LADIES FOOTBALL AND camogie are set to receive €1 million funding over the next two years from the government.
The Minister for Tourism and Sport Patrick O’Donovan announced the agreement earlier today. €500,000 will be allocated in 2017, and again in 2018, which will be distributed among both codes.
The funding will be provided through Sport Ireland, to support programmes agreed on by the Women’s Gaelic Players Association (WGPA), the Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) and the Camogie Association.
The financial support will be used for programmes such as injury prevention and medical cover, improving training facilities, and maximising player and team performance. A steering group involving each of the involved governing bodies has been established to finalise the details of the two-year agreement.
“I’m delighted to announce such a positive initiative to assist in women’s Gaelic games” Minister O’Donovan began.
This funding allocation shows the confidence held by the government in the success of our inter-county ladies football and camogie players, and that it recognises the role of teams, the volunteers and the supporters in forming strong community spirit throughout the country.
“Something that I am very anxious to instill is access to training facilities at the most basic level to sports of all codes. The department and Sport Ireland – we’re all on the one page in relation to it.
“I want to take this opportunity to recognise the contribution of our female athletes to Gaelic games. They train hard to become the best that they can in order to do their county, their town and their parish, which is the most important unit of the organisation, proud.”
President of the LGFA Marie Hickey warmly welcomed the investment.
“Today is a significant day for Gaelic games in our country. For the first time, our elite inter-county players will receive funding, thanks to the very welcome support of the Department of Transport Tourism and Sport and Sport Ireland.
“We’ve taken several steps in the right direction, but our journey is not complete.
“It’s all very welcome and important for our players to have that base and to have that support. Today is really about recognition of the contribution of our players as well to sport in general in the country.
“This has to be about recognising the elite inter-county player as an elite athlete.”
“It’s a tremendous step forward. It’s a step in the right direction. The standard of ladies GAA is second to none and it’s rising all of the time,” John Treacy added on behalf of Sport Ireland.
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