhD Researcher, Sport Leadership and Gender, Technological University of the Shannon; player on the Tyrone Senior GAA Team). The theme of the fireside chat was ‘Using your voice, opportunities and challenges of advocating for change in women’s sport’. In this enjoyable discussion, sponsored by Hexagon Performance, Nora and Conor shared some very honest reflections and stories of their personal experiences.
The Thursday event (8 May) kicked off with a warm welcome address by Dr Úna May (Chief Executive Officer, Sport Ireland) which was followed with an update on the development of the míde connect network by Dr Maria Faulkner (Lecturer, ATU).
Attendees enjoyed the time to reflect on their personal ‘juggle’ and to participate in the ‘Managing the professional workload in a holistic way’ workshop expertly facilitated by Michael Dunlop (Power of Choice).
A real highlight of the event was the engaging panel discussion which focused on ‘Professional growth – sharing experiences, challenges and triumphs’ (sponsored by North West Tertiary Education Cluster). The panel discussion was moderated by Aoife Sheehan from University of Limerick and featured Ursula Jacob (Analyst & Commentator, RTE), Prof Sharon Madigan (Head of Performance Nutrition, Sport Ireland Institute), Prof Fiona Wilson (Professor in Physiotherapy, Trinity College Dublin) and Sarah O’Connor (Deputy CEO, Wilson Hartnell).
Dr Maria O’Kane, School of Health Sciences at Ulster University, added:
“This was a fantastic event and a real opportunity to connect with other women working in this area, to step out of the office into a relaxed setting and enjoy honest conversations. Those attending remarked positively on the friendly atmosphere, the openness of everyone to connect and enjoy the day and the safe space that had been created to provide an empowering day and ‘rejuvenated perspective on the journey ahead’.”
Dr Jenny Murphy (Assistant Lecturer, ATU), on behalf of the míde research collective launched a new survey to help set the research priorities for women and girls’ sport and physical activity across the island of Ireland.
Participate in the survey:
If you are aged 18+ and have a perspective on women and girls' sport, physical activity or active living, please take part and help shape the research agenda: https://lnkd.in/e_jQ-p6n
Find out more:
For updates and further information on míde connect, please visit the míde connect website and follow the network on LinkedIn.
Photo caption: (Top photo) Photographed are the delegates from Ulster University who attended the míde connect event which was held in Farnham Estate Spa & Golf Resort, Co. Cavan on 7 and 8 May.
Photo Credit: Jeff Harvey (jeff@hrphoto.ie)
