A leader, both on and off the field

Deloitte’s Ciara O’Sullivan, captain of the Cork Ladies football team, talks to Accountancy Ireland Extra about balancing your work with your passion.

When did you start playing football and how did you end up on the Cork team?

I started playing football with my club Mourneabbey when I was under eight. When I was 11, I went for Cork Under-14 trials. I was lucky enough to make that Under-14 panel and have been playing with various Cork teams since. I’ve been a member of the Cork senior team for the last nine years and this is my second year as captain.

How does your training schedule compare to your training to become a Chartered Accountant?

I must admit I enjoy training with Cork a little bit more than I enjoyed studying for the exams! I think both take discipline and organisation, and I actually think they complement each other. During study leave for my CAP2 and FAE, I really looked forward to training after studying for the day. Although I was tired before training, I always felt better after it. It’s great to have a focus other than the exams and work. It’s also something to talk to clients about as a lot of clients in Ireland have some interest in GAA.

Does your work as captain of the Cork ladies football team help your work in Deloitte?

I’ve been very lucky to be part of this Cork team which has so many leaders, so in some ways being captain is just a title. Everyone helps each other and it’s all about the team. It’s the same in Deloitte, particularly as I work in audit where there are a number of people on the team. Again, everyone helps each other and it makes the job much more enjoyable and efficient. I’ve made great friends on both the Cork team and in work, and having friends who are in the same boat as you helps a lot.

What has been the best moment of your career as captain of the Cork Ladies football team?

It would have to be winning the 2015 All-Ireland final. It was against Dublin again and, as in previous years, we just about won. The closer the game, the more you appreciate the win when it’s over. Lifting the cup was unreal… but the speech that followed definitely wasn’t!

What’s your advice for other trainees who juggle the heavy commitment of both their career and their passion?

I would say that it’s achievable to do both if you want to do it enough. I know I’m lucky that the office accommodates me where they can so that I never miss training. I think that once you’re organised and like doing something enough, you’ll make it happen.