Irish sportswomen and athletes who became entrepreneurs

Following the recent successes of Irish women athletes at the Olympics, Barry Walsh looks at sportswomen and athletes turned entrepreneurs.

It goes without saying that the achievements of the Irish team in 2024 at the Paris Olympics will inspire new generations of Irish athletes.

The successes of Kellie Harrington in the boxing ring and those of Rhasidat Adeleke and Sharlene Mawdsley on the track are just a few examples of how Irish women athletes punched above their weight at the Olympics. And right now at the Paralympic Games Katie-George Dunlevy and Linda Kelly are proudly flying the flag for Ireland.

But what comes next in a stellar career after it is time to hang up the gloves or the running shoes? Well, many sportswomen go into business and we look at the examples of a few:

Rachael Blackmore

• Horse Racing Jockey
• Horse Racing Ambassador and sponsored athlete

Born in County Tipperary, Ireland, Rachael’s began her career as an amateur jockey before turning professional in 2015. Rachael’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of spectacular. In 2021, she made history by becoming the first female jockey to win the Aintree Grand National, riding Minella Times to victory in front of an estimated TV audience of over 600m, which was broadcast all over the world. This victory was a landmark moment, not just for Rachael, but for women in sports, showcasing her exceptional talent and determination in a sport where men and women compete equally on the same field. Her success didn’t stop there; she also won the prestigious Cheltenham Gold Cup on board A Plus Tard in 2022, further cementing her status as one of the leading jockeys in the sport. Blackmore’s achievements have earned her numerous accolades, including BBC World Sport Star and RTE Sportsperson of the Year.

Beyond her racing career, Rachael has capitalised on her fame and success in the saddle, exclusively managed by Rebecca Evans of VOS Sport. She has been involved in various business endeavours, leveraging her image rights through partnerships with leading global brands such as KPMG, Dornan Engineering and Boodles, and investing in high growth tech companies including STAT Sports and Locker. Rachael Blackmore Racing Unlimited Company “was sitting on almost €1m in accumulated profits at the end of last year” according to RTE.

Nicci Daly

• Irish Women’s Hockey Player – World Cup Silver Medalist
• Founder of Formula Female Motorsport

A former Irish women’s hockey player who has made significant contributions to the sport. Nicci represented Ireland at the highest level, earning over 200 caps for the national team. Nicci was known for her skill, speed, and versatility on the field, playing a crucial role as a forward. She was instrumental in Ireland’s historic run to the finals of the 2018 Women’s Hockey World Cup, where the team won a silver medal—their best-ever finish in the tournament. Nicci’s performances were consistently outstanding, and she was a key player in Ireland’s qualification for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, marking the country’s first appearance in women’s hockey at the Games. Her dedication, athleticism, and leadership have left a lasting legacy in Irish hockey.

Beyond her illustrious hockey career, Nicci has successfully transitioned into the motorsport and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. With a degree in mechanical engineering, Nicci has combined her passion for sports and technology to carve out a unique niche. She founded “Formula Female,” an initiative aimed at increasing female participation in motorsport and promoting STEM education among young women. Through this platform, Nicci organises events, workshops, and mentorship programs designed to inspire and empower the next generation of female engineers and racers. Additionally, she works as a data engineer for a professional racing team, applying her technical skills to improve performance and safety in motorsport. Daly’s business ventures reflect her commitment to breaking down gender barriers and fostering diversity in both sports and STEM, making her a role model for aspiring athletes and engineers alike.,

Kathy Joyce

• Former Derry Ladies Footballer
• Co-Founder of The Mummy Physios

Kathy a former Derry Ladies footballer.  As an attacking half forward Kathy’s agility, vision, and ability to control the pace of the game made her a cornerstone of the Derry team. Her contributions were instrumental in securing numerous victories and competitive performances, earning her recognition and respect from teammates and opponents alike. Kathy’s tenacity and commitment to excellence not only defined her playing career but also inspired many young athletes in the region to pursue their footballing dreams.

