The discussion at the firm’s offices at Grand Canal Dock, Dublin featured the minister of state for sport and physical education, Thomas Byrne TD; World Rugby Council member Su Carty; and former Irish Rugby player and All Ireland winner with Dublin Lindsay Peat. It was moderated by RTÉ broadcaster Marie Crowe.

Ms Carty said: “Inclusivity is essential in cultivating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for clubs. It is not just about the players on the pitch, we need more females in coaching and leadership roles in our clubs.

“Sport can play such a vital role in a young girl’s life, making it easy to access and engaging more female voices is vital to drive women’s sports to new levels in Ireland.”

Mr Byrne said: “In working towards our shared goal of greater access for women in sport, I have introduced new rules to ensure that government funding will not go towards sports facilities which fail to provide similar access between men and women, in addition to ensuring 40 per cent gender representation on boards in the Irish sports sector.

“From the grassroots to the boardroom, I am determined to ensure that women are represented at every level of sport, and benefit from equal opportunities to participate.”

Catherine O’Flynn, diversity and inclusion partner and co-chair of the sports and entertainment group at William Fry, said: “Women’s sport in Ireland has been thriving over the last number of years. It’s given young girls more role models to follow as they pursue careers in sport.

“Despite recent success, greater access can always be afforded to more females in more corners of the country. Finding ways of reaching these girls and women is the next great task for women’s sport.”

Ms Peat added: “While there have undoubtedly been inherent biases that have been there for generations, a lot of good things have been done. We can begin to see the results of so much good work, but the real difference will be seen by younger generations.

“It’s incumbent on us all to ensure as much of that generation as possible are witnesses to these changes. The sky is the limit. And why not?”