A New Club Begun

My Journey to Founding West Cork Volleyball Club

By Coach Daniela Kinsella

Hi, I’m Daniela — a Brazilian mom of 8, a life coach, and the proud founder and head coach of West Cork Volleyball Club.

My love for volleyball began back home in Brazil, where I played from the age of 10 to 18, mainly in school competitions. I was never a professional player, but the game was always in my heart. When I moved to Europe — first to France and then Ireland — I kept searching for ways to stay connected to volleyball, especially through social play.

But life has its seasons. I got married, became a mother, and eventually moved from Dublin to the countryside, where it was much harder to find a club to join. For many years, volleyball had to take a back seat.

Then, at 39, everything changed. After the end of my marriage, I found myself rediscovering who I was. One thing was clear: I missed playing volleyball. At the time, I was living in Co. Waterford, and I found an amazing club in Kilkenny — the Spartans. I started driving an hour each way just to train once a week. That experience reawakened my love for the game.

Then came the pandemic. While everything shut down, I found myself in the garden, teaching volleyball to my own children just to keep the game alive in our lives.

In 2021, we moved back to West Cork. I tried to find clubs in Cork City for my kids, but the travel was just too much. A few people asked, “Why don’t you start your own club?” At that time, I had just qualified as a life coach, and I felt a deep call to build something that would bring people together through sport and community.

With the support of Volleyball Ireland and West Cork Sports Partnership, I completed the coaching courses and got to work. In July 2024, we hosted our first open day — in a playground in Skibbereen! That summer, we played in parks and beaches around West Cork until we secured an indoor training space.

In August 2024, our journey officially began — and West Cork Volleyball Club was born. We chose the name because although we train in Dunmanway, this town sits right in the heart of West Cork, and our members come from all over the region.

Now, a year later, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude. We’ve grown not just in numbers, but in skill, confidence, and connection. Our U16 girls team has blossomed — competing in friendlies and training with dedication. This coming season, we’re thrilled to enter three teams in the National League.

As a coach, I know I still have so much to learn, but I’m committed to growing — because when I grow, our community grows with me.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey so far. And to those considering joining: we’re just getting started!

With joy and hope,
Coach Dani 💙
West Cork Volleyball Club