SHE WAS A role model during her playing days and now Anna Geary is determined to continue her work of promoting women’s sport as the next chapter of her career takes shape.
The Cork camogie star brought the curtain down on an illustrious inter-county career in May and has since become one of the foremost female media personalities through her work with RTÉ.
Geary made regular appearances on The Sunday Game throughout the course of the championship summer as well as being a member of the The Marty Squad on RTÉ Radio 1.
The three-time All-Ireland winner received widespread recognition for bringing insightful, knowledgeable and sharp analysis to the state broadcaster’s coverage.
And her stock continues to rise as she settles into life after retirement.
“I had been working in marketing with Dell which was a very structured role,” she tells The42. “Changing careers allowed me the time to take up these opportunities and I made that decision to leave and look at pastures new.
“Certain elements of retirement have been hard but the constant work alleviates the sense of loss. Sitting in Croke Park isn’t the same as running out onto the field but live television or radio gives you a similar buzz.
“It will never be a direct replacement for playing but it’s a great substitute.”
As well as working with the Women’s Gaelic Players Association (WGPA), Geary started her role as a coach on RTÉ’s hit series Ireland’s Fittest Family at the weekend.
She is one of two new additions, alongside former Munster flanker Alan Quinlan, and admitted the time was right to take up the opportunity.
“I had spoken with the producers twelve months ago but I just couldn’t commit,” the Milford native says. “Then the day of announcing my retirement in May, Darren [Smith] called me.
“If I didn’t retire when I did, I wouldn’t have had the chance to do all this media stuff. I couldn’t have gone to my manager to say I wasn’t going to be at training because I was filming or on air with The Marty Squad.
“I just couldn’t do both and there are no regrets at the decision I made. It’s worked out well so far.”
In the third series’ opening episode on Sunday, Geary went head-to-head with Clare hurling manager Davy Fitzgerald to pick her three families for the show.
Viewers were instantly given a taste of what the 27-year-old will bring to the programme and it was clear from the off she won’t be daunted by the bigger personalities on set.
“If I told you I didn’t get involved and you watched the show, you’d know I was completely lying,” Geary says of her competitive streak. “You begin with the best intention to watch your Ps and Qs and act graciously but your instincts as a sportsperson quickly take over.
“It’s a competition at the end of the day and I made no secret that I want to help my teams get as far as they can.”
Geary follows in the footsteps of Derval O’Rourke and former Irish hockey star Nikki Symmons as female coaches on the show but she doesn’t feel any more pressure to impress the viewer.
“I am very honoured to be on the show and being the only female is at the back of your mind because you want to represent and come across and be perceived as a strong sportsperson.
“But it’s never been a case of beating the drum for women. I’m very proud to be a sports woman and be striving for equality but I don’t want to be singled out because I’m a woman.
“I do want people to get to know me better and use it as a platform to show my character and how I can hold my own against the lads – that’s the way to do it.”
Her debut appearance on Ireland’s Fittest Family was universally applauded on social media but there will always be critics – it comes with the territory.
“As I always say, sport is a male-dominated environment and there is that tendency to pick out women as easy targets. ‘She’s only a woman, what would she know?’ is something I always her.
“Of course I’m conscious of it but it doesn’t let it affect me. But I want to be taken at face value.
“Don’t call me out for being a woman talking about a man’s game, call me out if I’m a bad coach or bad analyst – but not because I’m a women.
“I, or any other female media personality, shouldn’t get an extra or less credit because I’m a woman.”
Anna Geary is one of four coaches on Ireland’s Fittest Family, Sunday’s 6.30pm on RTÉ One. Episode one is now available on the RTÉ Player.
Ringrose was solid against Munster . Skinning a second row and stepping inside an open side who was covering 2 players doesn’t make him a starter against Wales as some are suggesting . Step back and give the lad time .
Agree 100%, he looks to have potential but needs to earn a regular starting spot at Leinster first. To be fair he is going about that well.
