Three women of boxing are sharing their views, experience and impact of women’s leadership in sport as part of Women in Sport Week 2026.
Shirley Kenny of Curadh BC, Elaine Lavin of Ballinamore BC and Aine McLaughlin of Spartan BC were all recipients of the President’s Awards on granduation from Boxing Ireland’s LEAP programme, which included completion of a Professional Diploma in Strategic Leadership and Management delivered by Longford College.
The professional diploma course modules included an exploration of strategic management frameworks and leadership styles, identification of gender-related challenges in leadership, navigating organizational structures, active mentorship, networking and promotional strategies. Learnings from the course will assist graduates in their sporting, volunteering and professional lives.
Shirley Kenny of Curadh BC
Women’s Leadership in Boxing
The way I see it, Women’s leadership in boxing spans governance, promotion, coaching, officiating, and athlete advocacy. While the sport has historically been male-dominated, women are increasingly shaping its direction at every level—from grassroots boxing clubs to global sanctioning bodies
Barriers to Women in Boxing
Working in a traditionally male-dominated environment where women’s voices were sometimes overlooked or underestimated. This occasionally made it harder to be taken seriously or to access the same opportunities. I navigated this by focusing on building my skills, demonstrating consistency in my work, and confidently speaking up when contributing ideas. I also sought mentorship and built supportive networks that encouraged growth and collaboration. Over time, these strategies helped me establish credibility and strengthen my leadership presence.
Impact of Women’s Leadership in Boxing
I hope my leadership shows the next generation of women in boxing that there is space for them not only in the ring, but in every decision-making role around it. I want to help create pathways where young women feel supported, seen, and taken seriously—whether they aspire to be fighters, coaches, officials, or executives. Ultimately, I hope my impact makes their journey smoother, their opportunities greater, and their voices impossible to ignore.
Elaine Lavin of Ballinamore BC
Women’s Leadership in Boxing
Women’s leadership in boxing looks to me as woman taking on managerial roles such as coaching boys and girl and also taking on official roles such as judging and refereeing.
Barriers to Women in Boxing
Sometimes you weren’t taking serious as a coach when talking to other coaches and if standing beside a male coach they would always direct there questions at them. How I navigate them was making my voice heard by letting them know that I know as much as the male coaches do.
Impact of Women’s Leadership in Boxing
I have already seen some of my impact being involved in boxing as my three daughters are now coaches and officials helping out at provincial and national level with boys and girl boxers. I hope to continue to encourage & support the younger females joining our sport and that they develop the love that I have for it.
Aine McLaughlin of Spartan BC
Women’s Leadership in Boxing
women’s leadership in boxing to me looks like it is heading in the right direction. many roles have opened up and you can see the change from male to female. from irish team management to irish team female coaches to females on county board level. cork has 4 female to 2 males.
Barriers to Women in Boxing
Support at provincial level to all ireland level. people don’t want change and are afraid of change. i have had to go through many courses to qualify myself to team manager level. it’s like one barrier comes down and another goes up. with out the support from mick o brien and john wiseman from the cork county boxing board i believe i would not have been given chances.
mpact of Women’s Leadership in Boxing
The impact i hope to have on the next generation of females in boxing is to never give up on your dreams and to keep pushing yourself. don’t let anyone stand in your way. politics in sports can be very messy but most people are there for the love of the sport. keep being yourself and keep fighting for what you work hard for.