Charlene Tyrell finds inspiration in feats of Kellie, sporting mums looking back over 2024 sporting year

Charlene Tyrell found great inspiration from other female athletes in 2024 as the Mohill & Leitrim star looks back on the sporting year in the Leitrim Observer Sports Review of the Year!

HIGHLIGHT OF THE YEAR

The highlight of the year for me is winning the All- Ireland with Leitrim Ladies, for me this was the second time. This time around was super special though as my son Noah got to watch me play and win another All-Ireland. It was an incredibly proud moment for me lifting the Mary Quinn cup with him by my side.

LOWLIGHT OF THE YEAR

Losing the division four semi final and missing out on a promotion spot. It has been no secret that getting out of division four has been a massive goal for us over the past few years. We last won this title in 2010 so to say we were heartbroken by the nature of the defeat was an understatement. I think that one will always haunt me. Though the greatest lessons come from the defeats so perhaps we may not have won the All-Ireland had the league had a different outcome as that defeat changed us as a team. So that was bittersweet some could say.

PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR

For me it must be Kellie Harrington. I think she is an incredible woman, an unreal athlete and a role model for all young girls in sport with a dream. Watching her get her gold medal after she successfully defended her title was an incredibly emotional moment. What a super achievement to be the first Irish boxer to win two gold medals.

TEAM OF THE YEAR

Obviously, my first choice is Leitrim Ladies team and management of 2024. I am so incredibly proud and grateful to have been a part of it. I was delighted for Kerry Ladies team winning the Senior title after 31 years with an unreal performance in the final. We will look forward to meeting them in the championship in 2025.

HERO OF THE YEAR

I am sticking with the females in sport here. I love to see female athletes coming back to sport after having children and competing at the top level in their sport. So, mine is Niamh McGrath from Sarsfields who won a camogie club All-Ireland title this year only 10 months after having her son. She won player of the match in that game. 

Being a mother has its own challenges with training to win an All-Ireland on top of that is some commitment. Orla Flynn on our team for 2024 has a Noah of her own and he only turned one not long before our final. Again, another super mom who put in some savage performances for us this year and was one of the fittest members on the panel all year only months after having her Noah. So, females like these two are my heroes.

EVENT THAT MADE YOU GO WOW IN 2024

The Irish mixed 4x400m relay team winning bronze at the World Athletics relays in the summer while breaking a national record. Rhasidat Adeleke was just class, such an unbelievable individual and collective performance. Also, Mona McSharry winning bronze at the Paris Olympics.

WHAT ARE THE BIG CHALLENGES FACING LEITRIM SPORT IN 2025?

Emigration is a massive one and it’s having an impact for all club and county teams all over the country.

ONE TO WATCH IN 2025

For me, it's Muireann Devaney. She had an unbelievable championship for us this year and could easily have got her place on the team of the Championship, it was deserved. Mad to think she’s only 21 and she’s only getting started. I’m glad and get to play with her and not have to mark her.