Name:

Eimear Smyth

Sport:

Gaelic Football

How did you become involved in your sport?

The GAA club is a huge part of community life in Derrygonnelly so I grew up surrounded by the sport but I began to play underage football at Sunday morning training sessions with the Harps.

What are your earliest sporting memories?

The Sunday morning football sessions in Canon Maguire Park are among my first memories playing football. Attending the 2011 All-Ireland Ladies Intermediate Final in Croke Park in which Fermanagh played Clare was one of my first memories of watching a ladies football match.

Who was, or is, your biggest influence?

My Dad is always there to offer a word of advice when needed.

Who do you look up to in your chosen sport?

Valerie Mulcahy who won 10 All-Ireland titles playing for Cork is an icon in the game. Her movement off the ball and brilliant finishing means that she is one of the best forwards of all time.

Could you give us an example of what a typical week involves for yourself?

Before lockdown I was training twice a week with my college UCD, and then with Fermanagh at the weekends which usually included a match on a Sunday. I also try to get in two gym sessions during the week. However, due to the pandemic the inter-county season has been postponed so I have been training with the Harps as well doing my own gym sessions.

What do you think are the key to being successful in sport?

You have to be hard-working both on and off the field of play, have confidence in your own ability and always be willing to learn.

What have been your biggest successes to date?

Being named the Junior Player of the Year in 2019 was an unexpected accolade, but winning the Intermediate Championship in 2018 with Derrygonnelly was very special. It was the first time it had been done in the club’s history and to be able to celebrate with friends and family was an unforgettable experience.

What are your goals for the future?

With Fermanagh we’re aiming to get back into an All-Ireland final to right the wrongs of last year’s performance and keep progressing up the ranks of ladies football, with my club to win a senior championship medal and to keep developing and improving both on and off the pitch.

What bit of advice would you offer to anybody starting out in your chosen sport?

Work hard but enjoy it. By being involved in Gaelic football you make lifelong friends and it provides you with amazing opportunities and skills that you use outside of the sport.