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January 01, 1970
Galway LGFA would like to wish our Senior Ladies and their manager Gerry Fahy and all his management team the very best today as they play Mayo in the first round of the Lidl National Football league, in McHale Park Castlebar at 7-30pm.
This game it broadcasted live on TG4. Thanks to our sponsors Corrib Oil, St. Columbis credit union, Collen Construction Ltd,
Galway Senior Ladies are proudly sponsored by Supermac's.
Galway have been drawn in Group D of this year’s TG4 Championship where we will face Kerry and Donegal. Trí Chontae Gaeltachta san iomaíocht lena chéile sa gCraobh. Gaillimh abú
The Galway starting XV to face Mayo Saturday evening has been named
Galway v Mayo, Saturday 22nd May 2021, Elverys MacHale Park, Castlebar
Pictured: Liam Flynn and Anthony Kelly from Collen Construction LTD
Andrea Trill, Dearbhla Gower, Ailbhe Davoren Galway LGFA
THE draws for the 2021 TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Football Championships will be broadcast LIVE on Facebook.
The eagerly-anticipated draws will be available to viewers on both the TG4 https://bit.ly/3yk3h2L and LGFA http://bit.ly/2OvUJ2D pages from 8.00pm next Thursday evening, May 20
Lidl Ladies National League
Division 1A Round 1Galway V Mayo
MacHale Park Castlebar
Sat. 22nd May at 7-30pm
Live Coverage on TG4
Galway Senior Ladies are Proudly sponsored by Supermac’s
Galway Senior Ladies kit van is proudly sponsored by St. Columba’s credit union
Information for Counties:
Use of Buses for travel The capacity limits for bus travel have increased from 25% of capacity to 50% of capacity from yesterday, Monday May 10th.
Training Camps A reminder to all Counties that Training Camps involving overnight stays are not permitted in 2021.
Intercounty Underage Games Challenge matches at underage inter county level cannot take place until June 7th under Government regulations.
Adult Inter County Panels A reminder that all Adult Inter County Panel members must forwarded to info@lgfa.ie by this Friday 14th May. Changes to the panel names can be made during the course of the season if required.
We’re delighted to bring you the Spring 2021 edition of Peil Magazine – on the same day that many of our underage players return to training!
This edition is jam-packed with news, views and interviews from the world of Ladies Gaelic Football, with our cover story featuring the late, great former Cork manager Eamonn Ryan.
We speak to some of the people who worked alongside Eamonn, for an insight into what made the 10-time TG4 All-Ireland Senior Championship winning manager tick.
We’re also reflecting upon the life of former LGFA President Tommy Kenny, from Offaly, who has passed to his eternal reward.
We also speak to new LGFA President Mícheál Naughton about his hopes and aspirations, while also looking back on the highlights of former President Marie Hickey’s tenure.
There are interviews with Armagh star Blaithín Mackin, Meath ace Sarah Wall, who’s on the road to recovery after suffering cruciate knee ligament damage for a second time, and Fermanagh dynamo Aisling Maguire.
Our club focus is on Aodh Ruadh in Tyrone, while we have all of the latest news from our hard-working development team, including the impact of key programmes overseas.
All of that, and much more, in the latest issue of Peil magazine, which you can read, FREE, by clicking on the image below.
https://ladiesgaelic.ie/the-spring-2021-edition-of-peil-magazine-is-here/
Irish Shoppers Help Local Ladies Gaelic Football Clubs Score Prizes from Lidl
Retailer to Kit Out Local Clubs and Share Nearly €200,000 Pot with 362 LGFA Clubs Across the Country
Lidl Ireland has announced the winners of its club fundraising initiative that took place earlier this year, with €187,000 cash prizes and nearly 500 jerseys being awarded to local Ladies Gaelic Football clubs across the country. Dublin’s Skerries Harps, Donegal’s Bun Dobhráin, Sligo’s St. Johns and Cork’s Kinsale LGFA Clubs were awarded a top prize of €20,000 each from the retailer as part of the initiative which called on communities to support their clubs by scanning their Lidl Plus app at the checkout in their local Lidl. The initiative will see more than 360 LGFA clubs benefit from new jerseys to up to €20,000 in funding.
The innovative initiative was launched as part of Lidl’s new campaign, Level the Playing Field, that called on communities to get behind their local club by scanning their Lidl Plus app to receive a digital stamp on their stamp card. Once six stamps were collectedn, users could submit their completed stamp card via the app and their stamps were then added to their chosen club’s total. Each club that achieved a minimum of 50 completed digital stamp cards was guaranteed a reward.
Commenting on the initiative, Mícheál Naughton, President of the Ladies Gaelic Football Association said: “At a time when our clubs and communities have rallied together more than ever, the ‘Level the Playing Field’ campaign has proven to be an outstanding success. So many of our members have been busy shopping and collecting stamps to enable local clubs to earn great rewards. Once again, Lidl Ireland have shown their commitment to our sport at grassroots level, and we very much appreciate their continued and #SeriousSupport. The TV advertisement that accompanied the ‘Level the Playing Field’ campaign was truly memorable and has been mentioned to me on numerous occasions and yet another example of Lidl’s exceptional commitment to our sport. Well done to Lidl Ireland and also to the clubs who participated in the campaign, who will now enjoy their well-earned rewards.”
