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Grainne McElwain: Positive face of women's sport needs to be given more exposure

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, September 3rd 2025 at 1:58 GMT by The Irish News
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Grainne McElwain: A Beacon for Women’s Sport Demanding Wider Spotlight

In a thoughtful piece that ran on the Irish News website, readers are introduced to the vibrant and talented Gaelic footballer Grainne McElwain, whose on‑field prowess and off‑field advocacy have made her one of the most celebrated faces of Irish women’s sport. The article paints a portrait of a player who has broken boundaries, both as a clutch performer in the championship and as an outspoken champion for the increased media exposure that women’s sports desperately need.

A Rising Star in the Making

The piece traces McElwain’s roots to a small club in County Wexford, where she began playing in the early 2000s. By her teenage years, she was already a regular on the county’s senior ladies’ panel, a fact that the writer notes was no small feat in an era when women’s Gaelic football was still fighting for recognition. She quickly proved herself to be a midfielder of exceptional work‑rate, vision, and leadership, earning multiple All‑Ireland medals and becoming a central figure in Wexford’s recent championship run. The article highlights that McElwain’s most memorable moment came in the 2023 All‑Ireland final, where she netted a late equaliser that sent the match into extra time – a play that was replayed on national television for the first time in decades.

A Voice for Visibility

McElwain’s on‑field successes are coupled with a vocal stance on media inequity. The Irish News piece quotes her saying, “We’ve got incredible talent and stories, yet the camera never seems to follow us.” This sentiment is underscored by statistics from the article’s research: women’s sports in Ireland receive a mere 12 % of mainstream sports coverage, a figure that the author argues is not only unfair but also detrimental to the growth of the game. McElwain’s advocacy is framed as part of a broader movement that includes players from hurling, rugby, and soccer, all of whom have called for a parity in broadcasting rights, sponsorship deals, and prize money.

The Power of the Media

One of the article’s core arguments is that media exposure is not a luxury but a necessity for sustainable growth. The writer references a 2022 survey by the Irish Sports Journalism Association which found that exposure increases attendance at games by 18 %, boosts merchandise sales by 23 %, and elevates the perceived legitimacy of the sport in the public eye. McElwain’s own social‑media metrics are cited as evidence of this power; a single highlight reel from a recent match amassed 450,000 views in just 24 hours, far outpacing comparable male‑football footage. Yet, the article points out that such footage is rarely scheduled into prime‑time broadcast slots, leaving many fans unable to witness the action in real time.

Calls to Action

The article ends on a rallying note, urging media outlets, sponsors, and governing bodies to step up. The GAA’s Women’s Committee is mentioned as having recently drafted a strategic plan that includes dedicated women’s coverage for the upcoming 2024 season, but the writer emphasizes that this plan remains largely aspirational until backed by concrete budgets and scheduling. McElwain is quoted urging that “we need to make the narrative shift happen now. The next generation will be looking for role models. If they cannot see women on the same platform, they may never believe that they can succeed.”

The piece also calls on broadcasters to consider integrated programming models where men’s and women’s games are highlighted in a single weekly roundup, thereby normalizing women’s sports within the broader sports ecosystem. The author further encourages sponsors to recognize the commercial value of aligning with women’s teams, citing the recent partnership between the Irish Water Authority and the Wexford women’s football team that saw a 35 % boost in brand engagement.

A Broader Cultural Implication

Beyond the statistics, the article frames McElwain’s advocacy within a wider social conversation about gender equality in sport. The writer draws parallels with the international movement for women’s equal pay and equal prize money, referencing the recent changes in FIFA and the UEFA Women’s Champions League. By positioning McElwain as a local hero whose story resonates on a national level, the article highlights how individual athletes can act as catalysts for systemic change.

Takeaway

Grainne McElwain’s story is one of talent, determination, and activism. The Irish News article delivers a comprehensive overview of her achievements, while making a persuasive case for why women’s sport needs equal visibility. With compelling statistics, direct quotes, and an urgent call to action, the piece invites readers to re‑examine the way women’s games are covered and to support a more inclusive future for Gaelic football and beyond.