In the first instalment of our new series, 'My Sporting Icon', we delve into the mindset of top athletes and explore the sportspeople outside their chosen sport who inspire them to greatness.
Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh has long been regarded as one of the best players in the LGFA, The 29-year-old forward has starred for the Corca Dhuibhne club and helped inspire Kerry to their first All-Ireland in more than 30 years this year. She was been Kerry's freetaker and taliswoman throughout their long hunt to regain the Brendan Martin Cup and she identified Ronan O'Gara as the sportsperson from whom she has drawn the most sporting inspiration.
And it's no surprise. O'Gara possessed a rare genius at reading the field. He was instrumental in unforgettable victories for Ireland and Munster. He also experienced devastating lows in his career, but he never shied away from the big moment.
For Ní Mhuircheartaigh, O'Gara's kicking technique was a key aspect of his success.
"Especially from a free-taker point of view," she notes.
I would have looked at his kicking technique and his mindset.
This attention to detail is a hallmark of elite athletes, and Ní Mhuircheartaigh's admiration for O'Gara's approach is evident.
21 March 2009; Ronan O'Gara of Ireland kicks the winning drop goal during the RBS Six Nations Championship match between Wales and Ireland at Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile.
O'Gara has kicked some amazing kicks to win games, but he has also missed a good share of them in his career
However, it was not just O'Gara's technical prowess that impressed Ní Mhuircheartaigh.
The way he carried himself on and off the field was fascinating to me
This sense of confidence and composure, even in the face of adversity, is a vital component of success at the highest level.
Ní Mhuircheartaigh also reflects on the lessons she has learned from O'Gara's approach to dealing with setbacks.
Under the guidance of her joint managers at Kerry, Darragh Long and Declan Quill, Ní Mhuircheartaigh has developed a new perspective on handling mistakes.
Before they came in, I would have been fairly hard on myself if I missed a free kick, I would have been thinking about it for a very long time.
However, O'Gara's example has reinforced the importance of moving on from mistakes, a lesson that has been further emphasized by her managers.
The way Ronan O'Gara carried himself after a miss, he would just move on and focus on the next ball
In a revealing insight, Ní Mhuircheartaigh shares a practical tip she has learned from her coaches, inspired by O'Gara's approach.
"Darren gave me the idea of pinching myself if I missed a free kick, and that would reset me," she explains.
This simple yet effective technique is a testament to the power of mental resilience in overcoming adversity.
4 August 2024; Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh of Kerry with the Brendan Martin cup after the TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Football Senior Championship final match between Galway and Kerry at Croke Park, Dublin. Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile
Ní Mhuircheartaigh's tribute to Ronan O'Gara is a powerful reminder of the importance of mental toughness in achieving success.
We spoke to Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh this week, as she welcomed the announcement of AIB and the LGFA’s sponsorship agreement. AIB today announced a landmark sponsorship agreement with the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, becoming the title sponsor of the coveted All-Ireland Club Championships. This historic partnership marks the first time a single sponsor has united all four codes of Gaelic Games – Gaelic Football, Hurling, Camogie, and Ladies Football – under one banner.