Aoife Clarke, Head of Communications and Marketing at Lidl Ireland said: “We are delighted to award more than 360 local LGFA clubs with this well-deserved funding through this initiative. It’s been incredible to see local communities from across the country really get behind their clubs to raise some much-needed funds at grassroots level, and in turn really dialling up support and awareness of the importance of women and girls getting into and staying involved in sport.”
The announcement comes as the Lidl National Football Leagues is set to kick off on 23rd May.
Since 2016, Lidl has invested more than €5 million into the partnership with the Ladies Gaelic Football Association and during this time, ladies football players across the country have noticed significant changes in how the game is perceived thanks to the support of the retailer. According to research carried out on behalf of Lidl Ireland in 20201, 85% of LGFA female members recognise the uplift in support over the last four years, specifically in the media and among the general public. The research also found that 51% of females claim that they are currently participating in sport, an increase from 2017.
THE Ladies Gaelic Football Association will commence its 2021 TG4 All-Ireland Championships in July – and following the conclusion of the 2021 Lidl National Leagues.
The LGFA’s Management Committee met last Thursday evening (April 29) to plan fixtures for the coming months, following the latest Government announcement.
The decision was taken to commence the TG4 All-Ireland Championships on the weekend of July 10/11, with the All-Ireland Finals pencilled in for Sunday, September 5.
The draws for the 2021 TG4 All-Ireland Championships will be made shortly – with the 2020 semi-finalists seeded, as they were for last year’s championship.
Counties can commence their club championships when they are knocked out of the All-Ireland series, while it was also decided by the LGFA’s Management Committee that the provincial championships will not form part of the All-Ireland inter-county series for 2021.
Provincial championships can be run later in the year, however, if provinces see an opportunity to do so.
The LGFA’s Management Committee also took the decision to pay match-day player expenses at 30 cents per mile for the travelling teams during the 2021 Lidl National Leagues.
The LGFA also hopes to have full clarity on the recent Government announcement this week – and will be in a position to announce underage fixtures shortly.
This survey has been developed to get an overview of schools/teachers and coaches views on the current structure in Connacht in relation to Secondary School Games and Competitions.
All information will be collated and shared with Connacht LGFA - but it will all remain anonymous as to who made the comments - so please do feel free to be as honest as possible.
Your name/School is for our records so we know who the coaches are in the schools/areas.
We would appreciate if you could take the time to complete this questionnaire by April 30th 2021
This survey has been developed to get an overview of schools/teachers and coaches views on the current coaching of girls Gaelic games within your school.
All information will be collated and the aim is to ensure that all primary schools in Galway have access to coaching within their schools -
Your responses will all remain anonymous as to who made the comments - so please do feel free to be as honest as possible.
Your name/School is for our records so we know who the /teaches/coaches are in the schools/areas.
So we would appreciate if you could take the time to complete this survey by April 30th 2021
Galway LGFA are busy this year developing standards and structures within the County. We are now looking for members who can support and come on board to commit to these sub committees, picking a sub committee that matches your expertise/knowledge or interest. If you have a keen interest in any of the following areas we would like to encourage you to join our Sub Committees and support the work we are doing.
Please take the time to show your interest by completing the attached survey. Closing date for return of survey is April 30th 2021
Adult Intercounty Return to Play
Adult Inter County panels are permitted to return to collective, full contact Training from Monday, April 19th. Attached is an updated set of Guidelines for inter-county teams which we would ask you to ensure is circulated to all members of your county panels and backroom teams. The key control measures remain completion of the online education module (which you can access here) and completion of the Health Questionnaire before each session (link to Health Questionnaire is here)
A key message from our Covid Advisory Group is to avoid indoor gatherings wherever possible. For instance, it is permitted to use dressing rooms or hold meetings indoors, but we would strongly encourage you to explore alternatives or minimise usage as much as possible. Keeping the majority of your interactions outdoors is the key measure to follow if you wish to ensure the safety of players and support personnel.
Underage Intercounty Squads
For clarity, Counties are asked to note that the current exemptions for underage club training (adult and underage club in North) and adult inter county teams DO NOT extend to underage intercounty teams or player development programmes; only players from a county’s Adult panel are currently covered by the player injury fund. Return to Training dates for underage intercounty panels are contingent on further relaxation of Government restrictions – the LGFA will advise further once any new information is made available.
Challenge Games
The current relaxations to Government restrictions do not permit Challenge games to take place (unless between members of the same panel). We have been advised that this will be the position until May 4th at the earliest. We are seeking to have this position revisited as part of any further relaxation of Government restrictions and we will communicate further with Counties as soon as we have any additional information in this context.
Use of Gyms
It is now permitted to open County owned gyms for members of the adult intercounty panel as required. If gym work, or aspects of it, can be conducted outdoors, then risk of transmission of the virus is dramatically reduced. Ideally gym activity indoors should be conducted on an individual basis or in very small groups.
