By Áine McKeon

Despite breaking records, winning major championships and motivating generations, – female athletes are frequently overshadowed by their male counterparts.  

Even though their performances on the field, court or track are on par with that of any male athlete, they are continuously having their achievements overlooked, and they receive an unfair level of media coverage, sponsorships and public attention that they receive. 

This not only downplays these women’s achievements, but also worsens the restrictions that have prevented women up until now from participating in sports, especially in Ireland. This begs the question; why does this disparity still exist today, and how can it be improved?  

Media Coverage: The Numbers Tell the Story 

According to a survey carried out by HerSport, gender disparity in sports participation is only at 3.4% in Ireland, with women’s sporting efforts receiving only 6% of the country’s sports media coverage. Despite this, the study also found out more than 60% of Irish people wanted to see women’s sports receive greater attention. 

Less than 20% of all sports coverage goes to women’s sports, according to the Irish Sports Monitor. This coverage is typically saved for high-profile events, or when women’s teams accomplish something remarkable, such as their historic 2022 World Cup run. 

In contrast, regardless of the importance of their games or events, male sports receive regular and everyday attention. For instance, the success of local or national women’s teams frequently remains unrecognised until they hit a significant milestone, while men’s club football or rugby matches frequently receive media focus.  

        Photo credit: Weston Hockey Club 

       “We have to do more to be seen”

Síofra Ní Dhonghaile, a midfielder for Lucan’s Weston Hockey Club, has been playing the sport for several years. Despite her team’s consistent effort at a senior level, she feels the media attention that their achievements receive is only a fraction of what the men’s hockey team get. 

“Even when we do win a major championship, it’s nothing more than a little headline in the occasional publication – but when compared to the men, it’s disappointing,” she admitted. “We seem to have to put in twice as much effort just to get noticed, I’ve seen my male counterparts receive attention for much less.” 

Many Irish female athletes in a variety of sports feel the same as Ní Dhonghaile. Women’s sports are frequently confined to smaller portions and are only highlighted during significant international achievements, while men’s sports like hurling and Gaelic football receive hours of coverage throughout radio, television, and print media. 

TheCity.ie spoke to Brian Percy, who has been coaching both men and women’s field hockey teams for over a decade now.  

“To be honest, the gap is pretty clear,” he said. “Even for smaller matches, our men’s team receives significantly more media attention than the women’s team, who may win a major tournament and yet not garner a lot of buzz. The ladies put in just as much work, if not more, which is frustrating.” 

Women’s sports lack sponsorship, which creates an endless cycle whereby companies are reluctant to make investments when there is no media attention, female athletes find it difficult to gain recognition. When the Irish women’s soccer team went public with their complaints in 2017, it became apparent that they were forced to share kit bags and change in airport restrooms. While improvements have since been made after their strike, sponsorship and money are still major problems 

             Photo credit: Maynooth University Volleyball team via Trisha Zaragoza 

Despite the challenges, there are signs that change is on the horizon, and the media is slowly starting to catch up.  Sports such as volleyball are mainly female dominated, although more male teams are forming. 

Kildare native, Trisha Zaragoza, plays volleyball for Naas Cobras, Maynooth University and Valkryies. 

 “I’ve been playing since I was 11, for nearly 10 years now, because volleyball is a female dominated sport in Ireland I haven’t felt left out – although there are many male teams beginning to form,” Zaragoza said. 

“Regardless of gender, sport to me is my outlet, my way of blocking out reality and stress. I’ve made many friends through volleyball and that’s been the most rewarding part for me,” she added. 

What needs to happen next? 

Experts, campaigners, and female athletes all concur that prioritising funding for women’s sports should begin with equitable access to sponsorship opportunities, more regular media coverage, and structural adjustments within sports organisations. 

“We’re not asking for favors, we’re asking for fairness,” said Zaragoza. 

Irish female athletes will continue to work hard, achieve success, and break down barriers even if the spotlight isn’t always shining as brightly on them as it should be.