Avril Flynn, Motherboard podcast presenter, mum-of-one and midwife, talks about her experience meeting two inspirational mums who balance sports careers and motherhood in their everyday lives.
On the Motherboard Podcast we like to talk about the things that are important to parents.
With this in mind, we spoke to two inspirational mums, who have not only flourished in their sporting careers but have maintained them alongside being excellent mums.
Lidl, our sponsor, is a huge supporter of women in sport. They undertook some really interesting research which you can find here.
The benefits of playing sport as a girl, a young woman and as an adult are clear. Not only will you be fitter and healthier but your body image will be better, your mental well-being improved and you will make friends and have a support network for life.
All that being said, more girls drop out or are less likely to continue to play sport as they get older. It can be particularly difficult once you have kids to find time for anything, particularly sport.
I wanted to speak with women who had been able to successfully mix motherhood with their individual sporting achievements. Lorna Fusciardi is a mum of one and has played Gaelic Football with Co. Wicklow for 16 years alongside her club Cabinteely/Foxrock. After her daughter Harley was born 2 years ago, she was back training in just 6 weeks.
We discussed how although she feels that she might have gone back a little early after giving birth, sport is essential to her mental well-being and continuing to play sport while being a mother is great role modelling for her daughter. It was great to hear what team sport has meant to her and how she and her husband juggle parenting with sport. Her husband also plays GAA.
Joining us on the panel was Tara Mooney. Tara is a mum of two who took up Powerlifting after she had her kids. Tara was just home after competing in a big European competition where she had won a gold medal. She spoke passionately about the importance of getting fit and being fit and not to focus on weight loss at all, but rather to enjoy how brilliant it is to train.
We spoke about the delicate balancing act of mixing sports and motherhood but how with the right support, the benefits are immeasurable. I felt so inspired and uplifted talking to these two powerhouses. It is so important our daughters and young girls hear and see amazing women doing brilliant things and successfully blending motherhood and sport.
You can follow Tara on Instagram and Facebook.
Motherboard is a podcast created by mothers for mothers. Listen to previous Motherboard podcasts & subscribe now.
