Her Moves : Giselle O'Donoghue's Story
"Sports has impacted my life amazingly, I’ve made it to somewhere I’d never thought I’d make it. I’ve made friends for life who I never thought I’d interact with off the pitch." - Giselle O'Donoghue
Giselle is a 17-year-old rugby player from Clontarf. She is now on the Leinster Metro squad for this season and hopes to put on the green jersey someday! We spoke with Giselle last week and asked her a few questions about her relationship with sport and activity and her story so far.
How / When did you first get involved in your sport?
I first got involved in rugby when I was 11-years-old, I started off in my local club of Clontarf on their tag team, as they didn’t have a girl’s contact team. The numbers were small, but we all loved it. Once there were enough players, we started doing contact and I loved it. The adrenaline I felt making a good tackle or sliding to get a try was thrilling. Once I turned 13, I had to move to the u16s girls’ team, which was a massive adjustment, but I’ve played with those girls ever since.
Are there any other sport/activities that you did before the sport you do now?
I didn’t really play any other sports in a club before I joined rugby. However, when I started first year in school, I got to try lots of different sports and play on school teams for hockey, badminton and even some cricket. My family has always been involved in golf, so I had grown up around it and had gone to the driving range a couple times but wasn’t as interested at a young age than I am now.
How has sport and physical activity impacted your life?
Sports has impacted my life amazingly, after starting rugby later than most people who join the sport, I’ve made it to somewhere I’d never thought I’d make it. I’ve made friends for life who I never thought I’d interact with off the pitch. I’m currently representing the Leinster Metro squad for my second year. I’ve also been lucky enough to have been selected to train with Leinster Rugby, which had been a privilege to say the least.
Who inspires you to be active?
I loved the 20x20 campaign because I was 13-years-old at the time and I could see lots of other girls my age playing lots of different sports and having fun. Being part of a team and training with my teammates is what inspires me.
What does your school do to encourage an active environment?
My school has a really strong sporting ethos, starting with the first-year sports camps (in hockey, rugby and badminton)which all incoming first years are encouraged to take part in, not only for the sport but to get to know your future friends and classmates. Every year my school hosts their ‘Sports Awards’ which is an amazing way to look back and acknowledge all athletes in sports provided by the school and sports achievements outside of the school. There are awards like, MVP, Most Dedicated, Overall Sports Person of their Year for boys and girls, which are all voted for by the students. There are also silver plates given out to those who have represented beyond club level, such as county, provincial and nationally. There is also a guest of honour each year, usually a past pupil who has gone on to do well in their sport and they come back to share their experiences.
Who has been your most influential coach and why?
My two most influential coaches would be my Club coaches at Clontarf Rugby, Caoimhe and Stephen. They’ve helped me believe in myself in rugby and I’ve them to thank for how far I’ve come. They’re the perfect coaching duo of ‘good cop, bad cop ‘!
Have you noticed other girls your age stepping away from sport? If so, how does that make you feel?
I hate to see girls stepping away from their sports, because their reasons are more to do with the environment and coaches and less about the actual sport itself. Most girls leave to focus on studying, social time, relationships, when all of that can be done while balancing sports.
What’s your advice to someone thinking about dropping out of sport?
Don’t! I’ve made the best memories through sports and made the best of friends. Boys and girls, young and old, sport is a bond that can bring people together from any background. If I was to of dropped out of my sport when I wanted to, I’d be in a completely different place and wouldn’t have made the friends I have.
Is there any advice you have for parents trying to support their daughter participating in sport?
Just to be open minded, I understand it can be tough for parents to watch their daughters do something they’ve never done themselves, especially when it’s as physical as the likes of rugby.
Have you any advice for someone thinking of getting involved in sport or physical activity?
Do It! The healthier thing for your mind and body is to be active, whatever way that is. It’s a great break and stress reliever and has helped me in in so many different ways.
Who is your female sporting role model?
My female sports role model would defiantly be Ellen Keane, she’s a local sports star for me and a Paralympic bronze medalist. I got to meet her when she was just back from the 2016 Paralympics in my rugby club. I think she’s an amazing role model for young girls and her journey is remarkable. She’s inspired me to keep going and always believe.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself?
Just recently myself and my teammate Michelle won a hot chicken wing eating contest together 🔥
A SPECIAL THANKS TO GISELLE FOR TELLING HER MOVES ALL ABOUT HER STORY. IF YOU HAVE AN INTERESTING STORY TO TELL, PLEASE LET US KNOW. YOU CAN MESSAGE US ON INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK OR TWITTER!
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