To be fair that’s not ALL he did. His tackling technique looks really solid and he’s good at chopping players down, whereas Sexton goes too high too often. He was also standing out wide, arm up, screaming for the ball. I really don’t get the conservatism though. If Schmidt and the management think he can do it, then out him bloody in. Same goes for any Ulster back.
What planet are you on , this kid has not even played a full ECC game yet , he scored a very good try in the first 3 minutes against which is now a very average munster side, what did he do in the last 77 minutes that warrants an international starting spot ? What do you think will happen when he comes up against Lesley fofana, Jamie Roberts , do you or anyone else realize the step up to international level? He plays 1 half decent game and straight away he is a starting Irish international in some Leinster fans eyes , if he is this good how come he didn’t start against toulon ? I will tell you why and Leo Cullen knows it too , he would have been pulverized by bastuerau a co and that’s a fact , so if Leo won’t start him against a very strong club side what chance will he have playing against a country , he
is a great prospect but he will need to play a bit more top level club rugby before he takes the next big step up , good luck to the young man
I stopped reading after you said he scored a really good try. He didn’t. It probably didnt get any better after. As for your crap before that, I didn’t say I’d start him. I said if Schmidt and the management think……. If I was picking the team, I’d have McCloskey there, but I’m not picking the team.
Agree, McCloskey has been knocking on them door of the squad for much longer
It’s experience that Ringrose needs. Throw him into the firing pan!
Please god let heenan get through this game unscathed and get a decent run without injury. The poor lad has been plagued!!
Great to see Heenan back
All this talk about henshaw leaving I’d be more worried about pat lam, his stock must be sky high right now I’m sure offers will be on the table soon
Been over this chestnut. Seemingly he has already resigned
Re-signed or resigned? Bit of a difference
Re-signed, check the Galway papers.
Ringrose should start every game at 13 with Fitzgerald at 12. No need to play and develop Te’o any further given he’s leaving in the summer. If Cullen was smart he’d try build a starting XV with a lot of young players who will be the next generation of Leinster & Irish rugby : Moore , Furlong , McGrath, L.McGrath , Ringrose , Van Der Flier , Ruddock , Molony etc
I’d rather win the league with the best team available and let the young players that are good enough fight for a shirt and if playing well keep the shirt.
Fitzgerald could probably do with a rest. He has been excellent this season but he does have fitness worries. Although, I’d be happier to see him play tomorrow and sit out meaningless European games
IMO henshaw staying at Connacht is the best for everyone. Grows the game in Connacht and attracts more youth players in the Connacht branch who want to become the next henshaw and increases ticket sales much to the benefit of the irfu, and with ringrose coming through Leinster won’t be hard pushed for a 13 in years to come. Connacht can become seriously competitive in the pro 12 as well so henshaw wouldn’t need to leave for success if he really wants it, he’ll do his best to bring it to Connacht.
What most people don’t seem to want to consider is what’s best for henshaw? What does he want?
If he wants to compete at the sharp end of European competition, then he’s going to have to move somewhere. Despite their terrible start this year, Leinster have a much stronger panel of players then Connacht. Just hope his head isn’t turned by big offers from England and/or France.
Absolutely Chris. Has the OP actually asked Henshaw what he wants to do? Maybe…..just maybe….he wants to play for Leinster!!!!
Henshaw had ruled out a move off the island
It’s Leinster or Connacht at this stage
Possibly a one extension at Connacht would be best for all concerned?
That’s good news at least reg
What some Leinster fans don’t seem to want to consider is why any smart player from the provinces would want to sign for a club that is clearly going through a transitional period.
But sure what difference does that make? If Henshaw wants to come, that’s all that matters. Should we say to him, “look, we’re flattered by your interest, but we are in transition now and think you shouldn’t come. “
I think people seem to be missing that subtle, but important point, when it comes to players transfering between provinces: ” What the player wants….” If Henshaw doesn’t want to move to Leinster he wont. If he does want to move to Leinster he will. Strikes me that he has already made up his mind and he will likely join Leinster in the near future. For better or worse it will be his decision.
