“Go Mommy, Go!” echoes through the fence at Park Avenue, Rosbrien, Newtownards, and Harlequin Park every Saturday afternoon. What makes “Mommy” remarkable isn’t just that she continues to play hockey in the highest domestic league in Ireland, but that she remains one of the league’s top players. She effortlessly controls the midfield, weaving through opposition players as if they were merely cones. As a forward, she dominates the circle and consistently ranks among her team’s top goal scorers. With lightning-fast hands, she outmanoeuvres defenders from the back line to the attack. Yet, the cheers for “Mommy” aren’t confined to the sidelines. They also come from behind the goal, where the goalkeeper, moving seamlessly into split positions, commands her defenders. In this combined instance of six domestic league players, “Mommy” has earned 738 international caps, competed in the Olympics, won a World Cup silver medal, and claimed numerous national league and cup championships, as well as European Championship appearances. But perhaps now most importantly, are the mothers to 13 young children.
These are only six of the mothers who competed in last year’s EY Hockey League, Irelands top domestic national hockey league, many of whom will continue into this coming season 2024/5. All are ex-internationals who continue to impact the standard and impress upon players and spectators who have the honour of watching them play or line out alongside them.
- Emma Smyth: Railway Union (140 international caps) – Alana (5), Charlie (3)
- Kate Dillon: Railway Union (55 international caps) – Max (5), Ollie (3)
- Pamela Smithwick Hearne: Catholic Institute (39 international caps) – Benjamin (6), Beth (4), Olivia (3)
- Lizzie Holden: Ards Hockey Club (206 international caps) – Harry (1)
- Emma Reid: Ards Hockey Club (87 international caps) – Katie (7), Harry (6), Scott (2)
- Cliodhna Sargent: Cork Harlequins (211 international caps) – Dylan (7), Seán (3)
April 28th, 2024 – A Day of Realisation
As Loreto Hockey Club and Railway Union eagerly awaited the announcement of the Player of the Tournament following a nail-biting 2024 EY Champions Trophy final in Banbridge, one name was on everyone’s mind: Emma Smyth. But as Emma stood there, she had two names in her thoughts, Alana and Charlie. She caught sight of Alana running through a small gate in the crowd, eager to reunite with her mother after a weekend apart.
Watching Emma walk up to receive her Player of the Tournament trophy, with 11 current internationals on the pitch staring in admiration, I was struck by how impressive she truly is. She wasn’t alone either; standing next to me in line to collect our medals was Kate Dillon. Here were two former international hockey players dominating at the highest level for Railway Union Hockey Club, all while balancing careers and raising families. I couldn’t help but wonder why no one had made a bigger deal about these remarkable women.
Through further investigation, I noticed just how many mothers were playing hockey across the island— both socially, and at the elite level, which requires significant commitment, and support. This highlighted the family culture permeating hockey clubs in Ireland, but also made me question the support structures available for women who want to play top-level hockey while raising a family. I wanted to learn more because the phrase “isn’t it great they are still playing” is far too common. That sentiment seems to imply that merely playing is enough for everyone, but each of these women are doing much more than just playing.
Her Sport recently published an article that mentioned how “the notion of mother athletes is in its infancy.” I’m not sure if it’s the concept of mother athletes that is new, or if it’s the support systems and positive conversations around them that are just beginning to develop. Either way, we are moving in the right direction.
This was recently underscored by Allyson Felix, one of the most decorated track and field athletes in history, who launched the first-ever Olympic Village Nursery in Paris 2024, the Pampers Nursery. In 2018, when Nike learned Felix was pregnant, they offered her a contract with a 70% reduction. She continued to win medals after giving birth and went on to claim her final World Championship gold in 2022 before retiring at 36. Felix has since become an advocate for improving conditions for mother athletes, left Nike, and established her own brand.
