Issue link: http://digitaleditions.uberflip.com/i/1192470
38 | WINTER 2019 | www.ladiesgaelic.ie Eimear O'Connor : Administration Eimear O'Connor is from Mountrath in Co. Laois and is a participant in the administration strand of the LGFA Female Leadership Programme - Learn to Lead. Below, Eimear gives us an insight to her experience on the programme to date. 1 When and why did you first get involved in your Ladies Football club? I got involved in 2015. I had moved to the area in 2013 and after the birth of my second baby in 2014, I decided to get back into playing a bit of football. Given I was now in my mid 30s, I decided the G4M&Os was probably the best option for me, I put a call-out to see if I could get a few women involved and in 2015, we had almost 40 G4M&Os registered and playing football. 2 Were you always involved in the administration side of things? No. In 2016 I coached my daughter's under 10 team. However I was pregnant with baby number three, so I knew long-term coaching was going to prove a bit too difficult. 3 What do you think are the biggest challenges in running an LGFA Club? Getting volunteers and ensuring you have a plan in place to focus on the development of all girls within the club. 4 What do you spend your most of your time doing in your administration role for LGFA? Planning. A lot of my time centres around how we can promote and develop the club for the wider community. I have been known to spend far too much of my time on the phone, taking calls, answering emails, organising events etc. 5 Why did you apply for the LGFA Learn to Lead Programme? Quick Fire Questions with our Female Leaders I was very interested to learn more about LGFA and develop my leadership skills, which inevitably would help me as chair of my club and in my new business IntegriLeads. Plus, I'm always up for a challenge. As the saying goes, if you want a job done, ask a busy woman. 6 The days you have spent with the full group have had some very impressive contributors - what have been the highlights? I really liked Gillian Harford, I found her so refreshing and I could relate to so much of what she said. Then we had Mary McAleese and what a lady, such an icon and rightly so. She had such an interesting life and I think everyone was in awe of her on the day. Listening to Marie Hickey on many occasions, she's has a fantastic way of capturing the room and is an excellent ambassador for the Association. 7 When working with the Administration strand in particular - what has been the highlight? I wouldn't say I have a highlight, but I enjoy the many laughs. We get along as a group and that's always very positive, we're like-minded individuals looking to better ourselves within the organisation. I'm very lucky to be part of the administration group, there are some very motivated and determined ladies who have such great visions to promote Ladies Football within their club/county/ province etc in the group. I'm very excited to be sharing this journey with them and for what the future holds. 8 What has been the most important thing you have learned? As a mum of four, a business owner and someone who volunteers a significant part of my life to LGFA, I need to give myself a break, as I'm doing a great job, to the best of my ability. 9 How have you developed so far throughout the programme? I have learned to say no. Sometimes we can't do it all and delegation is an extremely important part to play in effective leadership, so I'm constantly learning along the way. 10 What has been the most impactful part of the programme to date? Meeting such interesting women, and a few men, along the journey. Everyone comes from a different walk of life, with a different story, but sometimes, by taking something small from them, you can have such a positive impact on your life. 11 How can LGFA clubs increase their support for their administrators? More training, with online- based forums where we can ask other questions. It can be anonymously, if one wishes. I think a standardised way of doing finance etc. needs to be rolled out, i.e. same finance template for club/county/ provincial etc. Ensuring each member understands the role that they have volunteered for. 12 What is the most enjoyable part of your role in the LGFA? I get to see our club grow in numbers and progress year on year. I also get to meet people who have years of experience within the Association and I love learning for them. I just love being involved and I find it enjoyable most of the time. FEMALE LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME