Female referee academy launched

26 March 2025 - 12:20PM

A general view of Croke Park. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

A major new initiative involving the three Gaelic Games Associations, aimed at supporting the development and pathway for female referees across football, Ladies football, hurling and camogie, is underway.

The Female Referee Academy, which will be run throughout the remainder of the year, has been undertaken with support from the Sport Ireland Women in Sport fund.

12 participants were confirmed for this collaborative programme following the application process and they represent the four provinces and ten counties.

The Female Referee Academy has been devised to develop aspiring female referees aged 18+ years within the Gaelic Games Family with the aim to increase the number of women officiating within the sports by providing a programme that supports their development as officials and encourages them to achieve their officiating ambitions.

The programme consists of 7 contact days; first day and final day in a Dublin venue, two dates at regional venues and the remaining dates will take place online. There will be a focus on Technical, Physical, Mental and Tactical development whilst also providing practical referee experience on top of ongoing support and advice.

This is a robust referee development programme aimed at ambitious female officials and, when applications opened, prospective participants could not be on a Provincial or National Referee Panel but must have been refereeing in their county and have a minimum of 3 years’ experience refereeing competitive games from U13+.

The benefits for involvement include:

Engaging with like-minded officials in Ladies Gaelic Football
Enhanced communication skills as an official
Techniques to motivate and inspire you and your team of officials
Training and advice from experienced trainers and officials
Practical opportunities at local, provincial and national level
Feedback and support from assigned mentor
Confidence in your own abilities through practical learning and application

Uachatarán CLG, Jarlath Burns, said: “Well done to all of the participants who have made the shortlist for an initiative that deserves the support of us all. Without match officials we have no games and the importance of cultivating new referees and providing them with the requisite support and resources to excel underlines the commitment of the three organisations involved. It is another manifestation of the increased co-operation across the wider Gaelic games family.”

Uachtarán Cumann Peil Gael na mBan, Trina Murray, commented: “Congratulations and best wishes to all officials who will take part in the Female Referee Academy. It is vital that we continue to support female match officials and provide them with the resources to take their career to the next level. The benefits of this programme are multi-fold for the participants, and I look forward to watching their progress with keen interest. These officials have already shown real ambition at local level and who aspire to provincial and national duty.”

Uachtarán Cumann Camógaíochta, Brian Molloy, added: “We are excited to take an important step in developing the next generation of female officials within the Gaelic games family. This initiative is a clear reflection of our ongoing dedication to championing diversity, inclusion, and leadership at all levels of our sport. By equipping aspiring female referees with essential skills and practical experience, we are investing in the future of Gaelic games. I look forward to witnessing the positive impact this programme will have on the participants and the wider Gaelic games community.”

The 12 participants for the Female Referee Academy are as follows:

Aine McKenna

Caragh Cremins

Claire Flanagan

Debbie Lee Gaffney

Deirdre Croghan

Ella Meyler

Jane Sone Lenou

Jenny Casserly

Patricia Grehan

Patricia Hackett-McKenna

Roisin Mahony