Advertisement

Readers like you keep news free for everyone.

More than 5,000 readers have already pitched in to keep free access to The Journal.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can help keep paywalls away.

Support us today
Not now
Saturday 2 December 2023 Dublin: 4°C

# trailblazer

This week
26th November 2023 - 2nd December 2023
Tras Honan, the first and only woman to serve as Seanad Cathaoirleach, dies aged 93
Honan was a senator between 1977 and 1992 and was elected Cathaoirleach twice.
This year
2023
Veteran US Democratic senator Dianne Feinstein dies aged 90
The prominent gun control activist found supervisor Harvey Milk’s body after he was shot in San Francisco in 1978.
Hannah Dingley makes history, succeeding Duncan Ferguson at Forest Green
She becomes the first woman to lead a men’s professional senior team in England.
Last year
2022
The ex-Ireland international who refuses to watch the 2022 World Cup
Jackie McCarthy-O’Brien on a career spent battling prejudice.
Stephanie Frappart to become first woman to referee match at men’s World Cup
The Frenchwoman will take charge of Germany’s meeting with Costa Rica.
'Pinch me' - ex-refugee Ali wins first Saudi women's boxing match in seconds
The British star defeated Crystal Garcia Nova with a crunching cross in the first round.
Hollie Doyle makes history becoming first female jockey to win French classic
The 25-year-old English jockey had finished third on Nashwa in the Epsom Oaks earlier this month.
History-making Girmay taken to hospital as champagne cork mars Giro win
He is the first Black African to win a stage on any of the three grand tours.
How Ireland’s first-ever female manager thrived in spite of everything
Linda Gorman recalls a remarkable career in football.
The story behind the Premier League's most underappreciated trailblazer
Ashley Hickson-Lovence discusses his book inspired by the life of Uriah Rennie.
All time
'The togetherness of this nation is why I’m so proud to be here' - Ogbene aiming to inspire future generations
Irish international Chiedozie Ogbene talks about his remarkable journey, and what is still yet to come.
The unlikely Irish hero who changed the Ryder Cup forever
Eamonn Darcy talks to The42 about his crucial role in winning the 1987 Ryder Cup, the first time Europe ever won on American soil.
Tony Hawk samples Tokyo skatepark ahead of skateboarding's 'surreal' Olympic debut
The 53-year-old, working in Japan as an analyst for NBC, skated on the sidelines of the Japanese and American teams’ training sessions.
Raiders star comes out as NFL's first openly gay player
Carl Nassib made history on Monday, announcing his sexual orientation in a post on social media.
'It's a huge honour...I want to inspire everyone else to follow their dreams'
Chiedozie Ogbene last night became the first African-born player to play for Ireland.
Rebecca Welch makes history by becoming first female referee appointed to English Football League match
‘It shows that there is a real opportunity to young girls,’ says the 37-year-old, who takes charge of Harrowgate v Port Vale on Easter Monday.
17 years ago, he was the first Nigerian to represent Ireland and wanted by Man City. Now, he has a new purpose
Emeka Onwubiko on his past and future in football.
Tony Trabert, who produced one of the greatest seasons in tennis history, dies
The ATP Tour and International Tennis Hall of Fame announced his death at the age of 90.
13-time All-Ireland winner and Dublin camogie legend Úna O'Connor has died
O’Connor is regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.
Marian Finucane: A broadcaster who changed who we heard from - and what we were hearing
The veteran broadcaster spent her career giving ordinary people a platform.
‘The truth is I’m not that attached to life’ - The forgotten female sports icon who defied the Nazis
Richard Askwith tells the remarkable story of Lata Brandisová in a new book.
Hoping to become the norm, Wexford camogie turmoil and dealing with All-Ireland club final loss
Wexford hurling coach Mags D’Arcy gives her take on a wide range of topics.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg helped change America - but her fight for gender equality hasn't been won
A new biopic about the Supreme Court Justice looks at her early years as a Harvard student and fledgling lawyer.
14 Irish walking trails to get the perfect smug Insta on
Because Dry January isn’t complete without them.
'I put myself in at a slightly lesser value in the hope someone will pick you up as a bargain buy'
Kevin O’Brien joined us during the week to discuss his travels around the world as a gun-for-hire Twenty20 batsman.
Here's why Lena Waithe's MTV Award tribute to LGBTQ trailblazers is a must-see
Ru Paul’s drag race was heavily inspired by these trailblazers.
'He played football that made us change the way we played against them'
Gary Neville and others in the footballing world have paid tribute to the departing Arsenal boss.
First woman to ever compete in Boston Marathon runs again 50 years later
Kathrine Switzer donned bib number 261, the same number she wore when she entered the all-male race 50 years ago.
Tadhg Furlong 'an inspiration to the country folk' and Leinster team-mate Dooley
The Offaly loosehead says the rising star of Ireland’s front row has put himself in Lions contention.
Louis Bookman: Solving the mystery of a revolutionary and pioneering sportsman
The Jewish immigrant from Eastern Europe went on to make football history but his achievements are largely unknown.
London 2012 unveiled quality of women's boxing to the world - Taylor
The Olympic champion is thrilled that her fellow boxers are finally getting the recognition they deserve.
Welsh star Thomas retires from all forms of rugby
The 37-year-old hangs up his boots with immediate effect, following a distinguished career.