Dublin's TG4 LGFA All-Ireland victory an obvious highlight in 2023 for Ballinamore's Eilish O'Dowd

We're back to that time of the year where we look back and look forward at the same time and in the Observer sports department, we're no different! Or maybe we know what works as we return with our popular sports review of 2023 over the next few weeks.

The Leitrim Observer invited some of the county's outstanding sports people and journalists to look back over 2023, picking out their highs and lows. Here is the first part of our look back on an exciting and action packed year

In this piece, Ballinamore native Eilish O’Dowd takes a look back on a year that featured an incredible high for her personally when the Dubs won the TG4 LGFA All-Ireland Senior Championship and the role her mother played in inspiring her to making a huge impact with the Sky Blues in 2023.

Time running out to get your nominations in for 2023 Leitrim Sports Star Awards

Here, in Eilish’s own words, are the highs and lows of the 2023 Sporting year.

HIGHLIGHT OF THE YEAR

My highlight of the year was winning the TG4 All-Ireland final with the Dublin Senior Ladies. The occasion was all the more special as the expectations were low initially, considering the high turnover of experienced players from 2022 and an inconsistent league campaign. Playing in Croke Park has always been a dream of mine and although I was wearing blue, I felt I represented Leitrim on the day. It is an occasion that I will always remember. 

LOWLIGHT OF THE YEAR

It was very disappointing to see the Irish men’s rugby team exit at the quarter-final stage of the World Cup. While they performed impressively throughout the tournament and made us proud as a nation, it was disheartening to see them depart given their status as the number one team in the world prior to the tournament. Ireland had some fantastic performances, especially beating eventual champions, South Africa, in the group stages. 

PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR

Hannah Tyrell, Dublin footballer and former Irish Rugby star, has been an impressive role model for young people involved in sport in 2023. Hannah had a remarkable season with Dublin, scooping up player of the match in the All-Ireland Final, along with her second All-Star award. Hannah’s endeavours are all the more impressive considering she and her wife Sorcha celebrated the birth of their first child, Aoife, just before the All-Ireland Final. Hannah has also been open about her struggles with mental health but  she has continued to inspire young sportspeople to speak out if they are struggling and that involvement in sports can help overcome these difficulties.

TEAM OF THE YEAR

Ballinamore SOH ladies are my Team of the Year for 2023. After a challenging start to the championship, the ladies demonstrated their determination by winning their first Senior B title against St. Mary’s and following that, they came through a nail-biting Connacht Final against Eoghan Rua, showing their resilience. This was a history-making win for the club, as no team had previously progressed as far in the provincial series. Impressively, they didn’t stop here and went on to beat a heavily favoured side from Derry to reach the All-Ireland Final, creating more history for the club. Despite the loss in the final, Ballinamore ladies represented Leitrim admirably on the day, with overwhelming support from the county in Croke Park. Not many clubs get the opportunity to represent their county on the big stage. Ballinamore ladies can be proud of the history they created for their club. 

PERSON THAT MADE YOU DO WOW IN 2023

I was incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to work with a fantastic management team in the Dublin set-up this year. Management were approachable on, both a professional and personal level, and made me feel very welcome from day one. But there was one person who led me to success and supported me every step of the journey - my Mam. Between late-night phone calls after tough training sessions to travelling the country for all my matches, I couldn’t have asked for more. Her unwavering support motivated me to believe that I could play at the highest level of ladies football and indeed push for a starting position on the team. I wouldn’t have won an All-Ireland medal without the encouragement of my Mam. 

ONE THING I’D DO TO MAKE SPORT BETTER IN 2024

From my own personal experiences, commuting long distances to and from training takes its toll on players from a physical and financial perspective. Improved financial support for players, in particular students, would make it more practical for players to attend training sessions. While the current grants have improved in recent years, I feel more focus should be given to these players to encourage continued participation. 

A rough end for Ballianmore but what a magical journey

THE LAST POINT

WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES FACING LEITRIM SPORT IN 2024?

One of the biggest challenges I see for sport in Leitrim is funding, especially considering the high number of different sports that are played throughout the county. Given our small population, funding is a continuous challenge. There is a considerable amount of pressure for clubs to fundraise in order to support their different teams. Although this is an ongoing challenge for Leitrim, the generous donation recently made by JP McManus will hopefully alleviate some of these funding issues.

ONE TO WATCH IN 2024

Roisin McHugh is definitely a player to watch in 2024 after a phenomenal season this year, picking up player of the match in both her County and Connacht finals with Ballinamore. Earlier in the year, Roisin was set back with an injury; however, she has come back stronger than ever, resulting in her being awarded Player of the Month in November by the LGFA. I can see Roisin having a huge impact with the Leitrim ladies in 2024.