iScore with Valerie McHugh

Eve McMahon has become the first Irish woman to win gold in sailing at the Princess Sofia Regatta in Mallorca competing against 148 other female athletes.They chatted about Eve’s early sporting memories, how it felt winning gold and what’s in the pipeline for 2026!For more episodes, follow the iScore podcast on the Go Loud App.

We’re celebrating Women in Sport Week and International Women’s Day on the iScore podcast!We caught up with a powerhouse of an Individual- Fiona Murtagh. Fiona is a two time Olympian, the 2025 World Champion in the Women’s Singles and she is also an Olympic Bronze Medalist in the Women’s Four from Tokyo 2021.They chatted about Fiona’s earliest sporting memories, the community of wonderful woman around her and how it felt becoming the World Champion in the Women’s Singles last year.For more episodes, follow the iScore podcast on the Go Loud app.

As that awkward time between Christmas and New Year lands upon us, what are the sports you should be keeping an eye on?iRadio's Katie Cunningham chats to Off The Ball's Cameron Hill about the big moments to watch as we head into 2026.

As we look towards the new year, Valerie chats to Aidan McGarry from Naas Racecourse about the biggest celebration in their calendar - The Grade 1 Ballymore Novice Hurdle Day.It takes place on the 4th of January 2026.

Troy Parrott and the Republic of Ireland football team were a part of history this week, and everyone will remember where they were when that third goal hit the net. However, to our fellow female sports fans, are you familiar with the now deceased Sky Sports Halo account? Valerie and Leah outline the downfall of the page which many called sexist to women. For more episodes, follow the iScore Podcast and iRadio on the Go Loud app.

The day has finally arrived. Ireland plays host to its' first ever regular season NFL game at Croke Park today with the Minnesota Vikings and the Pittsburgh Steelers going head to head. Ahead of kick off at 2.30pm, Shane Brennan from the Irish NFL show joins Valerie on the iScore podcast from the stadium.

We are on the cusp of a brand new NFL season. Kick-off is tomorrow, with the Dallas Cowboys taking on Super Bowl LIX champions Philadelphia Eagles. Fans will have their eyes on Irish players Charlie Smyth, Jude McAtamney and Mark McNamee, who have all be re-signed to practice squads. Shane Brennan from The Irish NFL Show joins Valerie on the iScore to look to the year ahead.

Irish swimmer Ellie McCartney is just off the back of a strong season, most notably claiming gold in the European U23 Championships.As the countdown to the new season begins, Ellie joins Valerie on the iScore podcast to share her highlights of the year so far, her hopes for upcoming competitions, and her advice for beginner swimmers. For more episodes, follow the iScore Podcast and iRadio on the Go Loud app.

A new study shows one third of female athletes are experiencing urinary leakage while playing Gaelic football and camogie.It also examined the prevalence of hormonal contraceptives and the impact these play on performance. An anonymous online survey was filled out by 455 athletes currently competing in these sports in IrelandLead author Dr. David Nolan, joined Valerie on the iScore podcast.To read the full study, please click here. For more episodes, follow the iScore Podcast and iRadio on the Go Loud app.

Are you heading to the Galway Races this weekend? If you don't class yourself as a racing 'expert'- you're likely feeling quite confused.Louise Byrne has been working in the horse racing industry for years, and has set up her own fashion enterprise 'Hamilton Hat Hire' which coincides nicely with the stylish nature of the races,Louise joined Valerie on iScore, and has this advice for understanding a day at the races. For more episodes, follow the iScore Podcast and iRadio on the Go Loud app.

As the countdown to today's All Ireland final gets underway, Donegal Dubai GAA have their own plans to represent the parish abroad.Chairman  Liam Doherty joins Valerie on the iScore podcast to talk about how the club was founded and their new collaboration with Daniel O'Donnell. You can find the club on social media @donegalgaa_dubaiFor more episodes, follow the iScore Podcast and iRadio on the Go Loud app.

After two weeks of build up and an entire season of fan anticipation, it all comes down to today. Donegal and Kerry will go head to head in the All Ireland Men's Senior Football Final later at Croke Park. Donegal are hoping to lift Sam Maguire for the first time since 2012, while Kerry have the chance for a record extending 39th win. Sports Journalist Daniel Hussey joins Valerie on the iScore podcast to chat through the team line-ups ands the importance of fan support.

Ireland's competing at the World Dragon Boat Racing Championships for the first time. The two-thousand-year-old Chinese sport sees teams compete in forty-foot paddling boats decorated with dragon detailing. Each vessel is carved with a dragon’s head at the bow and a tail in the stern.The sport has become popular here, with 19 clubs across the country. Tara Byrne is one of twelve Irish athletes heading to the contest in Germany next week, and she joined Valerie on the iScore podcast.

