How does an elite athlete in one sport, that’s just won the ultimate prize of the All-Ireland Final, transition into a completely new sport, as a beginner, in just under a week?

How does that athlete then go on to not only develop new skills and earn a position in the starting team, but go on to win a Premiership with her new club in her first season?

Jennifer Dunne is a trailblazer, a first of her kind and an incredibly open conversationalist, which is why this conversation is a must not miss for any athlete or fan in Ireland or Australia.

Join us as Jennifer, the primary school teacher and All-Ireland winning Dublin-midfielder, shares her extraordinary journey of triumph in Ireland followed by an adventurous chapter and ultimately successful first season in Australia in the AFLW. 

From the whirlwind of her All-Ireland victory celebrations to the subsequent plunge into the Australian lifestyle and the Aussie Rules fields, she paints a picture of 2023 that would make any athlete jealous. However, her heartfelt reflections on the challenges and exhilaration of the transitions are as inspiring as they are insightful.

Navigating the world of elite sports requires more than just physical prowess; it's a mental game that champions like Jennifer find balance in with grace and resilience. In our conversation, we unpack the complexities of adapting to different team cultures, the art of compartmentalising emotions for peak performance, and the humility needed to approach each new season as a fresh start. 

Jennifer's perspective on the Irish influence in the AFLW, coupled with the debate over capping international talent, offers a thoughtful look at the cultural and professional enticements of playing abroad versus the innate passion for representing your club and county in the amateur world of Gaelic games.

Jennifer gives us a glimpse into the significant role off-field relationships play in on-field success with both Dublin and Brisbane Lions. Playing with your teammates is one thing, playing with your best friends is something entirely different and more powerful.

Through her experiences, we touch on broader themes of travel, emigration, and striking a balance between life as an athlete and the necessity for breaks and self-care. As Jennifer expresses her pride in promoting Ladies Gaelic Football and her hopes to inspire the next generation, listeners will find themselves moved by a story that transcends sports, embodying the universal values of adaptation, connection, and resilience.

Time-Stamps

0:00 - Moving Overseas

7:32 - Transitioning Between Gaelic Football and Aussie Rules

17:38 - Irish Players in AFLW

23:20 - Parallels between Brisbane Lions & Dublin GAA

30:01 - Building Team Bonds for Success

41:40 - Time Off and Traveling Abroad

44:25 - Irish Athlete's Experience in Australia

51:24 - Promoting Ladies Gaelic Football

56:56 - Achievements, Lessons, and Role Models