Women in Sport: Bohemians FC Women’s Premier Division Team goalkeeper Rachael Kelly

Rachael Kelly is currently in her third season with Bohemians Women’s Premier Division Team, having captained the team last year. Before joining the team at Bohs, Rachael previously played for Shelbourne in 2019 and 2020.

Here, she shares her sporting story so far…

Name: Rachael Kelly

Profession: Civil servant

Earliest sporting memory?

When I was a kid, running around after my brother.

How did you become involved in your sport?

My big brother got me involved and needed someone to play football with.

What message would you like to share with young women and girls interested in pursuing a career as an athlete?

Keep working hard and when times get tough or you feel like quitting, just keep pushing through — it’s all worth it.

Proudest moment so far…

Definitely playing underage Ireland, with my mam and dad travelling the world to watch me play.

The female athlete I admire most is…

Katie Taylor because she never stops working hard and believing in herself.

Favourite sporting memory…

Man of the match vs the Netherlands in the U19 international competition, and qualifying for the European finals.

Do you think there is still a stigma around women in sport?

Yes, as people don’t take it as seriously as the men’s.

What is the biggest barrier to driving visibility in women’s sports?

Promotion. A lot of people would like to get involved and watch games, but they just don’t have the information to do it.

The biggest stigma/misconception that exists in women’s sport is…

That we don’t work as hard as the men in sport, or that we don’t have to commit as much as them.

If I wasn’t an athlete I would be…

A professional karaoke singer!

My favourite pre-match meal is…

My grandad’s scrambled eggs and toast with tea and orange juice.

My pre-match playlist includes…

Run This Town by Rihanna.

My daily routine is…

I work from 8am-4pm then go straight to training to arrive there for 5:15pm. I go straight into pre-hab for 5:30pm, followed by training until 7:30pm. Then, I’m home by 8pm, where I’ll get some food, shower and sleep to do it all again in the morning.

My biggest sporting goal is…

To win silverware with Bohs, and a senior international cap.

Sports brands I love (Irish or otherwise)…

Nike, adidas, Gym+Coffee, and 4TH ARQ.

Biggest splurge to celebrate a win…

A cheeky glass of West Coast Cooler rosé and a Camile takeaway.

How do you mind your mental health?

I have great friends and family who are always looking out for me, I also keep notes and try to take the positive out of every situation.

My three desert island beauty products are:

Lashes, bronzer and eyebrow gel/brush.

I need seven hours of sleep a night because…

I need all the energy I can get to make sure I make the most out of every day, and to be able to give it my all.

Confidence, to me, is…

Knowing your strengths and using them to the best of your ability.

How do you get over a bad performance?

I definitely learn from the lesson, write down what I can do better, and train well during the week.

Lastly, why is sport such an integral part of community, on a club, local, national and personal level?

It brings everyone together, making them part of one community. People share a mutual interest in something and no matter your background, everyone is welcome. Sport can also bring awareness to so many different aspects of the world and bring everyone closer.