#122 Claire O'Sullivan (nee Rockall) // Identity, Motivation, Women in Sport & more (Roll of Honour feature)

The Sideline Live Podcast

On episode 122 I am delighted to be joined by one of Ireland’s best ever female basketball players Claire O'Sullivam (nee Rockall). Claire grew up in Galway before spending time in the US playing college basketball. She returned to Cork and joined Glanmire and since then has cemented herself as one of Ireland’s greatest female athletes.

In 2009 Claire was a member of the Senior Women’s team that qualified for the Eurobasket but due to funding issues the senior team was disbanded, robbing Claire the opportunity to compete at the Eurobasket level during her prime. Despite this she has over 25 senior caps and accumulated an incredible list of accolades playing in our domestic leagues.

O’Sullivan returned to play Superleague with Glabnmire after giving birth to her daughter Emma and in 2023 captured the Superleague title with impressive performances throughout the season. She continued this into the summer as she suited up for the Senior Women’s 3x3 team in Cyprus. So take a listen and learn from a future unanimous Basketball Hall of famer Claire as she gives us an insight into her mentality and work ethic that helped her become the player she is today. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did!

Claire's Sporting CV:

All Ireland schools titles 1st year, 2nd year, 16s cup, 19s cup & MVP with 39 points in the final, 19s league
Club U18 cup with Maree U20 cup with Glanmire Div1 with Maree cup and league (undefeated season)
Superleague with Glanmire 5 cups - 2014, 15, 16, 17 and 22, 7 Leagues - 10, 14, 15, 16, 18, 22 and 23.
National player of the year U16 (2005) U20 (2008) College (2011) Superleague (2017) Div 1 (2019)
Attended IOWA State NCAA D1 Big 12 Commissioner’s Honour Roll (F08), Dean’s List (F08), NCAA Elite 8 appearance
Underage international experience: 16s euros 05’ and 06’, 18s euros 07’ and 08’
Senior international experience: Eurobasket division B 2009, Small countries 16’, 18’ and 21’

30+ caps for Ireland Senior Women’s team (with the women’s team being disbanded in 2009 through 2016)
Senior 3x3: Fiba Europe Cup 2017, 2019, 2021, FIBA 3X3 Women's Series Turin 2019
Off the court - Underage Athletics All Ireland champion high jump, 1500m, hurdles, cross country and pentathlon.
U16 4 country (Ireland, England, Scotland & Wales) International pentathlon!

Check out the website thesidelinelive.com for more

Make sure to subscribe for future episodes and find us over on Instagram and Twitter @thesidelinelive

Recorded using Samson Q2 microphone, Edited using GarageBand

If you are looking to set up your own podcast get in touch with the Prymal Productions team ⁠⁠www.prymal.ie