Mick McKinnon, current interim women’s national team head coach, has supported many of these athletes at some stage whether it be the first time they picked up a stick, or when they finally hung up the green jersey. His first experience with Emma Smyth and Kate Dillon was in his days as Irish U18 coach, with their paths crossing again when he joined Railway Union Ladies team. Both were key players in an evolving team, however it is fair to say neither really had a High Performance mindset at the time, with time keeping being a regular bug bear as Mick noted during our Zoom call when Kate joined late after finishing a 5k run, “It’s only fitting you’re not on time, as both you and Emma were late to my first training session at Railway.”
With the impact he made on each of their careers I thought of no better man to help me convey the brilliance that permeates through them, as well as help dig out where we can go to make life easier for the next “Mommy”. We want to talk about them, normalise the mental and physical changes that occur, and highlight where sporting organisations have made, and can continue to make gains in supporting and encouraging more mothers to continue competing at a high level in sport. As Lizzie Holden stated, although society may tell you differently, “You shouldn’t have to wait until you have had your best years in hockey to have kids.”
Where it all began
We set out to interview each of these women to gain insight into what keeps them playing and what more can be done to support them. Some have now entered the Irish Masters Hockey programs and continue to train as they prepare for the Masters World Cup in October. However, understanding their beginnings was just as important, as the influence of their parents, families, and schools played a crucial role in introducing them to the game.
For instance, Emma Smyth and Kate Dillon were destined to become friends. Kate’s uncle and Emma’s dad brought them to their first colts training at Railway Union, where they would remain teammates for over 20 years. Pamela Smithwick Hearne, on the other hand, was inspired to start playing hockey in her first year at Kings Hospital School, after years of playing soccer—skills that made her footwork an asset on the pitch.
Both Lizzie Holden and Emma Reid recall a teacher, Mrs. Hamilton, who positively influenced them to pick up hockey, which Lizzie remembers doing with a wooden hockey stick at Armagh College Hill. Recently Mick McKinnon’s wife Shan played for Armagh 2s in Dungannon and heard a familiar voice from the sideline cheering on the opposition. The very same Mrs. Hamilton, still involved in grass roots hockey, and probably oblivious of the impact that she had on so many young players.
Throughout the interviews, the strong sense of family within Irish hockey became evident, notably in the case of Cliodhna Sargent. With 211 international caps, she is one of very few Irish women who balanced a period of being part of the national squad with a newborn. She fondly recalls her early days at the hockey pitch watching her mother play, eagerly waiting for the halftime whistle so she could run on with her hockey stick for just a few minutes before the game resumed. Now, her two boys live that same experience every Saturday, watching both their parents play at Harlequin Park in Cork. Dylan and Seán roam the fields beside the pitch for close to 5 hours every weekend between both their parents’ matches, watched upon by club members, teammates, friends, and family who line the sidelines.
These women are now the role models that they first looked up to, but in a powerful way. They are the true personification of “Can’t See, Can’t Be”. Kate Dillon, a mother of two boys, spoke passionately about how amazing it feels to play in front of Ollie and Max. She recognises the platform she holds – “having 2 boys and being able to show them their mother competing is special for women’s sport”. It also reinforces important lessons and guiding principles as every one of the women in their interviews referenced on the significance of their children watching and learning from their actions on how to lose, as well as win.
“It’s part of our family. We talk about it at home – talk about losing and learning from it. It teaches them and inspires conversations about winning and losing and how to react from both”- Emma Reid.
One word that came up in every conversation was “proud.” When asked how they feel playing in front of their children, their faces immediately lit up.
Pamela Smithwick Hearne steps onto the pitch determined to impress Benjamin, Beth, and Olivia as they watch their mom gear up and dominate between the posts. As Benjamin and Beth begin their journey into sport, she looks forward to playing a supportive role, hoping that they may have learned something from the example she sets. Mick McKinnon’s first experience of Pamela was as an Irish U18 goalkeeper. They later became work colleagues and friends at the Kings Hospital school where he was amazed at how she managed to juggle family life and a commute even longer than his own.
