Beyond the Field: Ruth McDonagh of Bray Hockey Club

February 29, 2024

Ruth McDonagh of Bray Hockey Club is this years Wicklow 2024 Volunteer in Sport recipient. Over two decades, Ruth has consistently stepped up and has volunteered as team captain, social secretary, registrations secretary, coach, umpire, PRO and Vice – President.

Ruth played a major part in establishing Bray Hockey Club’s HockeyID team, the Brayvers, which has introduced hockey to local persons with intellectual disability from six years of age. Currently in its second season, with a full-season calendar, the group are now full members of Bray Hockey Club. Not only this, she was responsible for spear-heading the Senior Ladies participating in the Leinster Indoor Hockey League.

Truly dedicated to the sport she has gone on to volunteer and provincial and national levels of the game.

What motivated you to become a coach, and how did you get started in coaching female athletes?
I was and still am a hockey player, initially, I got involved in coaching because my club needed coaches and I felt I had the time and ability to do it. Since then, probably close to 20 years ago now, I’ve continued to coach in various capacities to help develop and nurture young and old talent, to keep players involved and to share my knowledge.

What coaching philosophy or principles do you emphasise to inspire and guide your team/athlete?
Inclusion, learning, openness and development. Creating a safe but fun and committed team environment for all. One where players can be creative but also develop their skills whilst enjoying a competitive environment.

Can you share a particularly rewarding moment or achievement you’ve experienced as a coach of a female team?
There’s no one particular achievement I can share but it’s just simply seeing players utilise new skills or knowledge to their game. And seeing them recognise it and seeing their sense of pride and achievement in executing it!

29 February 2024; Award winner Ruth McDonagh of Bray Hockey Club, Wicklow, centre, with, from left, Denise O’Shea and Aisling Hubbard of Wicklow Sports Partnership, Anne McCormack of Hockey Ireland and Trevor Watkins, chair of Hockey Ireland, during the Federation of Irish Sport Volunteers in Sport Awards at The Crowne Plaza Hotel in Blanchardstown, Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile

How do you approach building team camaraderie and fostering a positive team culture?
Being open and fun, transparent with a lot of communication. That includes being open to players challenging me and my style. If there is a conflict then try and mitigate it early and ensure all are included and enjoying being part of the team.

In your opinion, what are the key qualities that make a successful female athlete, both on and off the field?
Being open to feedback, commitment to learning and the team, good communication skills, commitment to training and matches and being open to giving their own feedback in a constructive way.

What challenges have you faced in coaching, and how have you overcome them?
Dealing with other Club coaches with different agendas, discussing different opinions but being open to finding a solution that works for all as much as possible. Lack of commitment from players, having tough conversations about selection etc.

How do you tailor your coaching style to the individual needs and strengths of your players?
I try to get to know players, how they like to communicate, how they like to learn and assess as needed. It’s challenging but being open about my own experiences, mistakes and challenges can help foster a strong, trusting relationship.

What advice do you have for aspiring female coaches looking to make an impact in the sports world?
Be open to challenge, be open to making mistakes, take risks, don’t be too prescriptive, take time to learn and learn from others and have a lot of fun!

If you could coach any famous female athlete, past or present, who would it be and why?
Katie Taylor, I’d love to understand what drives her, what keeps her fighting and what steps she has taken to overcome adversity both professionally and personally.

If you could pick a fictional character to be an honorary member of your team, who would it be and how do you think they would contribute to the team dynamic?
Mr Miyagi from Karate Kid for his peaceful, calm and structured approach to being a champion. He drives commitment and hard work but demonstrates that what you put into it is what you get out of it.