A general view of Croke Park. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
The successful applicants have been announced for the 2025 Gaelic Games ‘Leading Provincial Females’ Programmes, taking place in Connacht, Leinster, Munster, and Ulster.
The 73 participants selected represent 23 counties and have commenced their leadership journeys.
This 12-month programme, secured through the support of the Sport Ireland Women in Sport Fund, will run from February until September, with follow-up work to be completed thereafter. The Leading Provincial Females programme is designed for females aged 18+ interested in personal development and potentially leading teams on and off the field.
Throughout the year, participants will engage in four provincial programmes, each of which will consist of face-to-face sessions and online webinars, which will examine their leadership skills.
A key feature of the programme includes three in-person days; one at the start of the programme, one at the midpoint, and one at the conclusion of the programme.
These in-person sessions will focus on developing participants' leadership skills, while also offering an opportunity for reflection and growth.
Participants must also 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. Experienced leadership trainers will guide the participants through the programme, offering support and expertise to
help develop their potential in Gaelic Games.
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, Jalarth Burns, commented: “The Leading Provincial Females Programme is a fantastic initiative and one that underlines the collaborative working relationship between the Gaelic games organisations.
“An exciting 12-month programme awaits the 73 participants who have been selected and the spread of 23 counties covered by the group is a source of huge encouragement.
“The new and enhanced skills acquired by everyone involved will not only benefit Gaelic games but will see participants to bring those same qualities back into their personal and professional lives.We wish them all every success.”
Speaking on behalf of the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, President Mícheál Naughton,added: “I am so pleased that this programme is being rolled out once again in 2025. It’s a programme that has the capacity to hone pre-existing skills, while developing new ones.
“Our Association is synonymous with strong female leaders and this programme will be of huge benefit to females who are already leaders in their own right, but who can now be even better leaders in the years to come.
“We’re delighted to work alongside our counterparts in the GAA and the Camogie Association to oversee the rollout of the 2025 Leading Provincial Females programme. It’s wonderful to see such a broad geographical cross-section of participants, and with all four provinces well represented.”
Brian Molloy, President of the Camogie Association, said: "The Camogie Association is proud to support the 2025 ‘Leading Provincial Females’ Programme, which is a vital step in developing the next generation of female leaders in Gaelic Games. This programme brings
together women from clubs across Ireland, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead within their clubs and communities. By investing in the personal and leadership development of women, we are not only strengthening Camogie but also cultivating a culture that inspires and motivates future generations. Through this initiative, we are creating a more inclusive and dynamic future for Gaelic Games as a whole."
The participants selected are as follows:
MUNSTER
Rachel Healy, St Joseph’s Miltown Malbay LGFA, Clare
Martha Dillon, Crusheen Camogie club, Clare
Bridget Mary Magner, Killavullen LGFA, Cork
Lorraine Lehane, Éire Óg, Cork
Aileen O’Flynn, Ballincollig LGFA, Cork
Jan Foster, Carrigaline, Cork
Michelle Cashman, Ballincollig LGFA, Cork
Ciara O’Flynn, Ballinascarthy Camogie Club, Cork
Vera McGrath, Carrigtwohill, Cork
Amy O’Reilly, Tracton, Cork
Kimberley Hegarty, Aghada Camogie Club, Cork
Alison Keane, Mayfield LGFA, Cork
Susan O'Brien, Kilbrittain, Cork
Tara O’Mahony, Éire Óg, Cork
Mairéad Carmody, Abbeydorney, Kerry
Emma Larkin, Finuge/St.Senans LGFA, Kerry
Dawn O’Connor, Dingle, Kerry
Susan Sherin, Dromin Athlacca Banogue, Limerick
Geraldine Carey, Slieve Felim Rapparees, Tipperary
Úna O'Brien, St. Patrick's, Tipperary
ULSTER
Nuala Finch, Aeracha Uladh, Antrim
Emma Kielty, Silverbridge, Armagh
Tracy Clarke, Kingscourt Stars, Cavan
Ella Kenny, Lavey, Cavan
Tanya Flaherty, Dundrum GAC, Down
Megan Hughes, An Ríocht GAC, Down
Grainne Coulter, Ballygalget, Down
Emma Cousins, An Ríocht GAC, Down
Carole Breen, Teemore Shamrocks, Fermanagh
Colette Connolly, Aghabog, Monaghan
Roise Darcy, Tattyreagh St. Patricks, Tyrone
Colleen Mulrine, An Eochair Naomh Mhic Artáin, Tyrone
Aoife Boyle, Beragh Red Knights, Tyrone
Louise McKenna, Clogher Éire Óg GAC, Tyrone
Sinéad Martin, Strabane Sigersons, Tyrone
Shauna Carberry, Brackaville Owen Roe’s GFC, Tyrone
LEINSTER
Caoimhe Ní Mhaolagáin, St Oliver Plunketts Eoghan Ruadh, Dublin
Lisa Hickey, Binn Eadair, Dublin
Laura Doyle, St Sylvesters GAA, Dublin
Mo Gilsenan, St Brigids GAA, Dublin
Molly O’Neill, Castleknock Gaa, Dublin
Rebecca Clarke, Cuala, Dublin
Talia Earle, Na Gaeil Aeracha, Dublin
Denise Harte Gleeson, St Finians Newcastle, Dublin
Michelle Davoren, Kilmacud Crokes, Dublin
Cathy Ryan, Nurney, Kildare
Sandra McGonagle, Kilcock, Kildare
Grace Kirk, Clan na Gael Dundalk, Louth
Ruth Chambers, Walterstown, Meath
Gráinne Black, St Colmcilles, Meath
Jennifer Boland, Shamrocks, Offaly
Marie Lynagh, Kilbeggan Shamrocks, Westmeath
Clodagh Wheeler, Shandonagh, Westmeath
Caitriona Byrne, Duffry Rovers, Wexford
Laura Mitchell, Castletown Liam Mellows, Wexford
Gillian Curran, Arklow Rocks Parnell, Wicklow
CONNACHT
Caitríona Carty, Galway City Rapparees, Galway
Nicole Grealish, St. Colman’s Camogie Club, Galway
Leighann O’Shea, Castlegar Camogie, Galway
Caroline Creaven, Tuam Cortoon, Galway
Sarah Flattery, Menlough Skehana LGFA, Galway
Clare Ellicott, Claregalway, Galway
Tracy Burke, Aghamore, Mayo
Emma Sweeney, Shrule Glencorrib LGFA, Mayo
Deirdre Donnelly, Carnacon, Mayo
Nicola Macken, Ballinrobe LGFA, Mayo
Aisling McLoughlin, Shrule Glencorrib LGFA, Mayo
Natalie Maguire, Kilmaine LGFA, Mayo
Jill Carolan, Shrule Glencorrib LGFA, Mayo
Patricia Moran, Shrule Glencorrib LGFA, Mayo
Lisa O'Loughlin, Shrule Glencorrib LGFA, Mayo
Ellen Hynes, Four Roads, Roscommon
Anne Marie-Hynes, Four Roads, Roscommon