Women in Sport: Bohemians FC footballer Fiona Donnelly
In this instalment of our Women in Sport series, Bohs vice-captain Fiona Donnelly shares her sporting inspirations, biggest goals and proudest achievements.
Fiona Donnelly is a 27-year-old football player and vice-captain of Bohemians FC. Playing in the League of Ireland for over ten years, Fiona had loved every minute of it. She shares with us her sporting story so far.
Name: Fiona Donnelly.
Profession: Banking.
Earliest sporting memory?
Going to see Man United play in Old Trafford as a child. Getting to see professional footballers in real life was magical at such a young age.
How did you become involved in your sport?
From a very young age I would always be out on the streets until all hours playing football with the boys from my estate. At the age of 7/8 I joined the local football team and have played ever since.
What message would you like to share with young women and girls interested in pursuing a career as an athlete?
You have to enjoy what you do. Everything is a lot easier when you can do it with a smile on your face. Don’t sweat the small stuff and be eager to learn and grow everyday. Be your own biggest supporter!
Proudest moment so far?
Representing Ireland on multiple occasions at underage level. Reaching two cup finals with Bohemian FC and vice captaining the club.
The female athlete I admire most is…
I really admire Irish sprinter Sophie Becker. She is competing at the highest level within her sport and knows first hand how much commitment and discipline it takes to be able to compete on big stages. She has influenced me massively when it comes to training and ensuring you are the healthiest you can be when performing within your sport.
Favourite sporting memory?
Reaching two cup finals within one season.
Do you think there is still a stigma around women in sport?
Yes there still is a stigma around women in sport, although it’s changing and it varies a lot by country, sport, and level of competition. Two examples are: You can see this particularly within the media coverage and respect. Women’s sports receive far less coverage and are often framed around appearance, personal lives, or “inspiration” rather than athletic skill. You can see this also around pay and resources. There are huge gaps in pay, facilities, and medical support reinforce the idea that women’s sport is “less valuable”.
What is the biggest barrier to driving visibility in women’s sports?
Although it is getting better, media exposure of women’s sports is still not near where it should be. When it comes to televising women’s sports, with minimal promotion and fewer prime-time slots, audiences can’t form habits around watching them. The biggest barrier isn’t talent, quality, or fan interest,it’s the unwillingness of institutions to invest long enough for women’s sports to fully break the cycle.
The biggest stigma/misconception that exists in women’s sport is…
That it is less entertaining, less skilled or less valuable than men’s sports. Women’s sport is frequently compared directly to men’s instead of being appreciated as a distinct product with its own styles, rivalries, and narratives.
If I wasn’t an athlete I would be…
I’d still be involved in sport in some way—probably helping others develop or grow.
My favourite pre-match meal is…
Bagel, eggs and beans.
My pre-match playlist includes…
Rihanna, techno and Taylor Swift.
My daily routine is…
Shower first thing every morning. I can’t leave the house without a shower and brushing my teeth. Eat some overnight oats in the car while stuck in traffic. Arrive to work for nine and finish around five. Straight to training after work for 5:30. Home then cook some dinner, another shower and into bed.
My biggest sporting goal is…
My biggest sporting goal is to compete and win at the highest level and constantly perform to my best. I would like to one day look back and know I’ve given everything to this sport.
Sports brands I love (Irish or otherwise)…
O’Neill’s – Bohemians sponsor and our gear is always top of the range.
Adidas – I prefer adidas to Nike when it comes to football boots.
Kinetica – always supports with performance needs.
Biggest splurge to celebrate a win
Pancakes for breakfast the next morning!
How do you mind your mental health?
I prioritise routines that keep me grounded… good sleep, recovery, staying connected with people around me, and knowing when to ask for support. I focus on controlling what I can… preparation, recovery, and mindset. I also take time away from sport when I need it and make sure I have balance.
My three desert island beauty products are…
Fake tan, lip balm, mascara!
I need 7-8 hours of sleep a night because…
Working full time and playing football part time requires a lot of energy, discipline and recovery.
Confidence, to me, is…
Trusting my preparation and believing in myself through the hard work I have put in.
How do you get over a bad performance?
I think as an athlete it’s extremely important to always reflect on your performances and learn from your mistakes. I give myself a bit of time to process it, then remind myself that one performance doesn’t define me.
Tell us about your team’s new sponsorship?
This partnership is a huge moment for us as a team. Virgin Media already plays such an important role in growing and nourishing Irish football, so to now have their support directly behind us on the pitch feels incredibly meaningful. It’s recognition of how far the women’s team has come, and it gives us the belief and backing to keep raising standards and pushing for even more in 2026.
Lastly, why is sport such an integral part of community, on a club, local, national and personal level?
Sport is an integral part of community because it brings people together. At club and local level, it creates belonging, connection, and shared identity. At a national level, it unites people beyond background or difference. And on a personal level, it teaches life skills. Resilience, teamwork, discipline, and confidence,that stay with you long after the game.
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