After hanging up her boots, Kathy and her sister Mary Angela (who also played Gaelic Football for Derry) transitioned their passion for sports and health into a successful business venture by founding The Mummy Physios.Together the sisters have a prominent physiotherapy practice in Mid Ulster. Specialising in female health, her practice provides comprehensive care tailored to the unique needs of women, including prenatal and postnatal physiotherapy. They also run an online so as to reach women far and wide that can avail of our specialised online rehab programmes and therefore help overcome potential postnatal barriers to returning to activity/sport. The sisters’ deep understanding of the physical demands placed on female athletes and mothers alike has allowed her to offer specialised treatments that promote recovery, wellness, and enhanced quality of life.

This was proven by the company winning “Health and Fitness service of the year” at the NI fitness awards 2023.

Jessica Harrington

• Horse Racing Trainer
• Together with her daughters runs her own horse racing training company Jessica Harrington Racing and owns and breeds horses too.

Jessica is one of Ireland’s most prominent racehorse trainers who has achieved remarkable success in both National Hunt and flat racing. Known for her exceptional ability to train top-class horses, Jessica has made a significant impact on the racing world. She first gained prominence with her success in National Hunt racing, notably training the legendary horse, Moscow Flyer, to multiple victories, including two Queen Mother Champion Chase titles at Cheltenham. Harrington’s transition to flat racing has been equally impressive, with notable triumphs including winning the Irish Oaks with Alpha Centauri and the 1,000 Guineas with Jet Setting. Her versatility and skill in training both jumpers and flat racers have earned her widespread acclaim and numerous accolades, solidifying her status as one of Ireland’s greatest ever trainers.

Beyond her training achievements, Jessica and her daughters, Emma and Kate (who now play an integral part of the operation) have successfully established and grown a thriving business in the equestrian industry. The operation, based at Commonstown Stables in Moone, County Kildare, is a state-of-the-art training facility that has produced numerous champion horses. The Harrington business acumen is evident in their ability to attract high-profile owners and maintain a strong team of dedicated staff, ensuring the smooth and successful running of their stable. In addition to her training business, she has become a sought-after expert in the industry, often contributing to media coverage of major racing events..

Dr Sinead Kane 

• Irish athlete, completed the 777 Marathon (7 Marathons in 7 Days on 7 Continents), Double Guinness World Record holder
• International Keynote Speaker, Double PhD doctorate, Writer with the Irish Criminal Law Journal, Qualified Lawyer, Lecturer in Disability Law & Policy.

Kane is a remarkable Irish distance runner who has achieved extraordinary success. From Cork, Kane was born with only 5% vision but has become a world-class athlete and an inspiration to many. Her training achievements are nothing short of phenomenal. She made history in 2017 by becoming the first visually impaired athlete to complete the World Marathon Challenge, running seven marathons on seven continents in seven days. This incredible feat showcased her physical endurance and mental resilience. Additionally, Dr Kane set a Guinness World Record in 2018 for the furthest distance covered on a treadmill in 12 hours, an astonishing 130.50 kilometres. Her dedication to training and her ability to overcome significant challenges highlight her determination and perseverance in the world of long-distance running.

Sinead has represented Ireland at the 24 hour World Championships, European Championships and has represented Ireland at the 100k distance.

Sinead’s best distance for 24 hours is 209.700km. At these championships Sinead runs with a guide run and normally is the only person there with a disability.

Kane has also made significant strides in the education and business world. Sinead Kane holds a PhD in law from National University of Ireland. Sinead is also a qualified solicitor, international keynote speaker, and advocate for people with disabilities. Kane has used her platform to launch a successful career as a motivational speaker, sharing her story of overcoming adversity and achieving greatness despite her visual impairment. Kane’s speeches and workshops are highly sought after, as she provides valuable insights into resilience, goal-setting, and overcoming obstacles. Through her business activities, Kane continues to inspire and empower individuals and organisations, proving that with determination and the right mindset, one can achieve success in any field. She gives keynote presentations to national and international organisations on the themes of resilience, mindset, teamwork, communication, disability, inclusion.

Sinead Kane has overcome a lot of adversity throughout her life. She advocates on a daily basis to remove barriers in society that impact disabled people to create meaningful change. Within many areas, one being sport, she has challenged many discriminatory policies and has successfully achieved changes. She wants to empower others to use their voice to impact change within communities through sharing her story and lessons learned. Sinead proves how those who persist in spite of a disability can develop resilience, determination, motivation, and creativity.

