Tyrone’s Shirley McCay scoops up Game Changer Award
Irish international hockey player, World Cup silver medallist and Ireland’s most capped sportswoman, Shirley McCay, from Omagh in Co. Tyrone, received the Electric Ireland Game Changer Award at the Belfast Telegraph Sports Awards on Monday 14th January.
Shirley McCay pictured receiving her Game Changer Award from Clare McAllister, Residential Manager for Electric Ireland, and Wendy Houvenaghel.
The Game Changer Award, sponsored by Electric Ireland, recognises individuals who have had a positive impact on the Northern Ireland sporting landscape over the last year, making it better and stronger for females.
Speaking about her new accolade, Shirley, said: “It's an honour to receive The Game Changer Award especially when in the running alongside incredible sportswomen. I am very lucky to be able to do what I love every day and I feel humbled to have received this recognition.”
Clare McAllister, Residential Manager for Electric Ireland, commented: “We were delighted to present this award to Shirley, who is a truly deserving winner for her empowering role both at provincial and international level. We had such a strong line up of game changing contenders this year and we would like to congratulate and thank all these individuals who have made a huge impact on female sport.
“There is no doubt that female sport is on the rise: for instance, since the launch of the Electric Ireland Game Changers campaign, in partnership with the Irish Football Association in May 2017 which supports all levels of the female game locally, there has been a 47% increase in local female football participation levels. That’s an astounding rise with which we are delighted and drives us on in our aim to celebrate Northern Ireland’s female footballing talent.”
Follow our Twitter and Facebook pages and the hashtag #GameChangers for the latest news and updates on our support of female participation in football in Northern Ireland.