Two Mayo women selected for Gaelic games Leading Provincial Females programme
The successful applicants have been announced for the inaugural Gaelic games Leading Provincial Females programmes taking place in the four provinces.
The 104 participants selected represent 28 counties and will commence their leadership journeys over the coming weekend.
Two candidates from Mayo have been selected: Joanne Duffy (Balla) and Sinéad Clarke (Shrule/Glencorrib).
This 12-month programme, secured through the support of the Sport Ireland Women in Sport fund, will run from now until July 2024, with follow-up work to be completed thereafter.
The Leading Provincial Females programme is designed for females aged over 18 interested in personal development and potentially leading teams.
Four programmes will be held in each of the four provinces and all participants will attend two days, one at the start of the programme and one at the end, which will examine their leadership skills.
Attendance is also required at a mid-point evening session, again focusing on leadership skills, while participants must complete at least two modules from themes across the four strands of coaching, officiating, administration and PR/media between each of those dates (minimum four in total).
This is a blended course, consisting of face-to-face sessions and online webinars, and the benefits are multi-fold for participants.
They will have 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 will be provided by experienced leadership trainers.
This programme is for females who wish 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 Larry McCarthy commented: “The strength of the Gaelic Games Associations is in the calibre of the volunteers who carry out inspirational leadership roles at club, county and national levels. Our participation in the Leading Provincial Females programme further underlines our commitment to integration as set out in our Strategic Plan.
“Maintaining our leadership role in communities is helped when we are reflective of the communities that we serve, and that means giving an opportunity for all voices to be heard equally. The Leading Provincial Females programme is an important part of this, and I look forward to the fruits of their work and the contribution they make for the benefit of the Gaelic games family.”
Speaking on behalf of the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, president Mícheál Naughton added: “From our previous experience of the LGFA’s Provincial Female Leadership programme, we are acutely aware of the many positive benefits that a programme such as this can bring to participants. We are delighted that this programme is now extended to include the entire Gaelic games family, and we are looking forward to the watching how the 104 participants grow and evolve throughout its duration.
“It is crucial for all members of the Gaelic Games family that we have more female leaders emerging to assume key roles and bringing with them their many skill sets. Our various units can only benefit from the Leading Provincial Females programme and this is yet another superb joint initiative between the LGFA, the GAA and the Camogie Association, while we are also pleased to see rounders and handball involved.
“I wish each and every one of the participants the very best of luck as they commence their respective journeys on this programme. We are sure to see much more of them in key positions in the years to come, both on and off the field of play.”
Hilda Breslin, president of the Camogie Association, commented: “I am delighted to see the commencement of the Leading Provincial Females Programme scheduled to take place across this weekend and next weekend. This programme aims to empower and equip potential female leaders in sport with the necessary skills and knowledge to become effective leaders within their clubs and communities.
“We believe that by investing in the personal and leadership development of women, we are not only strengthening our sport but harvesting a culture that helps to motivate and inspire future generations.
“We are grateful for the support and collaboration of the LGFA and the GAA in making this programme possible. Together we are working towards a future where women in sport are given equal opportunities to excel and lead.”