Ireland's National Futsal team for players with Down syndrome came away with a bronze medal win at the SUDS European Championships.The support in Italy for the team was incredible, with a guard of honour being rolled out for the players before their games.Their goals have gone viral on the FAI's TikTok this week, with over 6 million views so far, One of their key players and medal winners Micheál McCloy joins Valerie, as well as their head coach Mark Ross and Micheál's dad Henry.See the brilliant goals here: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNdyW99se/

Paris Paralympian Tiarnan O'Donnell is still on a high after winning a gold medal for Ireland in the World Rowing Cup last weekend. He took the win in the PR2 Men's Single Scull final at Varese in Italy. The athlete only transferred his talents to rowing recently, after previously captaining Ireland's wheelchair basketball team. He caught up with Valerie on iScore, to chat about his road to Paris and his plans for LA 2028.

It was a big night for two Irish athletics stars in the Diamond League last night.Sarah Healy claimed the first Diamond League win of her career in the women's 1500 metres.Elsewhere, Cathal Doyle ran a personal best in the men's 1500 metres, taking a fourteenth place finish at the Stadio Olimpico.Sports journalist Daniel Hussey joins Valerie on iScore to discuss the results, and what comes next in the world of athletics.

The Leaving Cert is just around the corner, and thousands of teenagers are beginning their last weekend of study.Micheala Gillooly is one of these students, and has been using exercise and sports to help her stay focused.She joined Valerie on iScore to chatt about 'energiser breaks' and the importance of getting fresh air.

Aoife Wafer has been named the Guinness Women’s Six Nations Player of the Championship.The 22 year old flanker is the first Irish athlete to win the award since it was launched.It follows an impressive Six Nations campaign, with Wafer finishing as joint second-highest try-scorer of the tournament. The Lord Mayor of Dublin Emma Blain surprised Aoife with the trophy at a sport's workshop for teenage girls - where she was also a special guest. Following the win, Aoife spoke to Valerie on iScore

Tutus, skorts, togas or shorts.; Women should have the choice when it comes to what they wear while playing camoige.Thats the thought of many ahead of the Special Congress vote this week A Swedish GAA club have carried out a unique demonstration to show their support for camoige players back home. Founder of Stockholm Gaels Camoige Michelle Cotter  joined Valerie on iScore

The camoige skorts-saga is continuing to grip headlines this week - and is likely to continue until the Special Congress vote later this month.Tuairisceoir/Reporter with Cúla4 Katelyn Hayes joins Valerie on iScore to chat about what may happens next.

The Her Moves Festival was designed by teenage girls, for teenage girls and over 1500 students attended the event at the Sport Ireland National Indoor Arena this week.As a campaign, Her Moves is aiming to empower teenage girls to get active on their own terms. The 'Try Out' zone allowed girls to try out over 20 new activities, and there were also guest speakers. One of the guest speakers was Molly Erin, an outdoor enthusiast and mental health advocate. Molly spoke about how embracing movement - not just sport - could lead to reduced stress levels.Overall, empowering girls to be who they are unapologetically was a key theme of the day. Former sports broadcaster Evanne Ní Chuilinn was there for the celebrations, and reflected on the significance of the day. For more, you can visit the Her Moves website.

The first ever 'Her Moves Festival' is taking place this week. 2000 young girls are expecting to attend the celebration on the Sport Ireland Campus in Dublin.The festival has an inspiring line up of keynote speakers and over 25 sports/activities to try out.Valerie has been chatting to Bethany Carson who is the Women in Sport Manager from Sport Ireland.

Art Therapy is something that has become more popular in recent years, but what exactly is it? And is it something for you?Art Therapy Ireland's Andrea Clare Plunkett caught up with Valerie on The Hub to give a comprehensive overview of what is involved.For more, you can check out https://www.iacat.ie/

With exam season upon us, more and more students are using TikTok to access free practical and relatable advice from the growing community teacher creators on the platform. TJ Hegarty founder of 'Breakthrough Maths' brings maths to life on social media with quick, engaging videos that break down tough topics.He shared his exam advice, regardless of the subject, with Valerie on The Hub.

Are you looking for a way to destress?Baking might be the perfect thing for you to do, and if you’ve extra chocolate in the house this week- this could be the perfect time to BEGIN! Ailish McDonnell from Baking Soc in the University of Galway chatted with Valerie on The Hub about some easy ways to get into baking.

'Beyond Surviving' is a new, survivor-led charity dedicated to connecting survivors of domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence and abuse (DSGBVA) and supporting them in living their most thriving lives —beyond surviving.They are looking for people to join their movement, and Valerie got to catch up with their founder Ciara Mangan on The Hub.DISCLAIMER: This interview discusses topics related to violence and sexual abuse. Some listeners may find this distressing, and listener discretion is advised. If you have been affected by these issues, help is available. You can freephone 24/7 National Helpline on 1800 77 88 88.