While Lizzie Holden’s son Harry isn’t quite old enough to understand yet, she eagerly anticipates the day. “I want to show Harry that there is more than one side to mummy, that I’m also a hockey player that loves to compete and be part of a team.”
Most importantly, the children love being there. They enjoy hanging out with their friends on the sidelines and watching their mom play. Saturdays are spent at the club, hockey sticks in hand, eager to maximise every second they get at halftime and after the match. Even though they might not understand why Mom can’t wave back every time they call her name during a game, she always does her best to acknowledge them. Occasionally they might wonder why Mom is so angry on the pitch, as Kate Dillon might testify after a rather heated league game last year.
The Challenges
As wonderful as this picture paints, it’s not always easy. There are significant challenges to playing top-level hockey in Ireland, and it would be naive to overlook them. One of the most frequently mentioned barriers is travel, especially in an all-island sport. Competing in EYHL 1 and 2 demands a high level of commitment, often requiring extensive travel.
For Pamela, this means 5-hour round trips just to attend training sessions twice a week or travelling across the country for weekend matches – some of which require overnight stays. Having a supportive partner, family, or club member who is willing to support you is essential to manage these commitments. Pamela spoke fondly of her own husband who constantly encourages her to continue doing what she loves, along with the Catholic Institute team manager, Brenda, who continuously caters for her family wherever they journey to.
This lead us into talking about measures that clubs and organisations across the island could take to reduce some of the stresses these players face, and the suggestions seemed entirely feasible. While some clubs have safe spaces for kids to play on the sidelines, many do not, leaving players worried about their children’s safety during games. Poor infrastructure, such as concrete blocks or unstable chairs that could easily tip over, pose regular hazards. Players often find themselves bracing for the moment they hear their own child cry after a fall, as Pamela can attest to. At some pitches, there are no facilities at all, allowing children to wander freely, which is a safety concern in itself. Infrastructure not only impacts safety but also enjoyment. Without access to a field or play space many of the children get bored, which can reduce their enjoyment on some of their first interactions with sport.
With many hockey clubs accommodating families and having active parental participation in games every weekend, there may be an opportunity for clubs to introduce childcare services, such as a creche, or to assign a designated person to oversee the children at the club on Saturdays.
Another consideration is to offer support for mothers who experience significant physical changes post-childbirth. Given that the sport requires athletes to engage in physically demanding movements, providing access, or direction to physiotherapy or medical support to aid in their return to play could have a substantial impact.
Finally, on a societal level, the idea of mothers competing in elite sports is often not seen as feasible. While there are many clubs, teams, coaches, and managers who were highlighted during the interviews for their support, whether by allowing children into team meetings, booking family rooms for away games, or helping with child minding on the sidelines, there is still room to improve.
Nora Stapleton who is the Women in Sport Lead in Sport Ireland recently wrote an article in the Irish Independent on unlocking women’s full potential in sport, and the funny thing is, even with none of the women having read the article, many of what they mentioned aligned to her suggestions. Nora reinforced how facilities are important for women and appreciates how women require and use infrastructure differently to men.
Development of small playing areas, allocated breastfeeding areas, better lighting, creches, more toilets were all mentioned as requirements in clubs around the country to maximise inclusion in sport for females.
How becoming a mother has impacted them on the pitch
Learning about the mental shifts that occur when priorities change from focusing on oneself to raising a child was fascinating and accentuated the value that sport holds. All of these women are fiercely competitive and give their all to win on the pitch—this hasn’t changed, and I can vouch for that. However, their priorities have shifted since they are no longer the main character in their own story.
Match day prep is no longer about preparing themselves best for a game, but often about prepping the kids to be cared for during the game. Whether it be making lunches, expressing milk, organising lifts, managing them in a pregame meeting, organising babysitters.