Ellen Keane

• Paralympic Swimmer
• Brand ambassador and motivational speaker

A remarkable Irish paraswimmer, born with a congenital defect that affected her left arm, Keane has overcome significant challenges to become a standout athlete in her sport. She made her Paralympic debut at the age of 13 at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games, where she reached the final of the 100m breaststroke, marking the beginning of a stellar career. Since then, Keane has represented Ireland at multiple Paralympic Games, European Championships, and World Championships, consistently delivering impressive performances. Her breakthrough came at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games, where she won a bronze medal in the 100m breaststroke, becoming the first Irish female swimmer to win a medal at the Paralympics since 1992. Before going on to win Gold in Tokyo’s Olympic Games. Ellen’s determination, resilience, and dedication to her sport have earned her widespread admiration and numerous accolades, solidifying her status as one of Ireland’s top para-athletes.

In addition to her sporting achievements, Ellen is an author, brand ambassador and much sought after motivational speaker

Niamh Leen

• Former Kerry Camogie player
• Runs Wild Atlantic Digital, a digital marketing agency

Niamh has distinguished herself as a stellar player for the Kerry camogie team, known for her remarkable skill set and tenacity on the field. A versatile and dynamic midfielder, Leen’s exceptional ball-handling abilities and strategic vision have been crucial in orchestrating the team’s offensive and defensive plays. Her leadership and consistency have not only contributed to numerous victories but also earned her individual accolades, solidifying her reputation as one of the top players in the sport.

Niamh has ventured into the business world with the creation of her own company, Wild Atlantic Digital. Leveraging her expertise in digital marketing and her entrepreneurial spirit, Leen has built a successful enterprise that specialises in providing innovative digital marketing solutions to a diverse clientele. Her company focuses on harnessing the power of digital platforms to enhance brand visibility and engagement, helping businesses thrive in the competitive market. Through Wild Atlantic Digital, Leen has demonstrated her ability to excel beyond the football field, showcasing her business acumen and dedication to supporting other enterprises in achieving their goals.

Una Leonard

• Westmeath Ladies Football Team
• Now runs 2210 Patisserie Bakery

Una has made a significant mark on the field as a standout player for the Westmeath Ladies football team. Una has consistently delivered exceptional performances that have been pivotal in her team’s successes. As a forward, her scoring prowess and ability to navigate defences with ease have earned her numerous accolades and the admiration of fans and peers alike. Una’s leadership qualities and unwavering dedication to the sport have not only contributed to Westmeath’s competitive edge but also inspired younger players to aspire to her level of excellence.

Off the field, has established her own bakery 2210 Patisserie. Her venture, known for its delectable treats and innovative flavours, quickly gained a loyal following and has become a beloved fixture in the community. 2210 Patisserie emphasises high-quality ingredients and artisanal techniques, ensuring that every product is both delicious and beautifully crafted. Balancing the demands of her athletic career with her entrepreneurial endeavours, Leonard exemplifies hard work and passion in all aspects of her life. Una also wrote her own book entitled Sweet Therapy.

Eimear Murray

• Louth Ladies Footballer
• Now runs her own Animal health consultancy

Eimear has made significant strides in her football career as a key player for Louth Ladies. Known for her agility, strategic play, and leadership on the field, Murray has been instrumental in several victories for her team. Her dedication to the sport is evident through her consistent performances, which have garnered her numerous accolades and the admiration of fans and teammates alike. Her ability to read the game and make crucial plays at pivotal moments has not only highlighted her individual talent but has also elevated the overall performance of the Louth Ladies team.

Eimear has pursued an MBA at the prestigious Smurfit Business School, where she honed her skills in business strategy and management. With a strong passion for animal nutrition, she has worked extensively in this field, gaining valuable experience and insights. Leveraging her academic background and industry expertise, Murray established her own consultancy business. Her consultancy focuses on providing innovative solutions in animal nutrition, helping clients optimise their practices and improve animal health. Through her entrepreneurial endeavours, she has demonstrated a remarkable ability to bridge her academic achievements and professional aspirations, making a significant impact in the industry.

