My Triathlon: Bernie McNally
To celebrate Women in Sport Week, each day we are sharing the experiences of some of the leaders in our community. This week you’ll get to meet club chairs, committee members, coaches, board members and technical officials, and find out more about their journey in triathlon.
First up is chairperson of Dublin-based Fingal Triathlon Club, Bernie McNally…
I started my triathlon journey in 2007, having come from a biking background and was looking for a new challenge. From the start I was hooked on both the challenge of the three sports as well as the social aspects of triathlon. I found that everyone was very encouraging and supportive, no matter what level they were at. I saw an advertisement for a local triathlon club that was starting up, which became Fingal Triathlon club and the rest is history! Since then I have been lucky enough to take part in events at home and abroad of varying distances. Highlights of my triathlon journey include taking part in the age group world champs in London in 2013 and Ironman Barcelona in 2018.
There is a great culture of encouragement and taking part in triathlon. All race finishers are given the same huge cheer crossing the finish line, no matter where they finish. While there will always be elite participants in every sport, I have always been very aware that triathlon is very welcoming to all abilities, backgrounds and ages and that the majority of people who take part in triathlon are doing so for the fun of the sport instead of winning. That has always been the focus for me and I think many others share this same love of participation as well as stepping out of their comfort zones. Triathlon for me is a space where I can let go of the day, get some head space, train hard while catching up with club mates that have become dear friends over the years. This was of particular importance during lockdown while I realised I really missed training and my club mates, and relished training sessions and chats in a different format over zoom.
How long have you been a member of Fingal Triathlon Club? What does being part of a club mean to you?
I have been a member of the club since its inception in 2009. This club means a lot to me as I have watched it go from strength to strength as different members moved in and out along their triathlon journey. The best thing about being part of a club is its inclusivity. Members of all ages and abilities are welcome to show up and train with encouraging and supportive club mates. We particularly welcome those starting out or returning to their triathlon journey. We have female members of all ages and abilities from new to tri to national champs, world champs, Paralympians and Ironwomen. Fingal Triathlon Club is full of male advocates who support and encourage all of our female members. Females account for the majority of our committee, as well as our Head Coach and many of our tri leaders. In addition just over 25% of our club is over 50 and we have plenty of junior members too. We have a diverse committee who organise inclusive training sessions and events for our members.
What does being chairperson of your club involve?
It is a varied role which I really enjoy. As Chairperson of Fingal Triathlon Club I am very grateful to work with a super committee who organise and manage everything from Junior and Senior training as well as an annual race and the promotion of same. We work really well as a team with everyone bringing their strengths and personalities to their roles. As Chairperson, I particularly enjoy watching new members join the club, train and complete their first events. The committee have monthly meetings over zoom which is very efficient. As Chairperson, it is my role to organise the meetings and provide an agenda, which the committee contribute to and discuss. There is some follow up and action to decisions made at our committee meetings and I follow up on those before the next meeting or event. I also step in to help committee members as needed such as the racing committee or the junior committee as there is a lot of work that goes on in the background, similar to any other events. However, as we have been running the senior and junior race for many years there is huge experience on the team. Other projects may involve organising events such as ‘new to tri’ programme or a club member survey.
Fingal Triathlon Club’s plans for Women in Sport Week…
In Fingal Triathlon Club, we celebrate both male and female members of all ages from juniors to seniors. For Women in Sport week we will be spotlighting different female members each day on our social media. Our female members range from ‘new to tri’ to coaches to national champions and Paralympians and we want to recognise them during this week. We have asked them to write a short piece about what triathlon means to them. We are also encouraging all our members to attend our track running session on Friday 11th March, 6.45pm at ALSAA. Anyone who is thinking of joining a club is welcome to show up too to take part in the session which is suitable for all levels.
You’re currently taking part in the Women’s Leadership Programme with women from a number of different sports. How do you feel being part of this programme will benefit you?
This programme has been a huge benefit to both myself and the other participants. Each session provides us with opportunities to network, use our voice as well as learn how to overcome challenges as a female leader in sport. As part of this programme I have also identified some short and long term goals as well as a personal development plan and took part in a very helpful coaching session. Every week we have female speakers in different sporting leadership roles across the world, some who have previously taken part in the course, who provide an insight into their journey as well as useful tips for my own career. I would highly recommend this course for any woman involved in sport or wishing to work in this industry.
If you had to choose one discipline; swim, bike or run, which would you choose and why?
While I love all three sports, there is one that stands out. Biking has always been my favourite sport. I have been fortunate to be able to experience the world with my bike! From hurtling down hills in South America to assisting with bike tours in south east Asia, I have loved it all. I have met many amazing people on a bike, including my hubbie and can still be found chasing him up hills in north Co. Dublin at weekends! I particularly think that biking is very empowering for women, especially while mastering gearing, pace, bike skills and basic mechanics. I’m THAT person that tries to pass on any information about all of these to anyone that will listen! I was lucky enough to have supportive men in my local bike club when I joined 20 or so years ago that passed on their knowledge and that’s how I learned the etiquette of riding in a group. Nowadays its great to see many more women on wheels, especially junior women who have great futures ahead of them and older women looking for a challenge and taking up the sport.
As well as hosting one of the oldest events in Ireland, Skerries Triathlon, Fingal TC is a very busy club. What lies ahead for Fingal TC in 2022?
We have plenty of plans in place for 2022 including Skerries Triathlon, taking place on June 12th, which will be a National Series Race. This race caters for both Junior and Senior athletes. Our Junior members are hugely important to our Club, these are the future of triathlon and we are so committed to nurturing, supporting and developing their interest in triathlon. In that regard we also have plans for plenty of junior training events as well as senior training as well as some long overdue social events for our members. We will target a race or two to take part in as a club during the summer. We also have plans to travel to Mallorca in May to support some of our members taking part in the Ironman event and get some miles in the sun on our own training camp.
What advice would you give to those who are thinking about joining their tri club’s committee?
I would advise going for it if you are thinking of it! It may be a good idea to have a chat with different committee members to assess exactly what is involved in the different roles so that you can see which one you might be most interested in. There are always lots of different positions on committees with varying levels of commitment so there should be one to suit everyone. It’s a very rewarding role, no matter what that role is as you know you are contributing to something that really benefits members. Its very beneficial to a committee to get new people on board who bring new ideas to the table. It’s always very rewarding to volunteer your time, especially when it benefits others from your local community as well as adds to your own skills and learning too. I think sports clubs will continue to play a very important role in the future for members from a mental wellbeing point of view, so it’s important to support committees to keep them going.