“I have to accept all the one percenters ingrained in me (sleep hydration food etc) just are not always achievable, and not a priority. The focus is less on me until I step on the pitch. Accepting that if I turn up with my kit on ready to go is the most important thing so just get there and enjoy playing.” – Lizzie Holden.
However, things don’t always ease once you start playing as Pamela recalls from her first match back after having Benjamin. Stressed about not expressing enough milk for her first born, the entire game Pamela and her husband spent worried sick, counting the seconds for the match to end. Of course, the match goes into overtime, and shootouts. “After that day I learned a lot.” – Pamela Smithwick Hearne.
The girls all provided a fresh perspective on what hockey is and what it should be. It’s an opportunity ta few times per week to focus on yourself and express who you are while doing something you love. Playing for clubs with a mix of ages, skill levels, and experiences fosters connection and learning. Clubs are often run by dedicated volunteers, and supported by families both on the grounds and behind the scenes, all of whom enable and empower these women to play, and importantly want it for them “Fran knows if I didn’t play it wouldn’t make me myself, and it makes me a better mother. It would be a gaping hole in my life.” – Emma Smyth
“Never a session I’d rather be somewhere else” – Pamela Smithwick Hearne
“I found more enjoyment because it’s your own time that you are deciding to be there for yourself. You come to appreciate time as a mother as you don’t get a lot of it.” (Kate D)….To which Mick’s wife Shan shouted across the Zoom call “Preach Kate!”
A mental shift acknowledged in all of these women’s games since becoming a mother was how they have become kinder to themselves on the pitch, along with recognising the platform they hold while playing. Emma Reid is aware that Katie and Harry are on the sidelines, watching and learning from her actions, especially as they begin their own journey in sports and develop a desire to get out there and play. Alana is currently learning that losing is a part of sports, and Emma Smyth serves as a valuable role model, teaching her how to handle it (hopefully not every week), which is a real shift as Mick McKinnon pointed out it wasn’t something she handled well herself!
This shift not only benefits their children’s development but also provides a new perspective in their own lives. As Lizzie puts it, she has learned to be kinder to herself on the pitch no matter the outcome: “I come home, Harry smiles, and it doesn’t matter anymore.”
Finally, I was interested in the women’s reflections on their hockey careers up to this point. Looking back, they all experienced the highs and lows that come with what we often call “The Rollercoaster of Hockey.” Their highs weren’t limited to international achievements; many memorable moments came from club and school successes. Whether it was winning the Irish Senior Cup, the Kate Russell National Schools Cup, or even achieving Olympic qualification in Donnybrook, the shared joy of accomplishing a team goal mattered more than the prize at the end. These reflections to me reinforced the power of connection in sport. Something they are now demonstrating to their own children.
So, where do we go from here?
As a country, we have an opportunity to empower mothers to compete at the highest levels they desire, and as a sport, we have the foundations of family run clubs around the country to enable full inclusivity. Enabling full inclusion is not an impossible task provided we know where the hesitancies lie. It could start with something as simple as conversations on the topic, laying out a play mat at the front of the room in team meetings, clubs encouraging children onto the pitch at half time, and ensuring the women’s teams have access to bathrooms closeto the pitch. Maybe then we grow to developing supervised play areas in all clubs, breastfeeding rooms, postpartum physiotherapy access for all players.
“Definitely if you love it before you have a baby, you still will love it after. It’s a slow process but you’re not a different person, you just have a lovely little baby added to your life.” – Emma Smyth
There will be new mothers, existing mothers, and future mothers joining sports clubs across the country this year. The advice from these six players is to not fear the change and to be open to asking for help. As Pamela mentioned, if she had never asked, she wouldn’t have realised how much support was available to her. Getting out and playing with friends is crucial, and fostering a culture within teams and clubs that encourages everyone to participate is key.
As Lizzie Holden puts it, “Who cares what happens? You can always have a drink at the club afterward if you don’t have to be home for bedtime.”
Written by Irish International Hockey Player, Sarah Hawkshaw.