2025 Gaelic Games Leading Provincial Females Programme

73 participants selected for 2025 Gaelic Games Leading Provincial Females Programme

The successful applicants have been announced for the 2025 Gaelic Games ‘Leading Provincial Females’ Programmes, taking place in Connacht, Leinster, Munster, and Ulster.

The 73 participants selected represent 23 counties and have commenced their leadership journeys.

This 12-month programme, secured through the support of the Sport Ireland Women in Sport Fund, will run from February until September, with follow-up work to be completed thereafter.

The Leading Provincial Females programme is designed for females aged 18+ interested in personal development and potentially leading teams on and off the field. Throughout the year, participants will engage in four provincial programmes, each of which will consist of face-to-face sessions and online webinars, which will examine their leadership skills.

A key feature of the programme includes three in-person days; one at the start of the programme, one at the midpoint, and one at the conclusion of the programme. These in-person sessions will focus on developing participants’ leadership skills, while also offering an opportunity for reflection and growth.

Participants must also complete at least two modules from themes across the four strands of coaching, officiating, administration and PR/Media between each of those dates, minimum four in total. This is a blended course, consisting of face-to-face sessions and online webinars, and the benefits are multi-fold for participants.

They will have the chance to engage with like-minded future leaders in Gaelic Games, while also gaining insight and understanding of their own leadership styles. Experienced leadership trainers will guide the participants through the programme, offering support and expertise to help develop their potential in Gaelic Games.

This programme is for females who wish to develop and hone their leadership skills, while also furthering development as a coach, match official, administrator or any volunteer role in Gaelic Games.

GAA President, Jarlath Burns, commented: “The Leading Provincial Females Programme is a fantastic initiative and one that underlines the collaborative working relationship between the Gaelic Games organisations. An exciting 12-month programme awaits the 73 participants who have been selected and the spread of 23 counties covered by the group is a source of huge encouragement. The new and enhanced skills acquired by everyone involved will not only benefit Gaelic Games but will see participants to bring those same qualities back into their personal and professional lives. We wish them all every success.”

Speaking on behalf of the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, President Mícheál Naughton, added: “I am so pleased that this programme is being rolled out once again in 2025. It’s a programme that has the capacity to hone pre-existing skills, while developing new ones. Our Association is synonymous with strong female leaders and this programme will be of huge benefit to females who are already leaders in their own right, but who can now be even better leaders in the years to come. We’re delighted to work alongside our counterparts in the GAA and the Camogie Association to oversee the rollout of the 2025 Leading Provincial Females programme. It’s wonderful to see such a broad geographical cross-section of participants, and with all four provinces well represented.”

Brian Molloy, President of the Camogie Association, said: “The Camogie Association is proud to support the 2025 Leading Provincial Females Programme, which is a vital step in developing the next generation of female leaders in Gaelic Games. This programme brings together women from clubs across Ireland, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead within their clubs and communities. By investing in the personal and leadership development of women, we are not only strengthening Camogie but also cultivating a culture that inspires and motivates future generations. Through this initiative, we are creating a more inclusive and dynamic future for Gaelic Games as a whole.”

The participants selected are as follows:

For further information, please contact:

• GAA – Emmet Haughian, Volunteer Development Officer, emmet.haughian@gaa.ie
• LGFA – Niall Mulrine, Head of Volunteer Development – niall.mulrine@lgfa.ie
• Camogie –Tracy McDonald, Learning & Development Co-ordinator, tracy.mcdonald@camogie.ie

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