Legacy of Determination is a new initiative led by former Irish international footballer Seána Cooke, working to correct history by telling women’s stories and achievements. They are selling a Mná football jersey to raise awareness and funds, with the first batch selling out in days, showing the support and need for movements like this.
While a restock is in the works, in the interim, the message is still important, as “this isn’t about a jersey, it’s about visibility, true recognition and support”, Cooke tells GCN.
“By the age of five, many girls begin to doubt their potential, not only because of what they see and hear, but also, and more importantly, because of what they don’t see or hear. This jersey is more than a celebration of sport; it is a tribute to the resilience, achievements, and lasting impact of women across Ireland, past and present.”
Cooke, the Shelbourne FC player-turned-designer, has been working on this project for two years. The campaign is raising funds for the National Women’s Council, a movement-building organisation for the protection and advancement of women’s rights, founded in 1973. Also in 1973 was the first women’s football match in Ireland, for which the campaign seeks to secure a commemorative plaque that would be displayed at the site of the historic and groundbreaking match in Bluebell.
“We are delighted to partner with Legacy of Determination and Seána on this project,” Corrinne Hasson, Executive Director of the National Women’s Council, said.
“For far too long, women’s stories have been ignored or even written out of our history. Our diverse stories and experiences deserve to be told and are a vital and rich part of our history, culture and society.
“The jersey is a beautiful way to honour the women who have gone before us and have paved the way for the young women not only in sports but all aspects of our society.”
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Foudys, the online shop selling the jersey, reads: “This is the story of the first women to wear the Ireland jersey. THE WOMEN WHO SMASHED THE GRASS CEILING.”
The 1970s were a decade of activism and positive change for women’s rights in Ireland. The Legacy of Determination campaign and its Mná football jersey are important efforts to highlight that the same fight for equality is far from over.
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