Fingal girls get active at Abbotstown

The National Indoor Arena in Abbotstown recently hosted more than 300 teenage girls from schools across Fingal as they spent the day trying out everything from rugby and rowing to fencing and ultimate frisbee.

The students had gathered for the annual HerMoves Exercise: Energise Multi Sports and Activity Day, part of Women in Sport Week 2026, which aims to encourage more girls to get active and discover sports they might never have tried before.

For many of the teenagers involved, the event offered the chance to step onto the floor of Ireland’s premier indoor sports venue and experience a wide range of activities in a welcoming and supportive setting alongside girls from other schools across the county.

The event brings together participants from the Fingal Sports Office’s Women in Sport Exercise: Energise programme, which has been running for 14 years and focuses on helping girls who may not normally take part in sport to become more active and confident.

Over the course of the 2025 to 2026 school year, twelve secondary and community schools have taken part in the programme.

Students attend regular lunchtime and after school sessions where they can try activities such as cheerleading, self defence and gym based workouts.

HerMoves Exercise: Energise Day
Lexie Cullen, Cllr Tom Kitt and Sophie Noworyta from Coolmine

One of the reasons the programme continues to grow is that the girls themselves decide what activities they want to try.

By allowing participants to choose the sports involved, organisers say the sessions remain engaging and help ensure that young women feel comfortable taking part.

That sense of ownership was clear throughout the day at Abbotstown, where groups of students moved around the arena between coaching stations, testing out different sports and cheering one another on.

Development officers from twelve National Governing Bodies were present to deliver coaching sessions and “come and try” experiences across a wide range of sports including rugby, cricket, hockey, football, basketball, athletics, table tennis, rowing, volleyball, ultimate frisbee and tennis.

This year also saw the introduction of fencing to the programme for the first time. The sport quickly drew plenty of curiosity from students keen to pick up a mask and foil and give it a try.

Chairperson of the Fingal Sports Partnership, Cllr Tom Kitt, said the enthusiasm inside the arena showed how important it is to create opportunities that encourage girls to become involved in sport.

“It’s inspiring to see so many young women taking part with such enthusiasm.

“The energy and confidence on display in Abbotstown demonstrated the real impact of programmes that listened to girls, supported their choices, and helped them find joy in being active.

“The Fingal Sports Partnership is proud to champion initiatives that open doors, build community, and inspire lifelong involvement in sport for every young woman across Fingal.”

Fingal Sports Development Officer Caitríona Geraghty said creating positive sporting experiences for girls and young women remains a key focus.

“Fingal Sports Office is committed to ensuring that young women have positive experiences in sport.

“Today’s event offers fun, variety, and a welcoming environment where every girl can discover an activity she enjoys.”

Events like the HerMoves Exercise: Energise Multi Sports and Activity Day continue to highlight Fingal’s efforts to make sport more accessible and inclusive for girls and young women.

By introducing participants to a wide range of activities and giving them the confidence to take part, organisers hope the experience will encourage many of the girls to remain involved in sport and physical activity long into the future.