M Donnelly Wheelchair-Camogie All-Ireland Finals to be livestreamed
Leinster manager Shane Murphy speaks to his players at last year's M. Donnelly GAA Wheelchair Hurling/Camogie All-Ireland Finals. Photo by Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile
By Cian O'Connell
National Chairperson of GAA for All, Tanya Roberts Browne, is delighted that the 2025 M Donnelly Wheelchair-Camogie All-Ireland Finals will be streamed live.
It has been a busy year of activity with a number of events staged throughout the country. The upcoming competition, which will be broadcast on Clubber, at SETU Carlow is a significant development. "We want to bring it to the forefront within the GAA, to have it recognised as one of the national games," Tanya Roberts Browne says.
"Having it livestreamed for people at home and abroad, especially for the players and their families, people within their own communities mightn't realise the extent of what it is.
"To have that highlighted, going forward hopefully it will continue to grow the sport, giving it as much coverage as possible."
A strong community has been formed with players, coaches, administrators, and supporters contributing. "Definitely, it is far more than a sport," she replies.
"It has got that symbol of inclusion, the community spirit, and the GAA's commitment to ensure every person has that chance to play.
"Not everybody gets to wear a provincial jersey so the fact that they've the opportunity to represent their province and the opportunity to represent their county, wearing the jersey with pride."
As chairperson of GAA For All, Tanya Roberts Browne acknowledges the passion and purpose of those involved in wheelchair hurling-camogie. "I was blown away by the sheer talent and the skill that involved within the sport," she adds.
"I wasn't familiar with wheelchair hurling before I took on the role. Anybody I meet or get the opportunity to speak to, I'm doing all I can to highlight it, to get them to come along to watch. People are absolutely blown away when they see it, especially in person.
"Sambo McNaughton came to the Ulster event, he referred to it as one of the best kept secrets in the GAA. We don't want it to be a secret, we want everybody to know about it. So, it is so rewarding seeing them competing and representing their province."
The competitive element is something that struck Tanya Roberts Browne. "I was so surprised with the competitive nature of it," she responds.
"Just to bring that competitive environment with the native game in the GAA is fantastic, everyone is really good friends, and that community spirit, but on the court there is no friendships, everybody is enemies with each other, and best friends again then after.
"So, it is just like any sport, you can see that symbolised on the day."