New support announced for ladies football and camogie
The Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Patrick O’Donovan today announced a two-year agreement to provide support for inter-county ladies football and camogie players.
Minister O’Donovan announced that he will be providing funding of €500,000 in 2017 and 2018, through Sport Ireland, to support programmes included in a joint proposal by the Women’s Gaelic Players Association (WGPA), the Camogie Association and the Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA).
Gov announce support for @LadiesFootball & @OfficialCamogie click the link to read statementhttps://t.co/TjfrCQJDHk pic.twitter.com/GVVBOmVJiN
— DublinLGFA (@dublinladiesg) June 15, 2016
The financial support will be aimed towards programmes such as injury prevention and medical cover; maximising player and team performance; and access to training facilities.
“I want to take this opportunity to recognise the valuable contribution that our Inter-County Ladies Football and Camogie Players make to Gaelic games,” O’Donovan said.
“Their success is important, not just at a sporting level, but also on the ground level where they inspire young women to become involved in ladies football or camogie, and stay involved throughout school and into their adult life.”
LGFA president Marie Hickey welcomed the news, saying: “It is further recognition that our Gaelic games players are amongst the most elite athletes in the country. The funding will help to facilitate our counties and our players to continue to strive to perform to the best of their abilities.
“Ladies Gaelic Football has made significant strides in recent years in terms of playing numbers and match attendances and we believe that, with the support announced from the Minister and Sport Ireland, we will be able to continue to blaze a trail for women’s sport in this country.”
Catherine Neary, President of the Camogie Association said: “This funding is a very strong affirmation and recognition of the commitment by inter-county Camogie and football players in pursuit of high athletic standards.
“It is also a recognition of the additional financial support needed so that women Gaelic games players and teams can benefit from the appropriate specialist supports and expertise that is available and required to maximise team performance at representative levels.
“Our inter-county Camogie players showcase the game at its best through their own dedication and with the support of their clubs and county boards, these funds will positively impact on clubs and communities throughout the country through the reach and profile of the players locally and nationally.”
