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
“We are excited to take an important step in developing the next generation of female officials within the Gaelic games family”, said Uachtarán Cumann Camógaíochta, Brian Molloy, of the launch.
“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.”
Leinster representatives include Áine McKenna (Crookedwood Camogie, Westmeath), Ella Meyler (Fighting Cocks LGFA, Carlow), Jane Sone Lenou (Sandyford Camogie, Dublin), Jenney Casserly (Lucan Sarsfields Camogie, Dublin), Patricia Grehan (Raheny Camogie, Dublin) and Vivienne Holmes (Bennettsbridge Camogie, Kilkenny).
They’re joined by Caragh Cremins (Cork), Claire Flanagan (Derry), Debbie Lee Gaffney (Cavan), Deirdre Croghan (Roscommon), Patricia Hackett-McKenna (Tyrone) and Roisin Mahony (Clare).
We wish all participants the very best and look forward to seeing their work grow on the provincial and national stage in the future.