Valerie Considine is still very much part of the bunch as well as the boardroom. The Usher IRC rider has seen some tough times for women's cycling but believes things are perhaps starting to look up (Photo: Brendan Culleton)
By Brian Canty
Former chairperson of the women’s commission Valerie Considine has said getting more women into the sport – and keeping them - is the biggest problem they face today.
Considine stepped down at the end of last year after 10 years at the helm and was replaced by Roisin Kennedy for the forthcoming season.
The former said it was time for a new face and someone with fresh ideas.
“A total of six people attended the Women’s Commission AGM in 2016,” she said despondently.
“Róisín Kennedy is now the heir and I think she’ll do a great job. She was on the women’s commission before and she’s a great asset as she understands racing at all levels.
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“She has seen the journey we’ve taken and she has the best interests of the sport at heart. Orla Hendron is also still on the commission and still has the same energy since the day she started.
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"She has done an enormous amount of work with youth and junior girls and is the most generous person I know with her time, knowledge and enthusiasm.”
But getting more women - from elite to underage levels - was still a problem.
“It’s still the main issue and to be honest, I find it frustrating how there’s still a need for a women’s commission.
“In a perfect world of gender equality, female Irish bike riders would be properly catered to by the commissions representing their regions and cycling discipline.
“That fact is an indictment of the governance of sport in this country and not just in cycling."
However, she added participation by women in sport is on the increase and talk of gender quotas on the boards of national sporting bodies is a sign that a "slumbering giant" is starting to waken.
Considine will still stay involved in the sport and is the current race director of the An Post Rás na mBan.
“We’re heading for our 12th edition in Kilkenny in September and it’s been a real highlight of my involvement in cycling to provide international stage racing for our best local racers since 2006.
“I’m also training hard and looking forward to enjoying my own racing this year.”
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