As Ireland marked International Women’s Day, Ireland International indoor hockey sisters Orla and Sarah Patton visited us to reflect on their journey through the fast-paced world of indoor hockey. Long standing members of the national squad, the Pattons have been central to Ireland’s rapid climb through the European indoor ranks, offering a unique perspective on the sport’s revival and the shifting landscape for women athletes.

Hockey has been woven into the Patton family for decades. Orla first joined her local club at the age of five, with Sarah following shortly after. Their mother had played when she was younger, adding another generation to the family tradition. “It has always been a family thing for us,” they said, describing how natural it felt to step into the sport from such an early age.

They believe one of the greatest misconceptions about women’s sport is the assumption that adults can only return to play at a high or highly competitive level. In reality, they have seen countless women rejoin recreational teams after years away, rediscovering confidence, community, and the simple joy of the game. “You do not have to be chasing a leaderboard to belong in the sport,” they added, highlighting how accessible hockey has become across Ireland.

Their own careers have been shaped by Ireland’s remarkable resurgence in indoor hockey since the national programme returned to international action in late 2019. That momentum culminated in a milestone appearance at the 2026 EuroHockey Indoor Championship in Prague, where Ireland competed in the top division for the first time in 36 years. It was a moment of both personal and national pride, signalling Ireland’s restored place among Europe’s strongest indoor nations.

Another defining chapter unfolded on home soil in Galway at the 2024 EuroHockey Indoor Championship II, the first European indoor championship hosted in the west of Ireland. Ireland secured gold and promotion with a decisive 5–1 victory over Lithuania. “Seeing the stands filled with friends, family, and so many young players made it incredibly special,” Sarah recalled. Orla also recently celebrated 50 international indoor caps, a milestone embraced and celebrated within the squad.

Beyond their own sport, the sisters highlighted the significant cultural shifts happening across Irish women’s sport. One example they pointed to was the landmark decision in May 2025, when the Camogie Association voted overwhelmingly to allow players to wear shorts instead of skorts for the first time. The reform was widely celebrated as a win for equality and player comfort. Yet challenges remain. A national study found women’s sport still accounted for only 18 percent of sports news coverage the following year, underscoring the ongoing imbalance in visibility. “That figure really says it all,” they noted.

Balancing international hockey with full time careers presents its own pressures. Much of their annual leave is spent at tournaments, and the physical and emotional demands are constant. Yet the sisters speak of these commitments with pride and gratitude, acknowledging both the sacrifices and the privilege of representing their country. They also recognise that indoor hockey’s relatively strong gender parity has given them a more equitable experience than many athletes in larger Irish team sports.

Despite the intensity of high performance sport, the Pattons remain passionate about fostering the next generation. Their message to young girls considering hockey is simple: “Do it.” Reflecting on their time coaching junior teams during college, they stressed the importance of fun, encouragement, and a supportive environment, the elements most likely to keep girls in the game long term.

They also spoke about the unique demands of indoor and outdoor formats. Indoor hockey is rapid and technical, played on a smaller pitch that requires fast reactions and tight control. Outdoor hockey, with its larger field and structured patterns, develops different dimensions of play. Together, they said, the formats challenge and complement each other to create well-rounded athletes.

As the conversation turned to the future of women’s sport, the sisters emphasised the need for conscious, everyday support from the public. Attending matches, watching livestreams, encouraging friends and family to follow women’s sport, and talking about women’s teams all contribute to shifting habits and expanding visibility. “If you enjoy sport, women’s games offer the same excitement and competitiveness,” they said, adding that true progress depends on support from both women and men.

We were delighted to host Orla and Sarah at Cantor Fitzgerald Ireland for this special International Women’s Day event. Their openness, energy, and passion for their sport resonated with everyone in attendance, and the session was exceptionally well-received by colleagues across the firm. As proud sponsors of the Irish women’s indoor hockey team, we are honoured to support athletes who embody commitment, resilience, and leadership both on and off the court. We extend our sincere thanks to the Patton sisters for joining us and for inspiring all of us with their story.