Shannon RFC continue to lead the way in investing in facilities for female rugby players

SHANNON Rugby Club are leading the way in providing the services and facilities for women and girls in sport thanks to a social finance loan from Community Finance Ireland (CFI).

Using social finance loans from CFI to bridge the gap in grant funding, the group have installed new changing facilities and a dedicated new gym space for female players at their base in Coonagh. The new facilities have been transformational for the ladies’ teams and has empowered them to strive towards their ambitions of reaching the Women’s All Ireland League (AIL) in the coming season.

Captain of the senior Ladies’ team Anna-Kate Cournane said: “It’s really exciting and encouraging that clubs are integrating women’s playing facilities and infrastructure into their overall plan and that it will start to have a positive impact for years to come. Something as small as having dedicated changing facilities for women is huge for us. It means we have our own space and that we don’t have to share with the men.”

READ MORE: Just two Limerick wins in dramatic Saturday of All-Ireland League rugby action

The new facilities are a vote of confidence in the ladies’ teams which have grown significantly in recent years, in part due to the investment in facilities like these.

Grace Dillon who plays for the Senior Ladies’ team said: "The investment in these facilities really spurs you on as a player. You feel seen by the club. You’re really supported and when the club recognises that there is a need to invest in facilities for women, it allows the whole club to grow.”

Speaking about the club’s ambition, the club’s U18s Ladies’ coach Rita Hehir said: “Social lending from Community Finance Ireland is going to help us reach our goal of getting to the AIL. It not only helps us achieve our ambition on the field, but also inspires our youth and underage to see there is a clear path for success: you play for your club, you play for your province and then you play for your national team.”

Nora Keogh, client relationship manager at Community Finance Ireland said: "We are dedicated to working with grassroots community groups like Shannon RFC to provide finance solutions quickly, so that they can be empowered to enhance their facilities and offer their local community what they need. In this case, it has been an honour to help the club to put in place the facilities that were lacking for young girls and women and to allow them to participate in the sport that they love."