Participants in Donegal Sports Partnership’s Female Leadership Programme received invaluable words of inspiration and encouragement from two local women who are in positions of leadership locally.

At a question-and-answer session at Backstage in Letterkenny, Lynda McGuinness and Annette Houston shared their thoughts and gave their perspectives on the area of women in leadership roles.

Lynda McGuinness is chairperson of Letterkenny Blaze Basketball Club. She also coaches a number of the club’s underage teams and has had two stints coaching the Northwest Regional girls’ school team.

Lynda McGuinness

Annette Houston is CEO of FM Services Group and CEO of Bright Academy. She is an experienced business leader with a proven history in facilities management, specialising in the cleaning sector.
Speaking after the event, Donegal Sports Partnership’s Education and Training Coordinator, Maggie Farrelly, described it as “hugely beneficial”.

“It was great to have women of the calibre of Lynda and Annette share their experiences. Lynda is in a leadership role in sport and Annette is in a leadership role in business, so that allowed for a great mix of discussion and debate,” she said.

Annette Houston

“I think those who attended will have learned a lot from the honesty and frankness of Lynda and Annette and we are extremely grateful to both speakers for coming along to talk to the programme participants. The evening provided a great opportunity to network, and the environment allowed for the speakers and participants to be open and honest about their experiences.

“The event was both enlightening and informative and I think everyone left with a stronger sense of confidence and resolve,” Ms. Farrelly added.

Donegal Sports Partnership’s Female Leadership Programme is an initiative developed with the support of Sport Ireland and Dormont Accounts Fund to help females interested in getting involved in sport at a level appropriate to their needs and abilities.

The overall aim of the programme is to help develop confidence and to develop effective skills in becoming a leader in their chosen area.