Women in Sport Week Spotlight – Greta Hickey
Cycling Ireland is proud to support Sport Ireland Women in Sport Week 2026. The theme of the week is ‘Same Energy, Grow the Spotlight’.
With this in mind, we are shining a spotlight on some of the many women involved in cycling.
First up, we spoke to Cycling Ireland Independent Director Greta Hickey. A former international athlete and now involved in sport at Board level, Greta offers some great advice for those considering getting more involved in sport.
Explain a little about your involvement in cycling and your role with Cycling Ireland?
“I am a former international distance athlete, and since retiring from fulltime work, have been involved with various NGB boards because of my Governance qualifications, and my desire to give back to sport, as it has played such an important part in my life and in that of my family.
“I was approached to join the board of Cycling Ireland as an Independent Director. This was ratified last May at AGM. I very much enjoy giving my input at Board Meetings.
“I am also on the Governance committee, where I can share my experience and knowledge to assist in the good governance of Cycling Ireland.”
Are there any female role models that you have looked up during your career and why?
“As I was competing internationally in the late 1970’s and 1980’s, the number of international women in sport was small. It would mostly have been my peers, who would have been a few years older than me that drove me on, encouraging me to push myself to become an international athlete, and make the Irish teams.”
Do you feel women face more barriers than men when looking to get involved in sport and why?
“I didn’t face any barriers and got nothing but encouragement to be involved in sport.
“I think women have even greater opportunities nowadays and have so many female role models to inspire them – look at what Lara Gillespie has achieved. She will be the inspiration to the next generation of female cyclists.”
What advice would you give women who want to get involved in cycling?
“Join a club – it is much more fun and motivating to be with a group, than to cycle on your own.”
If you could change one thing about sports and getting more girls and women involved, what would it be?
“Making sure that sport is fun – you can have fun being active, when you are active with your club / group/ friends. Girls and women need to be reminded of how being involved in sport can result in great personal satisfaction and achievement.”
Thank you to Greta for sharing her experience. Greta is one of the many women involved in cycling, who champions women in our sport.
Stay tuned as we shine a spotlight on some of these inspirational women!