Breege Nolan

• Carlow Ladies
• Now runs her own physiotherapy company

Breege has made a significant impact as a player for the Carlow Ladies football team, where her exceptional athletic abilities and strategic insight have set her apart. Known for her relentless work ethic and dynamic presence on the field, Breege has been a key player in driving her team to numerous victories. Her versatility allows her to excel in multiple positions, making her an invaluable asset to the team. Throughout her career, Nolan’s dedication and leadership have not only earned her personal accolades but also inspired her teammates to elevate their performance, solidifying her status as a cornerstone of Carlow Ladies football.

Breege successfully transitioned her passion for sports into the business world by establishing her own physiotherapy company. Drawing on her deep understanding of athletic needs and injuries, Nolan’s company specialises in providing high quality physiotherapy services tailored to both athletes and the general public. Her business focuses on comprehensive rehabilitation programs, injury prevention, and personalised treatment plans, aimed at helping clients achieve optimal physical health. Breege’s expertise and commitment to excellence have quickly earned her a reputation for delivering high-quality care, allowing her company to thrive.

Derval O’Rourke

• Former 110m hurdles runner
• Now runs a wellness and fitness community as well as a digital health start-up

A celebrated Irish hurdler who has left an incredible mark on the world of athletics with her remarkable achievements. Being from County Cork, O’Rourke emerged as one of Ireland’s top hurdlers in the early 2000s, showcasing her speed, agility, and determination on the track. She represented Ireland at numerous international competitions, including the Olympic Games, World Championships, and European Championships, where she consistently delivered strong performances. O’Rourke’s crowning achievement came at the 2006 European Championships in Gothenburg, where she won a silver medal in the 100m hurdles, becoming the first Irish woman to medal at the event. Her success on the track earned her widespread recognition and admiration, solidifying her status as one of Ireland’s greatest hurdlers.

In addition to being a mentor on “Ireland’s Fittest Family” Dervla has successfully transitioned into the business world, where she has established herself as a prominent entrepreneur and motivational speaker. She is the founder of Derval.ie a wellness and fitness community that offers coaching, workshops, and retreats aimed at helping individuals achieve their health and fitness goals. Dervla’s personal experiences as an elite athlete have informed her approach to coaching and mentoring, providing clients with valuable insights and strategies for success. Additionally, she is a sought-after speaker, delivering inspirational talks on topics such as resilience, goal-setting, and overcoming obstacles. Through her business ventures and motivational work, Dervla continues to inspire and empower individuals to unlock their full potential and lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

O’Rourke’s new workplace wellbeing platform SAOL last year secured €200,000 in funding from Enterprise Ireland. The SAOL platform, which O’Rourke has founded with her business partner Greg O’Gorman brings employers and employees together and creates a supportive and inclusive community. Employees will benefit from a range of live classes and events with expert coaches, programmes and challenges which will help them improve their wellbeing and self-confidence.

Sonia O’Sullivan

• Irish Distance Runner, Now Runs Her Own Sports Consultancy Business

For many on this list Sonia is the reason that  they started competing in sport. A legendary Irish runner, whose remarkable achievements have solidified her status as one of the greatest athletes in Irish sporting history. Born in Cobh, County Cork, Sonia rose to prominence in the 1990s as a dominant force in middle and long-distance running. She represented Ireland in numerous international competitions, including the Olympic Games, World Championships, and European Championships, where she consistently excelled. Sonia’s crowning moment came at the 1995 World Championships in Gothenburg, where she won gold medals in both the 5000m and 10,000m events, establishing herself as a world-class distance runner. Her illustrious career also includes numerous other accolades, such as European Championship titles and multiple World Cross Country Championship victories. Sonia’s extraordinary talent, fierce determination, and relentless work ethic have earned her widespread admiration and cemented her legacy as an icon of Irish athletics.

Beyond her stellar athletic career, Sonia has also made significant strides in the business world. She is the founder and director of a successful sports consultancy firm where she provides expert advice and support to athletes, coaches, and sports organisations. O’Sullivan’s extensive experience as a top-level athlete and her deep understanding of sports performance have made her a sought-after consultant and mentor within the industry. Additionally, she is actively involved in promoting health and fitness through various initiatives, including community outreach programs and motivational speaking engagements. O’Sullivan’s dedication to excellence, both on and off the track, continues to inspire and empower individuals to pursue their athletic and personal goals with passion and determination.

