Sport NI Athlete Stories

Marissa Callaghan has led women's football in Northern Ireland into an new era.The former Captain talks through her beginnings in Divis, the conversation that led to the start of her 91 international caps, competing at Euro 2022 and how her career ended with host Hugh Campbell.Marissa continues to influence women's football in Northern Ireland through her role at the Irish FA and at her beloved Cliftonville Ladies.

Ayeisha McFerran has overcome personal battles in her life to become one of the leading female sports figures in Northern Ireland.The Larne native is keeper for the Ireland Hockey Women's team and was part of the team that claimed silver at the 2018 World Cup whilst also being named Goalkeeper of the Tournament. But the journey to get there, as Ayeisha says, was turbulent. Hear the open and honest conversation with host Hugh Campbell on the Sport NI Athlete Stories podcast.

Kate O'Connor is back on the podcast to finish sharing about her Fantastic Four Medals in 2025.In Part One, Kate shares about her first three medals and in Part Two, takes us through the turbulent circumstances that led to her silver at the World Athletics Championships.We pick up the conversation after her training camp is finished ahead of the Championships...

It was an incredible 2025 for Kate O'Connor as the Newry born heptathlete had the season of her life.She talks with host Hugh Campbell about her beginnings, family influence and a detailed look into the mindset of an elite athlete as she changed her approach from competitor to medallist. The podcast will be split into two episodes with the first part available on Wednesday 4 March and the second released on Wednesday 18 March.

Our new podcast, Sport NI Athlete Stories, delves into the lives of some of Northern Ireland's top sportspeople. Our first episode with Ireland Grand Slam winner Paddy Wallace is titled 'Sliding Doors' as Paddy discusses the moments that changed his career and the lessons he learned along the way.Paddy played 30 times for Ireland and 189 times for Ulster and competed at three Rugby World Cups. Paddy was also part of the squad that won Ireland's first Grand Slam in 61 years in 2009.