50 graduates from ‘Leading Provincial Females’ programme honoured

The Gaelic games Associations recently honoured 50 graduates from the fourth ‘Leading Provincial Females’ Leadership programme at locations in all four provinces.

‘Leading Provincial Females’ – a unique programme that was launched in 2021 – was supported over the past year by funding through Sport Ireland.

The programme, devised to develop the next generation of female leaders within Gaelic games, was delivered once again by experts in the fields of leadership, coaching, officiating, administration and PR/Media.

Over three days, and eleven evenings, the participants examined diverse leadership skills and focused on the skill-sets and techniques required to master each of the four strands – coaching, officiating, administration and PR/Media.

The Leading Provincial Females programme is designed for females aged 18+ interested in personal development and potentially leading teams.

Four programmes were held in each of the four provinces and all participants attended three core leadership days – at the start and end of the programme, and also a mid- point session.

These days examined their leadership skills, while participants also completed at least two modules from themes across the four strands of coaching, officiating, administration and PR/Media between each of the assigned dates.

This was a blended course, consisting of face-to-face sessions and online webinars, and the benefits were multi-fold for participants.

They had the chance to engage with like-minded future leaders in Gaelic games, while also gaining insight and understanding of their own leadership styles. Training and advice were provided by experienced leadership trainers.

This programme engaged with women who wished 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: “It gives me great pleasure to acknowledge and congratulate the latest 50 graduates from the Leading Provincial Females Programme and wish them well deploying the skills they have acquired as they continue on their Gaelic games journey.

“In itself, this programme epitomises the existing co-operation between the different entities under the Gaelic games umbrella and it is hugely encouraging to see the geographic spread of those who engaged with the initiative – something that is sure to put our games and activities on an even stronger footer into the future.”

Speaking on behalf of the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, President Trina Murray, added: “As a former graduate from the LGFA’s Learn to Lead Female Leadership programme, I cannot speak highly enough of initiatives such as this.

“The benefits of the Leading Provincial Female Leadership programme are wide-ranging and long-lasting for participants.

“They have had the chance to hone their skills alongside similarly driven future leaders and the programme has enabled them to gain a real insight into their own individual leadership styles.

“As the Ladies Gaelic Football Association moves forward with purpose into an integrated Gaelic games family, it is imperative that we have strong leaders emerging to play key roles long into the future.

“I wish all of the graduates the very best as they progress in their personal and professional lives, and also as leaders within our respective Associations.”

Brian Molloy, President of the Camogie Association, said: "I want to warmly congratulate all of the graduates of the ‘Leading Provincial Females’ programme. Comhghairdeas libh uilig.

"This initiative plays a vital role in nurturing confident, capable leaders across every aspect of Gaelic games. It is inspiring to see so many women stepping forward to shape the future of our Associations, and I look forward to seeing their continued impact in their clubs, counties and in the Gaelic games community.

"I am thrilled to see this programme continue, and thanks to Sport Ireland for their continued support."

See below for full list of graduates

Leading Connacht Females

Caitríona Carty - Galway City Rapparees, Galway

Leighann O’Shea - Castlegar, Galway

Caroline Creaven - Tuam Cortoon, Galway

Tracy Burke - Aghamore, Mayo

Emma Sweeney - Shrule/Glencorrib, Mayo

Deirdre Donnelly - Carnacon, Mayo

Nicola Macken - Ballinrobe, Mayo

Aisling McLoughlin - Shrule Glencorrib, Mayo

Jill Carolan - Shrule Glencorrib, Mayo

Patricia Moran - Shrule Glencorrib, Mayo

Lisa O'loughlin - Shrule Glencorrib, Mayo

Ellen Hynes - Four Roads, Roscommon

Leading Leinster Females

Lisa Hickey - Binn Eadair, Dublin

Laura Doyle - St Sylvesters, Dublin

Mo Gilsenan - St Brigids, Dublin

Molly O’Neill - Castleknock, Dublin

Rebecca Clarke - Cuala, Dublin

Talia Earle - Na Gaeil Aeracha, Dublin

Denise Harte Gleeson - St Finians Newcastle, Dublin

Cathy Ryan - Nurney, Kildare

Sandra McGonagle - Kilcock, Kildare

Grace Kirk - Clan na Gael, Louth

Clodagh Wheeler - Shandonagh, Westmeath

Caitriona Byrne - Duffry Rovers, Wexford

Laura Mitchell - Castletown Liam Mellows, Wexford

Jennifer Boland - Shamrocks, Offaly

Leading Munster Females

Martha Dillon - Crusheen, Clare

Bridget Mary Magner - Killavullen, Cork

Lorraine Lehane - Eire Og, Cork

Aileen O Flynn - Ballincollig, Cork

Jan Foster - Carrigaline, Cork

Michelle Cashman - Ballincollig, Cork

Ciara O' Flynn - Ballinascarthy, Cork

Vera McGrath - Carrigtwohill, Cork

Kimberley Hegarty - Aghada, Cork

Tara O Mahony - Éire Óg, Cork

Mairéad Carmody - Abbeydorney, Kerry

Dawn O'Connor - Dingle, Kerry

Susan Sherin - Dromin Athlacca Banogue, Limerick

Leading Ulster Females

Nuala Finch - Aeracha Uladh, Antrim

Emma Kielty - Silverbridge Harps, Armagh

Tracy Clarke - Kingscourt Stars, Cavan

Tanya Flaherty - Dundrum GAC, Down

Grainne Coulter - Ballygalget, Down

Emma Cousins - An Riocht, Down

Carole Breen - Teemore Shamrocks, Fermanagh

Colette Connolly - Aghabog, Monaghan

Colleen Mulrine - An Eochair Naomh Mhic Artáin CLG, Tyrone

Aoife Boyle - Beragh Red Knights, Tyrone

Louise McKenna - Clogher Éire Óg GAC, Tyrone