As a child, Michelle O’Neill was into pretty much every sport available. 

 

Playing both Gaelic football and soccer to a high level, as well as progressing through the ranks in athletics and Irish dancing, the Co Wexford native was determined to succeed. 

 

With ambitions to represent her country on an international stage, it was an unexpected invitation to join a beginners’ class in refereeing that changed the course of her career forever.