Leading Provincial Females Programme opens registration for 2026 intake
A general view of Croke Park. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile.
The Gaelic Games Associations are delighted to announce that the ground-breaking Leading Provincial Females programme is now open for registration for the 2026 in-take. Last September, 51 participants successfully graduated from the 2025 Leading Provincial Females programme, an initiative made possible by the Sport Ireland Women in Sport fund that provides a platform for women aged 18 and over from all four provinces to develop vital leadership skills within the Gaelic Games community.
The programme, which will run from February to November of this year, with an extended break built into the schedule over the summer months, offers a unique blend of in-person workshops and online webinars, ensuring flexibility and accessibility for participants. Each participant will be required to attend three in-person workshops, all of which focus on developing and refining leadership skills irrespective of role or code from across the family of Gaelic games.
In addition to these interactive workshops, participants will again complete a minimum of four modules from key thematic strands: coaching, officiating, administration, and PR/Media. These modules are designed to equip the graduates with practical tools and knowledge for their current or future roles within Gaelic games, whether as coaches, match officials, administrators, or volunteers. To embed this knowledge further, this year each participant will be asked to deliver a short project within the unit the participant is most active with.
Throughout the programme, participants will again benefit from expert guidance provided by experienced leadership trainers, as well as the opportunity to network with like-minded women committed to making an impact in Gaelic Games. The programme emphasises not only leadership development but also personal growth, with participants gaining invaluable insight into their own leadership styles and capabilities.
Commenting on the continuation of the programme, Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael, Jarlath Burns said: “It is a fantastic to see the continuation of this project ensuring that the 51 women who graduated from this innovative programme last year will be added to.
“The range of areas covered is impressive and the experience will equip those who complete the course with the skills and confidence to assume leadership roles across the wider Gaelic Games family.
“Thanks to Sport Ireland and our partnering organisations for the energy and support they are bringing to this collaboration and every best wish to all of those who engage and express an interest in a place on the Leading Provincial Females Programme.”
Speaking on behalf of the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, President Trina Murray, said: “The Gaelic Games Leading Provincial Females programme has become a transformative force across our Associations, empowering women from every province to develop their leadership potential both on and off the field. By nurturing skills in coaching, officiating, administration and PR/Media, this programme not only builds confidence but strengthens the very fabric of our games, ensuring a vibrant future for participants and those who will benefit from their expertise alike. We’ve seen graduates return to their clubs and counties with renewed enthusiasm and capability, making invaluable contributions to their communities and inspiring the next generation of leaders. As applications open for the 2026 intake, I encourage women from all corners of our Gaelic Games family to seize this opportunity. Investing in female leadership enriches our games, deepens participation, and reflects our commitment to inclusivity and excellence for years to come.”
Brian Molloy, Uachtarán An Chumainn Camógaíochta said: “The Leading Provincial Females programme is a hugely positive initiative for our Associations and for the future of Gaelic Games. It provides women from across our provinces with the confidence, skills and support to step into leadership roles within their clubs and counties. It’s encouraging to see this pathway continuing to grow, helping to develop the next generation of leaders who will strengthen our games and our communities in the years ahead. I'm thrilled to see its success to date. Onwards and upwards. Tá súil agam go mbainfear taitneamh agus tairbhe as.”
For more information, please contact
Niall Ó Maoilriain, LGFA Head of Volunteer Development Niall.mulrine@lgfa.ie
Emmet Haughian, GAA Volunteer Development Officer Emmet.haughian@gaa.ie
Tracy McDonald, Camogie Operations and Communications Executive
Or please visit https://learning.ga.ie/LeadingProvincialFemales
To Apply, please visit Leading Provincial Females Application 2026 – Fill in form