There is a lot of potential for Ireland at the centre. Bundee Aki aims to play for Ireland, he admitted as much when he joined Connacht and he re-confirmed his desire just a few weeks ago.
Big fan of Henshaw, I think he’ll be awesome where ever he goes.
Does Henshaw actually want to go to Leinster that is an assumption or is it an open secret?
If henshaw moves to Leinster, then we can safely assume he wanted to go. If he stays at Connacht, then we can safely assume he wanted to stay. The player has the final decision. Why is this so hard to understand?
Because that is an assumption and not a fact.
Fitzgerald is being rested.
Happy to see McGrath starting. Hopefully Sexton can put in a performance worthy of his stature.
Prob Leinster’s best front five at the moment. Love Ruddock he will make a great captain for years to come. Big games needed out of Murphy, Sexton and the Kearneys but if they all show up Leinster should have too much at home.
Furlong > Moore
Ruddock will be a serious captain in years to come… He’s a purists no.6.. Hits a massive amount of rucks, get up the field to link play on breaks and very rarely lets anyone through in defence… One of the few standouts in the 2 Toulon games. Let’s just hope he gets enough rest to be fresh for the 6N.
Jordi Murphy must be feeling the pressure, His stock has plummeted since the World Cup . I even rate Dom Ryan as a better abrasive 6 then him.
Hopefully number 8 will suit him better
The Leinster back row pecking order should be:
6. Ruddock
Ryan
Murphy
7. O’Brien
Van Der Flier
Ruddock
Murphy
8. Conan
Heaslip
Murphy
O’Brien
John right up until you rated Conan above heaslip I shredded with you.
It pisses me off when people are always underrating heaslip. He is always solid and never gets injured. What more could you want!!
No I think number 8 has to be cj standers. All do Munster have been awful this year he has been the outstanding 8 in the country and probably the whole of the pro 12
The one thing to be admired about Heaslip is that he’s so injury free. I imagine that’s why the French clubs rate him so highly, he can play in far more games a season than any of his rivals.
Robbie he shaw will be able to get a good look at his new team . He will take over from teo . I wish he shaw was playing though
Wouldn’t it be poetic justice, if Connacht win and henshaw signs his new Connacht contract next week.
Is there a possibility that Henshaw ha been biding his time to see how the Connacht team is shaping up for net year
Previous announcements and now Healy signing on for 2 more years the team is looking more stable than it has in a long time
Henshaw would be foolish to leave now.
I do predict a lot more sponsorship deals coming his way if he is to stay at Connacht
I’d love if Henshaw stayed in Connacht but I’ve heard from a very reliable source that he’s gone “sale agreed” to Leinster.
Henshaw is staying at Connacht sure why would u want to move to Leinster or Munster when pat lamb is the best provincial coach in the country;!!
Competition in connachts back row is really going to heat up now heenan is back in contention
With a five day turnaround squad rotation was always going to be key. We are blessed with a quality squad and thankfully with few injuries. Back row was key in Thomond last week and this back row looks just as handy. Hopefully they go well (they will have to as they are up against one of the most under rated irish players, Muldoon). Hope too our defence is a good as against Munster last weekend. Connacht are plagued with injuries but they can still put out an impressive back line even without Henshaw. Hope the weather stay a bit calm as this has the makings of a cracker.
A very good Leinster squad but once again rotation for the sake of rotation. I’d rather pick your best side and make small adjustments here and there due to form, injury and rest.
Agreed. The team that started against Munster was as close to our best starting XV
MacGinty should probably be starting over Carty at this stage
Is Heaslip dropped altogether? I know plenty of people don’t rate him but I thought he put in one of his better displays againdt Munster.
Just being rested I imagine.