Ashley McDonnell is the Founder of Ireland's first ever Fashion Week which is taking place this October.Meanwhile, the importance of sustainable fashion is at the forefront of debate as 'Earth Day' takes place around the world today. Ireland Fashion Week are ensuring that designers outline their sustainability commitments when applying to take part.Ashley caught up with Valerie on The Hub all about the plans for Ireland Fashion Week and the application process.

Professional boxer Eoghan Lavin will take on Jan Balog in the National Stadium this evening at the 'Night of Champions'.The 22-year-old has quickly become a renowned athlete in his field, and he joined Valerie on iScore to chat about his thoughts ahead of the clash.He also reflects on his pre-match rituals and how he got into the sport in the first place.

Ice Skating opportunities in Ireland have been relatively limited due to the lack of facilities here. However Team Ireland continue to thrive on the world stage, and the support for the sport is growing every day.Carolane Soucisse and Shane Firus are just back from the ISU World Figure Skating Championships in Boston after finishing in 28th place in the rhythm dance category.The two-time Irish national champions joined Valerie on iScore this week to chat more about their Irish roots, their training schedule, and what needs to be done to help figure skating to flourish in Ireland.

The 'Her Moves' campaign have launched period positivity packs in honour of International Women's Day.It's after the team carried out consultations with teenage girls countrywide, and periods were  identified as a key challenge for young athletes and their participation in sport.The packs aim to support and advice people of all ages around the menstrual cycle and sport.Bethany Carson, Women in Sport Manager at Sport Ireland, joins Valerie on iScore to chat about the campaign along with young scientist Michaela Gilooly whose award-winning project 'Own Your Cycle Own Your Game' helped inspire some of the project. Ciara Lucey, Project Lead for Her Moves with the agency TITAN Experience is also on this panel discussion to showcase what is coming next for Her Moves.

Kerrie Leonard has gone from strength to strength in her sporting career, and is encouraging other women to start archery.Speaking to Valerie on Game Change-HER, she shares her journey to discovering the sport as a child.iRadio's Game Change-HER is an intiative funded through the 'Sound and Vision' scheme with Coimisiún na Meán with the Television License Fee.

Linda Djougang was 17 when she decided to try tag rugby as a way to socialise at work.36 caps later, she has gone on to be one of Ireland's biggest rugby stars.She shares her journey with Valerie on iScore.iRadio's Game Change-HER is an intiative funded through the 'Sound and Vision' scheme with Coimisiún na Meán with the Television License Fee.

Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy Driver Aoife Raftery joins Valerie on Game Change-HER to share her journey into the sport, and why she is encouraging other women to get involved.iRadio's Game Change-HER is an intiative funded through the 'Sound and Vision' scheme with Coimisiún na Meán with the Television License Fee.

Lena Neill's renowned for being one of Ireland's dual sport stars who has represented Ireland in field hockey and cricket, making her cricket debut at the age of 13.On this episode of Game Change-HER, she chats with Valerie about balancing both sports, some career highlights, and why people should start both of these sports.iRadio's Game Change-HER is an intiative funded through the 'Sound and Vision' scheme with Coimisiún na Meán with the Television License Fee.

From competing as a Paralympian at London 2012, to going on to become the captain of Ireland's first Cerebral Palsy Football team, Heather Jameson has had a highly decorated career to date.She joins Valerie on iScore to reflect on her journey as an athelete so far, and looks ahead to this year's IFCPF World Cup.iRadio's Game Change-HER is an intiative funded through the 'Sound and Vision' scheme with Coimisiún na Meán with the Television License Fee.

Fresh from Paris 2024, Olympic bronze medalist Mona McSharry joins Valerie on the new series 'Game Change'HER' where we showcase and celebrate Irish women who excel in sport.iRadio's Game Change-HER is an intiative funded through the 'Sound and Vision' scheme with Coimisiún na Meán with the Television License Fee.

In this brand new series, we meet three people who have worked to change their relationship with sport and exercise. In this final episode, Social Media Personality and Mindfullness Coach Emma Kehoe discusses her journey to incorporating a slower approach to exercise, and becoming a yoga teacher.Content warning: This series contains themes of an adult nature, including discussions of eating disorders and suicide. Listener discretion is advised.

In this brand new series, we meet three people who have worked to change their relationship with sport and exercise. In this episode, Broadcaster and Sportswoman Shelia Naughton talks about her recovery from an eating disorder, and how she has gone on to become one of Ireland's Strongest Women.Content warning: This series contains themes of an adult nature, including discussions of eating disorders and suicide. Listener discretion is advised.

In this brand new series, we meet three people who have worked to change their relationship with sport and exercise. In this episode, founder of HUH Clothing Mark Donnelly discusses his struggles with body image, and how OCD impacted how he engaged with sport and exercise as a teenager.Content warning: This series contains themes of an adult nature, including discussions of eating disorders and suicide. Listener discretion is advised.