In 2019 Sport Ireland launched the Women in Sport Policy detailing the vision for Women in Sport:
‘One where women have an equal opportunity to achieve their full potential while enjoying lifelong participation and involvement in sport’.
By December 2023 all sporting organisations were required to have 40% female on their Boards. A snapshot of Weightlifting Ireland confirms that we have achieved this marker with strong female representation on the Board/sub-committees & in mandated roles.
Lucy Moore-Fox : Anti-Doping Officer
Role: Masters Athlete & Technical Official (IWF CAT 2)
Position within WI: Anti-Doping Officer – responsible for all things Anti-Doping – educating our members; liaising with Sport Ireland, etc.
Why you Volunteer: I have gotten a lot out of my involvement in sport over the years, both with Athletics Ireland and Weightlifting Ireland. I have been involved in athletics for 55 years and with weightlifting for 14 years. I am currently Lead Coach for Jumps with my athletics club (DSD AC) & secretary of the Irish Masters Athletes Association, as well as being a Technical Official with WI and their Anti-Doping Officer. I enjoy “giving back”, through voluntary coaching, officiating and administration work.
Any Challenges: Having enough time in the day to do everything I love!
What do you enjoy/ why you would encourage others to get involved: It’s great to see athletes you coach grow and develop in their sport, as well as in life. I have made great friends for life in both of the sports that I am involved in.
Shauna B Keane : National Children’s Officer
Role: Masters Athlete & Technical Official
Position within WI: National Children’s Officer (NCO) – this is quite a rewarding role – knowing that I am helping to safeguard young people and support them on their journey to become the best version of themselves that they can is great. Being a board member is a lot more challenging with a never ending volume of work however, seeing the profile of weightlifting rising and this being acknowledged outside of our organisation helps!
Why I Volunteer: I took on both roles as I felt I had a different skill set to offer and as an independent person could look at most scenarios/situations from a different view point to others.
Any Challenges: Lots – so much work for so little volunteers. There’s constant requests to be involved in different projects etc that it can tend to take over if you allow it to. I have definitely learnt to say “no” with a stronger voice.
What do I enjoy: I enjoy the opportunities that it has given to me – the amazing people I’ve met, the places I’ve travelled to and the education that I have received as part of the organisation.
Niamh Whelan : Governance Director
Role: Athlete & Coach
Position within WI: Governance Director (GD) – My main focus as GD is to ensure the policies and procedures put in place are in the best interest of the membership.
Why you Volunteer: I started volunteering at WI competitions back in 2019, and since then, I’ve been given so many incredible opportunities that I wouldn’t have experienced otherwise. I have gained invaluable experience in governance and the inner workings of running an organization. Additionally, I had the incredible opportunity to announce multiple sessions at a European Masters competition, which has been the highlight of my volunteering journey so far. I volunteer because I’ve grown to love the sport and want to do everything I can to provide the best possible weightlifting experience to as many people in Ireland as possible.
Any Challenges: The biggest challenge I face is knowing when to say no. This can be both a strength and a weakness. I’m incredibly stubborn—if I commit to something, I’ll see it through, even if it nearly kills me! Finding balance is something I’m always working on.
What do you enjoy/ why you would encourage others to get involved: The most rewarding part of volunteering for me is seeing the joy on people’s faces at competitions. Every single volunteer plays a role in making that moment possible—whether it’s the loaders, technical officials, speaker, scoreboard operator, or the board. Weightlifting Ireland has come such a long way, and it never ceases to amaze me how much work goes on behind the scenes. Since joining the board a year ago, I’ve gained an even greater appreciation for every person who gives their time. If you’re thinking about getting involved, do it! You’ll meet great people, learn new skills, and become part of something truly special.
Phil Brown : Masters Chair
Role: Masters Athlete & Technical Official (IWF CAT 2)
Position within WI: Masters Chair
Why you volunteer: To give something back to the sport I have grown to love.
Any challenges: Having enough time in a busy life to give to the organisation.
What do you enjoy/ why would you encourage others to get involved: I love weightlifting, it makes me feel strong and empowered as a woman. It is the best sport for anyone but particularly as we age, as it helps to maintain healthy bones. I started lifting in 2018 and began competing the same year. I have represented Ireland a number of times and it provides a great opportunity to make new friends and travel.
Weightlifting Ireland has so many WIS Advocates in each province, from the grassroots coaches working in their local communities, whether in their Clubs, or part of our WIS programs, to the female competitors, whether taking their first steps onto the platform, or the international stage, to officials supporting every WI event, to the key roles carried out by the females members mentioned above. Weightlifting Ireland is currently a completely voluntary organisation and everyone who offers a bit of their time should be recognised and championed as a valued Sport Maker!
