Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I would like to say a few words about the participation of women and girls in sport. It is important, where possible, that we encourage all young people, both boys and girls, to get involved in sport whatever that might be. Volunteers do great work the length and breadth of this country to promote sport, and encourage both young boys and girls to get involved. Last weekend, there was a shining example of such great work in my constituency where history was made. The under-13 and under-15 girls' teams represented the Cavan-Monaghan Underage League in a football match that took place in Donegal. It is a very positive thing to happen and was the first time this ever happened. For the two squads involved, their coaches and mentors and everybody involved it was a super day and an historic day. For the coaches involved whose idea it was to get a team to participate was a very positive thing.

For women in sport the motto seems to be if one can see it then one can be it. Again, there are two prime examples and shining role models in the Cavan-Monaghan constituency. First, there is Leanne Kiernan from Killinkere, County Cavan. She is an Irish soccer international and now she is a striker with Liverpool Football Club. Second, there is the Cavan referee, Margaret Farrelly. Next Sunday, she will be the first woman to take charge of a men's senior football final when Gowna and Ramor United will play a replay match in Kingspan Breffni Park. Her appointment is the first of its kind and is an historic occasion. I was greatly impressed with her saying that she looks forward to the day when it will not make headlines when a woman is asked to referee a football match and I echo her sentiment. I urge girls to look up to these two young ladies and aspire to be just like them.