1Teamer Eimear to Represent Ireland at the European Flag Football Championships

At Synergy Learning, we love celebrating the achievements of 1Team – not just in the work we do together, but in the passions and pursuits our colleagues follow outside of work, too.

This autumn, we’re particularly proud of our colleague Eimear Corrigan, who will be representing Ireland at the European Championships for flag football in Paris.

Discovering a new passion

Flag football (if you’re not familiar with it) is a non-contact version of American football where, instead of tackling players to the ground, the defensive team stops the play by pulling a flag that’s attached to the ball-carrier’s waist. It retains all the speed and strategy of traditional football, but with reduced physical contact. Flag football is now one of the fastest-growing team sports in the world, and it’s set to make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

Remarkably, Eimear only discovered flag football in January 2025 when she came across a post about open training sessions with the Belfast Trojans.

“I was looking for something new, fun and sociable, and I was hooked immediately,” Eimear says. “The coaches and players were so friendly and welcoming, and it was fun to learn something new.”

Though she has long played Camogie for her home club Glenullin in Co.Derry and competed in Irish dancing, flag football offered a fresh challenge. “The skills were easily transferable to flag football, but each sport has its own differences and unique charm,” she says.

Representing Ireland at the Championships

Just months after picking up the sport, Eimear was selected to represent Ireland at the European Championships. 

“Words can’t describe how it feels,” she says. “I really didn’t think at the start of 2025 that my year would shape out this way, but I’m so grateful it has. It’s an honour to represent Ireland on this level and I want to give it everything I have, and to be a role model for women in sport.”

More than the competition itself, Eimear is looking forward to the journey with her teammates: “Wearing the Ireland jersey alongside such an amazing group of athletes while competing against Europe’s best – I’m sure that’s an experience I’ll not forget!”

Finding balance and discipline

Preparing for such a big event in Paris is no small feat. Training includes weekly sessions, strength and conditioning, strategy study and weekend training camps in Dublin – not to mention international travel to tournaments. 

“It’s a great deal of personal investment, from covering flights, accommodation, and gear, to the physical work of staying in peak condition and the mental focus it takes to balance everything alongside work and life,” says Eimear. “It definitely asks a lot, but for me, it’s worth every bit of time, energy and sacrifice to play this sport and represent Ireland with a superb group of people.”

Balancing these demands with her role at Synergy Learning has meant early mornings, late evenings and taught Eimear to be more focused and intentional with her time. She says: “I’m fortunate that Synergy Learning has a great flexible working policy. Being fully remote saves me valuable time that I can put into training.”

Support every step of the way

Synergy Learning is so proud to support Eimear on this incredible journey. Through our Giving Back volunteering hours scheme, she’s been granted additional PTO to attend the European Championships and do us proud.

“It’s great to work for a company that recognises and encourages commitments outside of work,” she says. “That kind of support motivates me to push even harder – both on the field representing Ireland and in my role at Synergy Learning.”

Other colleagues of ours are busy doing talks, writing books, playing sports, making music and discovering new passions. And we love to see it. 

Some words of advice

For others looking to pursue their passions, Eimear’s advice is this: “Go for it. Understand the level of commitment it takes.” She adds that it’s not always easy, but balance is key. “You have to manage your time, make sacrifices and sometimes take the harder road. But if you surround yourself with the right support and remember why you love what you’re doing and why you’re doing it, it’s incredibly rewarding – because the journey, the growth, and the experiences you’ll gain are worth it.”

Eimear’s journey is a brilliant reminder of what we stand for at Synergy Learning. We believe people do their best work when they feel supported as whole individuals, not just as employees. This is why our 1Team culture is built on collaboration, flexibility and encouragement, both inside and outside of work. Whether it’s through our Giving Back programme, our volunteering hours scheme, our protected learning hours, or simply recognising the importance of work-life balance, we’re committed to helping people thrive. Our Head of People and Culture Tory Kerley adds: “Whether it is at work or on the sporting field, Eimear is a great ambassador for Synergy Learning and for Ireland: she adds her trademark energy, enthusiasm and a sense of fair play wherever she goes. We are thrilled to support her and will all be cheering on the team to victory in Paris!”

Eimear’s achievement shows what’s possible when passion, dedication and the right support come together, and we couldn’t be more proud to cheer her on in Paris. 

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