Stephanie Zambra (Roche)

• Irish Women’s Footballer
• Now the Co-Founder of a sports coaching and mentoring company

A highly accomplished Irish women’s footballer who has left an incredible mark on the sport with her remarkable achievements. Being from Dublin, Stephanie has displayed exceptional skill, athleticism, and determination on the football pitch throughout her career. She has represented Ireland at the highest level, earning 58 caps for the national team and scoring 14 goals that have garnered international attention. Stephanie’s most notable achievement came in 2014 when she became the first woman ever to be nominated for the FIFA Puskás Award, for her stunning goal while playing for Peamount United. Her success on the field has earned her widespread recognition and admiration, solidifying her status as one of Ireland’s top footballers.

Stephanie has leveraged her profile and expertise to pursue entrepreneurial endeavours. She is the co-founder of a sports coaching and mentoring company Champion Coaching that provides training programs and workshops for aspiring footballers. Roche’s coaching philosophy emphasises skill development, tactical understanding, and mental resilience, aiming to empower young athletes to reach their full potential in the sport. Additionally, she is actively involved in community initiatives and charitable causes, using her platform to promote inclusivity, equality, and the importance of sport in society. Through her business ventures and advocacy work, Stephanie continues to make a positive impact on the football community, inspiring the next generation of athletes to pursue their dreams both on and off the field.

Sarah Rowe

• Irish Gaelic Footballer
• Aussie Rules player, former Mayo GAA player and Irish Women’s Footballer

Known as the triple code sportswomen Sarah is A multi-talented Irish Gaelic footballer, Irish Women’s international footballer and an Aussie Rules Football Player. Being from Mayo, Sarah has been a standout player for both her county team and her club, Kilmoremoy. She has represented Mayo at the highest level, she has played for Mayo in three Ladies’ National Football League finals, losing in 2013 and 2016 to Cork and in 2018 to Dublin. She also played for Mayo in the 2017 All-Ireland Senior Ladies’ Football Championship final, losing to Dublin. After this Sarah moved to Australia taking up Aussie Rules Football, playing with the club Collingwood. Having played over 50 times for the club so far. In addition to her success on the field, Rowe has also been recognized for her leadership qualities, serving as captain of the Mayo team and inspiring her teammates with her dedication and determination.

Sarah has successfully pursued entrepreneurial endeavours alongside her sporting career. Having spent four years practising as a life coach Sarah is now the co-founder of Exos Sports in Australia, a sports  performance company that specialises in athletic training, coaching, and fitness programs. Sarah’s company offers a range of services designed to help athletes of all levels improve their skills, enhance their performance, and achieve their goals. Through her business ventures, Sarah aims to empower athletes to reach their full potential and lead healthier, more active lifestyles. Additionally, she is actively involved in community initiatives and charitable causes, using her platform to promote the importance of sport and fitness in society.

Katie Taylor

• Irish Olympic Boxing Champion and Professional Boxer
• Brand Ambassador

A trailblazing Irish women’s boxer whose exceptional talent and achievements have elevated her to legendary status in the sport. Being from Bray, County Wicklow, Katie has dominated the women’s boxing world since bursting onto the scene as a teenager. She has amassed an impressive array of titles and accolades, including Olympic gold at the 2012 London Games, and more than 18 gold medals at World Championship titles, and numerous European Championships. Katie’s boxing prowess, characterised by her lightning-fast combinations, technical skill, and relentless work rate, has earned her widespread recognition as one of the greatest female boxers of all time. Her influence extends beyond the ring, inspiring a new generation of female athletes and breaking down barriers in a traditionally male-dominated sport. In her professional career she has recorded 23 wins and one loss. This is in addition to playing football for Ireland 11 times, scoring 2 goals.

Katie has also achieved success in the business world, leveraging her fame and reputation to pursue entrepreneurial endeavours. She has launched her own brand Katie Taylor Boxing which encompasses a range of products and services, including training equipment, apparel, and fitness programs. Through her brand, Katie aims to promote boxing as a means of empowerment and self-improvement, encouraging people of all ages and abilities to embrace the sport’s physical and mental benefits. Additionally, she is actively involved in charitable initiatives and community outreach programs, using her platform to give back to her local community and support causes close to her heart. Katie’s business achievements mirror her success in the ring, demonstrating her versatility, ambition, and commitment to making a positive impact on the world.

Main image at top: Photo by Nathalie Désirée Mottet on Unsplash

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