Uachtarán CLG Larry McCarthy has written to GAA clubs this weekend asking coaches to initiate conversations with players about the importance of showing respect to women and girls and calling out unacceptable behaviour.

The Uachtarán’s message formed part of his óráid to congress last weekend and was inspired by correspondence he received in the aftermath of the murder of Ashling Murphy in Offaly last January.

In the correspondence, the mother of a young player told how her son’s coach had spoken to the players at training about the importance of always demonstrating respect for women and girls.

That initiative to take just a minute to talk about this important topic is an example that Uachtarán McCarthy believes other coaches can follow.

An tUachtarán is encouraging all coaches across the Association, on the week of International Woman’s Day (Tuesday March 8th), to take ‘Just a Minute’ to ask your squad of players to demonstrate respect towards women, and to be leaders amongst their peers by calling out any disrespectful behaviour or language towards women or girls that they come across.

Any such conversation will reinforce the values of the GAA’s long-standing ‘Give Respect, Get Respect’ campaign which aims to promote positive behaviour and ensure that Gaelic Games is an enriching environment for all involved. It encourages and promotes respect both on and off field by coaches, parents, spectators, players, referees, match officials, and anyone else who is involved in the Gaelic Games family.