Inter County players may also use their relevant Club Gym for individual training as long as they are following the advice in the Inter County Return to Training and Play document.
Regards
Helen O’Rourke
CEO
Ladies Gaelic Football Association
Croke Park
Dublin 3
St. Columbas Credit Union Sponsor New Kit Van
Galway LGFA are delighted to have received the keys to their new Kit Van yesterday. Supplied by Shiels and generously sponsored by St. Columbas Credit Union Galway. St Columbas Credit Union - Galway Credit Union
Pictured at the hand over are
L to R: Paul Pender Shiels. Geraldine Heverin Galway LGFA Secretary.
Michael Duffy Chairman St. Columbas Credit Union.
Tracey Leonard and Noelle Connolly Senior Players
Phil Grealish St. Columbas Credit Union
Betty Hernon Galway LGFA Chairperson and Gerry Fahey Galway Senior Manager
2021 Lidl Ladies National Football League - Dates and Groups Announced.
TG4 All-Ireland Senior finalists Dublin and Cork have been pitted together in Division 1B of the 2021 Lidl Ladies National Football League, which is due to get underway on May 23.
Dublin defeated Cork last December to claim a fourth straight All-Ireland Senior crown – but Cork are the reigning Division 1 League champions, having won the title in 2019.
Cork and Dublin will be joined by Tipperary and Waterford in an ultra-competitive Division 1B, with Galway, Mayo, Donegal and Westmeath making up Division 1A.
In Division 2A, TG4 All-Ireland Intermediate champions Meath will be joined by Clare, Kerry, and Wexford, while Armagh, Cavan, Monaghan and Tyrone feature in an all-Ulster Division 2B.
There are four counties in each group, with the exception of a three-team Division 4B, which contains Carlow, Offaly and Limerick, while the divisions have been comprised in regional fashion to minimise travelling for the competing teams, and to help ensure the health and safety of all counties.
Three rounds of group fixtures will be played on consecutive weekends, with the semi-finals scheduled for June 13.
There will then follow a two-week break before the Lidl National League Finals are played on June 27.
Confirmation of initial details for the 2021 Lidl National Leagues follow the recent Government announcement that inter-county training can resume from April 19, for ‘sanctioned and organised adult inter-county National Gaelic Games Leagues.’
Fixtures for the 2021 Lidl National Leagues will follow in due course.
| Division 1A | Division 1B | Division 2A | Division 2B | Division 3A | Division 3B | Division 4A | Division 4B |
| Galway | Cork | Kerry | Tyrone | Down | Kildare | Louth | Carlow |
| Mayo | Dublin | Meath | Monaghan | Roscommon | Laois | Leitrim | Offaly |
| Donegal | Tipperary | Wexford | Armagh | Sligo | Longford | Antrim | Limerick |
| Westmeath | Waterford | Clare | Cavan | Fermanagh | Wicklow | Derry |
Proposed Dates
Round 1 – 23rd May
Round 2 – 30th May
Round 3 – 6th June (Bank Holiday Weekend)
Semi-finals – 13th June
Finals – 27th June
*Dates are set for a Sunday but may be played midweek or Saturday by agreement with both counties.
Could you please email this to all clubs in your county! Also if you could share on your social media platforms.
2 hour interactive webinar for all teachers, primary and post primary.
This webinar provides training and support to teachers.
It also assists teachers with school teams or PE lessons. Top quality resources provided to all participants and it is FREE!!
Dates are as follows:
Link below to register
Email received from Helen O'Rourke on March 29th 2021
A chara,
I know you will be aware by now of the positive announcement by the Irish Government this evening that non-contact underage training in pods of 15 will be permitted from April 26th and that full contact Inter-County training at adult level can re-commence from April 19th.
These are hugely welcome developments and allow us finally to begin planning on-field activity for the remainder of 2021. However, it should also be noted that these dates are conditional and will very much depend on what happens in terms of the overall COVID-19 picture in the coming weeks.
For that reason, it is more important than ever that no collective training sessions are held between now and the Government indicated return dates. Breaches in this context will not only be dealt with under our own rules but would likely put the broader plan to return to activity in serious jeopardy.
As you will appreciate, we need to receive further clarity on aspects of what was announced today before finalising our plans for a return to training and ultimately games. We also need to finalise competition structures and dates for the up-coming Inter-County season, as well as ensuring advice is provided for all clubs in relation to how they can safely recommence underage activity (and in the case of the 6 Counties, adult club training from April 12th).
At this point, we can only confirm that Adult Inter-County teams both North and South are likely to be permitted to return to collective training from Monday, April 19th. We hope to be in a position to confirm the fixture calendar and competition structures for inter county over the coming weeks..
We also hope to have finalised updated versions of our Return to Play documents for both Inter-County and club activity ahead of the stated dates for resumption North and South of the border.
In the interim, we would ask for your patience while we complete this work and we look forward to communicating in detail with you all again next week in relation to the resumption of LGFA activity.
Covid 19 Update March 24th 2021
2021 has already felt like a long year without any on field activity to sustain us. However, the reality of the pandemic and the continuing spread of the virus means we are likely to have to persevere for a little longer before anything like our normal level of activity can resume.
Clubs in the 26 Counties/National Fixtures Programme
In terms of the immediate future, it is expected that the government in the South will publish any proposed changes to the current restrictions by the end of next week and we will communicate again with our Clubs and County’s at that point in terms of the implications for Gaelic Games activity.
In the interim, we would again reiterate that the LGFA have not decided on what competitions may or may not be facilitated in any revised National Fixture programme for 2021. As we have stated previously, such decisions will be a factor of how much time is ultimately available to us, both for an inter-county season and for the broader participation levels that will be necessary for a meaningful club season at both adult and underage levels.
Clubs in the 6 Counties
The recent proposed changes to regulations North of the border have significant implications for Clubs in the 6 Counties.
A review by the NI Executive will be held on the week of April 5th and presuming restrictions are then eased as proposed, the following activities will be allowed from April 12th onwards for Clubs only in the 6 Counties:
- Training at adult and underage levels in groups of up to 15 people only, including coaches (full contact) is permitted.
- Use of dressing rooms or other indoor facilities is not permitted for the moment (exception: essential toilet facilities).
- Clubs should refer to and abide by the Gaelic Games Return to Play Document – an updated version will be circulated to all Clubs ahead of April 12th.
- Cover under both the LGFA Injury Fund and Liability insurance policy is conditional on clubs being in compliance with return to play guidelines and requirements.
- Particular care is advised in planning for travel to and from training – i.e. only persons from your own bubble should travel in the same vehicle.
- Games are not permitted until further notice.
- Use of other indoor facilities – such as bars, kitchens or meeting rooms – is not permitted under the current regulations.
- Outdoor Handball facilities may be used for Handball training.
- Astro Turf facilities may be used by non-GAA bodies, presuming health guidelines are followed in relation to maximum numbers of 15.
- Walking tracks on GAA property may continue to be used.
- Other outdoor events, such as drive in bingo or fundraisers organised by our clubs and which involve people gathering in groups of more than 10 people are not permitted.
The above provisions relate to Club activity only. Collective inter-county training sessions are not permitted for any age group in either jurisdiction and breaches of this can and will be dealt with under CODA Rules.
General
In a general context, while there are undoubtedly some challenges ahead for the Association, there is also plenty of hope that with the availability of vaccines and the roll out of the inoculation programmes North and South of the border, a summer filled with Gaelic Games activity lies ahead.
In the meantime, we await the upcoming government announcements and will continue to communicate regularly with all units. We also request that you keep yourself updated with all communications given the fluid situation that we now find ourselves operating in.
Finally, we want to remind you all of the importance of personal responsibility for our actions in relation to Covid-19 as we work together to ensure the safety of everyone in our community.
Sinead Burke Calls Time on her Stellar Intercounty Career with Galway.
To make the decision to retire is always going to be a major decision for any elite athlete. News of Sinéad Burke's retirement broke recently which even took Sinéad by surprise. Sinéad who now resides in Armagh had informed the Senior Management of Galway ladies that she wouldn't be available for the upcoming season and speaking to Sinéad in the last week she has now confirmed that yes indeed she is retiring.
Sinéad, or Burkie as she is affectionately known, a native of Oughterard and a primary school teacher commenced her club football with Killannin, then moving to Ballyboden St. Endas when her career path took her to Dublin.
She now resides in Armagh and plays her club football with Armagh Harps. Sinéad contributed significantly to them winning their first County title in 22 years in October 2020.
We have no doubt that every individual in this County involved with ladies’ football will stand side by side with us at County level to take this opportunity to thank Sinead sincerely for the massive contribution she has made to Galway ladies since she first commenced playing County at the tender age of thirteen and ascended the ranks joining the Senior County team in 2007.
Her football skills know no bounds; how fortunate we were to have her on our County teams for all that time. A winner of 9 Senior Connacht medals, an All Ireland Division 2 medal and All Ireland Senior Championship Runners Up medal, we are immensely proud of her as a person, player, teammate, and friend. She captained Galway with such dignity and poise in 2013 and 2014. Winning the Division 2 league in 2014 ensured Galway Ladies returned to Division 1 football. Sinead is a true leader both on and off the field. An All Star recipient in 2018 and 2019 she will always be an All Star in our eyes. We thank her for all the sacrifices she has made in order to fulfil her commitment to her County particularly the many hours she spent travelling. Galway ladies' football was very much enriched having her on the field of play and there is no doubt she will be sorely missed.
We know that this is not the end for you Sinéad, just a change in direction and we would like to take this opportunity to wish you and Willie continued, health, happiness and success in your new life in Armagh.
Go n-eirí an t-ádh leat Sinéad
Galway LGFA
Udate on Health and Wellbeing for March/April 2021
- Irish Life Steps Challenge
Update on Ireland Lights Up
GAA 'Be Ready to Play' Initiative
Minimum Fitness Test - Operation Transformation/DCU School of Health & Human Performance
HSE Stress Control - Online
Irish Life - Wellbeing Calendar
GAA Museum Book Club
HSE & Healthy Ireland - Information on Wellbeing
Support Websites & Podcast Links - Information for groups within our community
Please feel free to share information with your clubs.
Step Challenge
GAA & Irish Life’s MyLife app ‘Healthy Club Steps Challenge’ will come to an end on the third of March 3rd. The results and winners of the gift vouchers will be announced on March 11th once all data has been collated. In addition to the Irish Life prizes the GAA have added some extra prizes into the pot to acknowledge all your hard work. Keep Stepping !
Ireland Lights Up 2021
We are currently in discussions with representatives from both Sport Ireland and the Department of Health to determine when the programme is most likely to start. We are hopeful for a further update in advance of the 5th of April.
GAA ‘Be Ready to Play’
The Gaelic Games family launched ‘Be Ready to Play’, a Coaching and Sport Science programme in association with UPMC, official healthcare partner of the GAA and GPA, that will be delivered via webinars, website programmes, instructional videos and live online sessions. The programme is a holistic coaching and performance plan that will be of great benefit to all club coaches and players, male, female, adult, and youth alike. It will help them return to training post Covid in a way that will hopefully increase enjoyment, performance, and participation, while simultaneously reducing the risk of injury. Further details can be found here: Groundbreaking 'Be Ready to Play' coaching programme launched (gaa.ie)
Minimum Fitness Test
Operation Transformation, in collaboration with DCU School of Health and Human Performance, have developed the Minimum Fitness Tests to demonstrate the minimum fitness standard for your age group. These tests are designed to show you where you sit within the minimum standards of physical fitness and give you a target to aim for within your age bracket and gender. You can find details of this attached to this email and also via the following link: Operation Transformation 2021 » Operation Transformation Minimum Fitness Test (rte.ie)
HSE Stress Control Online
This is and evidence-based programme that teaches practical skills to deal with stress. It will help you to recognise the signs of stress such as how stress affects our bodies and our thoughts and help to develop skills to overcome panicky feelings and how to get a good night’s sleep. The course runs for three weeks starting on the 8th of March (timetable attached) and you can find further details at the following link: www.stresscontrol.ie
Irish Life Health – Wellbeing
Irish Life Health have developed a hand wellbeing calendar for the month of March which focuses primarily on, preventative health and financial wellbeing. The calendar includes lot of links to different resources and webinars that may be of interest to your Healthy Clubs and communities, click here to access the calendar: WorkLife-March-Wellbeing-Schedule_Health.pdf (irishlifehealth.ie)
GAA Museum Book Club
There has been a brilliant response to the launch of the GAA Museum Book Club and this week they are hosting their first live event. Michael Foley, author of ‘The Bloodied Field’ will be joining us for our virtual Q&A this Thursday at 8.30pm. The event will last approx. 45 minutes. Further details can be found at the following link: The GAA Museum Book Club - Croke Park
HSE/Healthy Ireland Health & Wellbeing Information
- Alcohol during COVID: Alcohol during COVID – concerning trends emerging – HSE Health and Wellbeing (hsehealthandwellbeingnews.com)
- Health and Wellbeing support for older people during COVID-19: Health and Wellbeing support for older people during COVID-19 – HSE Health and Wellbeing (hsehealthandwellbeingnews.com)
- Take the 28-day #TheLastStop no smoking challenge this March: Take the 28-day #TheLastStop no smoking challenge this March – HSE Health and Wellbeing (hsehealthandwellbeingnews.com)
Support Websites/Podcast Links
- University of Oxford - Coronavirus welfare advice for students: https://www.ox.ac.uk/students/news/2020-04-23-coronavirus-welfare-advice-can-t-work
- Shine – Online support groups for people with lived experience of mental health difficulties and for families, friends and those who support people with mental health difficulties (starting Feb 24th & Feb 25th): https://shine.ie/shine-online-support-groups/
- Irish Hospice Foundation - Support for Grieving in Exceptional Times: https://hospicefoundation.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Support-for-Grieving-in-Exceptional-Times.pdf
- Turn2me - Mums Group: https://turn2me.ie/post/mums-group
- Emerging Minds Network - Youth Mental Health & COVID-19 – What do we know and what should we do? Online Conference (March 1st-3rd 2021) - https://emergingminds.org.uk/conference-youth-mental-health-covid-19-what-do-we-know-and-what-should-we-do/
- The Tell study (UK) - How can teachers support teenagers during COVID-19? Online event (March 4th at 4pm) - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/how-can-teachers-support-teenagers-during-covid-19-tickets-142078886775
Galway GAA along with Galway Hurling, Galway LGFA and Galway Camogie have come together to do a major fundraiser for their respective codes.
The proceeds will be going to the four codes along with two charities, Cancer Care West and Oranmore Maree Coastal Search.
Run, Walk or Cycle your own 10K anywhere in the world (adhering to government guidelines of course) and tag someone else to take up the challenge. We hope all our supporters will join us both home and abroad.
March for Maroon will also include weekly competitions for best times, best locations and best colours as well as your greatest GAA moments. Everybody that takes part will also be entered into a draw for a very special VIP matchday experience prize for two. For more information and to donate just log onto www.galwaylgfa.ie today. You can also post all your pictures and videos on social media mediums below, using the hastag #MARCHFORMAROON and include the idonate link. https://www.idonate.ie/MarchforMaroon
https://www.instagram.com/galwaygaaofficial/
https://www.facebook.com/GalwayGAAOfficial
https://twitter.com/Galway_GAA
OR
You can donate via https://www.idonate.ie/MarchforMaroon
| iDonate.ie | Support Galway GAA March for Maroon Galway GAA have announced a hugely exciting fundraiser which will take place all this month called ‘March for Maroon.’ The event is a virtual 10K run, walk or cycle with all proceeds going to the Galway GAA Training Fund, Cancer Care West and the Oranmore-Maree Coastal Search Unit. www.idonate.ie |
LGFA will be running a level 1 blended coaching course, (see details attached ) most likely in April. If there are any people in your club interested in completing this please send your details to our development officer Paul Walsh -development.galway@lgfa.ie by Friday 12th March at 5pm.
file:///C:/Users/geral/Downloads/LGFA%20Level%201%20Blended%20Coaching%20Course%20OVERVIEW.pdf
INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY 2021 – Celebrate and join us!! #choosetochallenge #IWD2021
Galway Ladies Gaelic Football are offering 20 lucky women in Galway the opportunity to start their REFEREEING journey – by signing up for the LGFA GRAB YOUR WHISTLE GO GAMES REFEREE course.
Deadline for application is Sat 20th March 2021. Successful candidates will be informed by 21st March 2021.
Link below to apply!! This course is FREE for you...
Chairperson Betty Hernon discusses new website with Gerry Murphy on Galway Bay FM /Over the line
Micheal Naughton takes over as LGFA President
The 25 clubs who will participate in Lidl Ireland’s new One Good Club™ mental health awareness programme will commence their activities next Monday, March 1.
Lid’s One Good Club™ is a five-step youth mental health awareness programme for local clubs, developed in partnership with the Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) and Jigsaw, the National Centre for Youth Mental Health.
Details of the programme were revealed at the 2020 Lidl National Football League launch – with clubs chosen to participate identified following the receipt of over 900 nominations from local communities.
The start date for the One Good Club™ programme was delayed due to Covid-19 – but it’s now all systems go for the following clubs:
| Club | County |
| Eire Óg | Carlow |
| Templeport | Cavan |
| Liscannor | Clare |
| St Colums | Cork |
| Bun Cranncha | Donegal |
| Ballyboden St Endas | Dublin |
| Annaghdown | Galway |
| Killarney Legion | Kerry |
| Na Fianna | Kildare |
| John Lockes | Kilkenny |
| Sarsfields | Laois |
| St Marys | Leitrim |
| Murroe Boher | Limerick |
| Carrickedmond | Longford |
| Cooley Kickhams | Louth |
| Swinford Killasser | Mayo |
| St Ultans | Meath |
| Magheracloone | Monaghan |
| Clara | Offaly |
| St Nathy’s | Sligo |
| Aherlow | Tipperary |
| Ballyduff Lower | Waterford |
| Tyrrellspass | Westmeath |
| HWH Bunclody | Wexford |
| Kilcoole | Wicklow |
The Lidl Ireland One Good Club™ programme aims to increase awareness and knowledge of mental health across the LGFA community. The new initiative offers clubs the opportunity to support all members and engage in activities that can promote their health and wellbeing.
The programme is championed by four One Good Club™ Ambassadors – Dublin’s Carla Rowe, four-time senior All-Ireland and three-time TG4 All-Star award winner; Galway’s Nicola Ward, 2019 All-Star award winner; Waterford’s Caoimhe McGrath, Division 2 winner in 2019 and Donegal’s Emer Gallagher, full-back on the Ulster Championship winning team in 2019.
The One Good Club™ programme forms part of over €4million invested by Lidl since the partnership with the LGFA began in 2016 and for the first time brings together Lidl’s two community partners – the LGFA and Jigsaw.
Speaking on behalf of Lidl Ireland, Head of Communications and Marketing, Aoife Clarke commented:
“We’re proud to launch Lidl One Good Club™ in association with the LGFA and Jigsaw, the National Centre for Youth Mental Health. Now, more than ever, young people need our support when it comes to their mental health as the past year has understandably taken its toll on everyone.
“As the biggest supporter of women’s sport in the country, we want to ensure that through this programme, mental health and wellbeing is a priority in LGFA clubs across Ireland and that participants at every level of the game reap the benefits of our sponsorship through programmes such as One Good Club™ and our recently announced LGFA Club Fundraising initiative on our loyalty app, Lidl Plus.”
Ladies Gaelic Football Association President Marie Hickey said: “Following an enforced delay to the start of the Lidl Ireland One Good Club™ programme, it’s wonderful to be in a position to say that we are ready to get underway. In the sixth year of our partnership with Lidl Ireland, the LGFA’s National League sponsors and official retail partner, this is another vital initiative, and particularly during these challenging times.
“The mental health of our members is of paramount importance, and we are delighted to work with Lidl and Jigsaw to roll out a timely programme that will have long-lasting benefits.
“Supporting the mental health needs of our young members at critical and formative points in their lives can, in turn, help them to achieve their hopes and dreams as Ladies Gaelic Footballers. For many of us, key aspects of our lives have been affected and put on hold over the past year but we are enthused by the commencement of the Lidl Ireland One Good Club™ programme, and there is a huge sense of excitement among the participating clubs.”
Mike Mansfield, Director of Communications and Fundraising at Jigsaw, added:
“Strengthening communities is a central tenet of our work in Jigsaw. We do so by offering community-based programmes aimed at better informing, supporting, educating and empowering young people and those around them, in places where they live, learn, work and play. Lidl’s One Good Club™ initiative, developed with Jigsaw and LGFA, is key to the success of our ambitions in this area. Bringing clubs, players, members, coaches and communities together to support their mental health and that of those around them is so important. We are delighted to the see the programme kick off and are eager to support all LGFA clubs across the country bring the concept alive.”
Lidl Ireland One Good Club™ ambassador and Galway star Nicola Ward said:
“The past year has been a huge strain on everyone’s mental health, especially our young people. With schools closed and all sport cancelled, their opportunities to meet and socialize with their friends have completely disappeared. Socialising is very important for young people’s happiness and mental health. Being at home in their house all day every day, trying to study and do school work can be a very lonely way to spend your time. They need the continued support of families, friends and initiatives like ‘Lidl One Good Club’. I am proud to be associated with this initiative and I know many young people will benefit from it in the current times when it is most needed.”
About Jigsaw:
Jigsaw is the National Centre for Youth Mental Health in Ireland and is committed to improving young people’s mental health and to developing supportive communities by providing a range of supports including one-to-one therapy sessions with young people, group work with the adults, workshops in schools, clubs, businesses and more.
Note for editors:
The LGFA TALK project is a six-week, club-based initiative aimed at increasing the awareness of positive mental health in young members aged 13-18 years, and removing the stigma associated with the subject area, in counties Antrim, Armagh, Derry, Down, Fermanagh and Tyrone, with content delivered by the Northern Ireland Youth Forum.
The Gaelic Games family are launching a new initiative called ‘Be Ready to Play’. This may be useful to you, fellow coaches and players at all levels.
An Garda Síochána
GALWAY DIVISIONAL GARDA YOUTH AWARDS 2021– NOMINATION FORM
We are beginning to promote and canvass for our youth awards, the third such event, hosted by the Galway Divisional Gardai. The previous two years were a tremendous success with some of our Divisional Award winners being recognised on the National stage. This year, we hope will be no different. There will be awards in the following categories:
Individual Award.
Group Award.
Special Achievement Award.
Community Safety Award.
This year, due to Covid, there hasn’t been the same opportunity for young people to become involved with activities or projects compared to previous years. However, we have also witnessed that many young people were active on the ground throughout the Covid 19 crisis, volunteering and becoming involved in a variety of projects that supported both the vulnerable in the community, and the frontline services. We are also aware that some young people have gone beyond and above within the family home, perhaps helping out with younger siblings, a sick relative or have perhaps taken on the lead role as a primary care giver.
Any young person/group who receives a nomination will receive a Certificate of Nomination from their local Superintendent to recognise their nomination, even if they do not succeed in winning an award.
This year we are canvassing via email and unfortunately our main awards ceremony will be a virtual event, but nevertheless, this should not take away from the event. Details on the awards are provided for in the nomination form.
If you have any questions in relation to this, please contact me on 086 8282621 or by email at ciara.m.moran@garda.ie . I can post you a hard copy of the nomination form if you need it.
I look forward to hearing from you
Yours faithfully
_________________
Ciara Moran
Garda JLO
Salthill & Clifden
Galway Gardai Youth Awards Nomination Form 2021.pdf
We wanted to make you aware that the LGFA's Official Retail Partner and National League sponsor, Lidl Ireland, has announced a new fundraising initiative through its rewards app, Lidl Plus, ‘Level The Playing Field’ for Ladies Gaelic Football players across the country.
From today, Monday 15th February, Lidl is calling on customers to register for its Lidl Plus app, and sign up to the retailer’s fundraising initiative to raise much needed funds for their local club. The retailer will award the maximum amount of €20,000 to the top performing clubs in each of the four provinces.
Each time Lidl Plus registered users spend over €30 in store and scan their app at the till between Monday 15th February and Sunday 11th April, they will receive a stamp on their digital stamp card. Multiple stamps can be earned in each shop if a multiple of €30 is spent and once six stamps have been collected, users can submit their completed stamp card via the app and their stamps are then added to their chosen club’s total.
Each club that achieves a minimum of 50 completed digital stamp cards is guaranteed a reward, starting from a set of Lidl sponsored jerseys up to €5,000 in cash funding for clubs that collect 500 or more completed stamp cards.
Simple Steps
1. Download/Open the Lidl Plus app and follow the prompts on screen
2. Select the club you want to support
3. Spend over €30 in store and scan your Lidl Plus card to earn a stamp (over €60 = 2 stamps, over €90 = 3 stamps, etc.)
4. Collect 6 stamps and submit your completed card by Sunday, April 11th
Full details are available at: https://www.lidl.ie/serious-support
Congratulations to Mary Loftes on winning Galway LGFA Valentines prize.
Mary received her Roses and Buster at Supermacs Cliften
Galway LGFA would like to wish Eddie and all the staff at Supermac”s Clifden a very happy Valentines Day.
Galway LGFA would also like to wish all our players and supporters a happy Valentines Day
Galway Senior Ladies are proudly sponsored by Supermacs
The deadline for applications to the Sports Capital Programme is 5pm March 1 2021. However the deadline for registrations is this coming Monday, 5pm February 15 2021. Registration is done online at this address -www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie
A chara,
The Management Committee of LGFA held a meeting last night following the update from the Gaelic Games Covid Advisory group on Monday. The meeting considered the advice of this group and agreed
that the incidence of the virus in the community remains at a level where it would be irresponsible for the LGFA to permit a return to collective training at this moment in time. As the situation with the virus remains fluid, it is unfortunately impossible for the Association to put definitive dates in place for when Inter-County training or games may resume but they have confirmed activity will not return prior to the 5th March while Level 5 restrictions remain in place.
We remain committed to providing at least a four-week window for teams between the return of collective training and the commencement of competitive games so as the situation progresses we will provide an update in relation to competitions in our master fixture plan.
In the interim, I would like to thank our County Boards, Players and Managers for their understanding of the current situation and for co-operating with us in ensuring that collective training does not take place. It is imperative that this directive is strictly adhered to and any breaches of these guidelines will be dealt with as a high level offence. I also wish to remind Counties that all pitches and gyms must remain closed for the time being.
We want to assure Counties that we are committed to getting our Counties and Clubs returning to training as soon as Government restrictions permit and we will keep you informed with all updates in this regard. The safety of our players, mentors, officials and their families must remain central to our decision making process over the coming weeks.
We urge members to adhere to all restrictions and most importantly to stay safe.
Together we can get through this and return safely to activity on the pitch.
Regards
Helen
LINESPERSON AND UMPIRE TRAINING
There will be an online linesperson and umpires training webinar on February 1st hosted by Connacht LGFA. We need people from Galway to apply for this.
If you or someone you know is interested please reply to secretary.galway@lgfa.ie immediately with your name and phone number. Alternatively you can contact Geraldine on 087 6872973 with your details
Fueling the body webinar
Please see below link to a webinar that will of interest to players in your club. It takes place on this Wednesday 20th January online at 7pm. It is aimed at all players from U14 to adult.
Referee Annual Refresher Courses 2021 on the following dates:
January 14th and 19th
February 3rd and 16th.
All referees must complete the refresher course to be eligible to referee in 2021
Statement from Tim Rabbitt, Galway Senior Ladies County Manager. January 4th 2020
I wish to confirm to the players and the Galway LGFA county board that I will not be putting my name forward for the position of manager of the Galway Senior Ladies football for the coming season.
Having completed three years with this squad, one as coach and two as manager, I feel now is the time for a change. Although my time as manager ends on a disappointing note with this year’s semi-final defeat and the events that preceded it, I will not let the dark cloud that hangs over that day, to take away from the many enjoyable days we experienced together over the past three years.
I want to say that I felt honoured and privileged to be involved with this group of players, management and county board officials.
I feel that we are very fortunate in Galway to have the high quality of people and players currently representing our county at senior intercounty level and I can testify to the commitment and dedication that this group of players have shown over the last number of years to ensuring that Galway are competing for All Ireland honours.
The next step for this group of players is an important one. I dearly hope if the will is there, from the players, to come together again, with a renewed drive to reaffirm their commitment to bringing this group to the next level, then I have no doubt it can be achieved. It is clear there is still much work to do and I am sorry I will not be part of the next step on the journey but unfortunately I feel I have done all I can and believe a change of vision and voice is required to assist the players achieve their goals.
I would like to thank the fellow members of my management team Ciara Moran, Dylan Connors, Gerry Fahy, Declan Burke, John Reddington, Declan Byrne, David Mannion and Paul Pender for their time and efforts towards the betterment of this group of players. Their efforts went above and beyond their duty and I would like to think we continually looked at every area of our preparation to seek the improvements we required.
I would like to thank Galway City Physio and in particular Alison Coneys for her time and effort in taking care of the squad. I also want to thank Nora Ni Fhlanagain from Nora’s Nuitrition and Niamh Flynn from Bodywatch.
Can I thank the many sponsors who assisted the senior team in particular Pat and Una Mc Donagh of Supermac’s for their continued support of the Galway Ladies football senior team. Also Padraic O’Neachtain of Supermacs for his assistance. The many other companies that came on board such as Corrib Oil, Sheils Motor Group Galway and McGinn’s Hop House. The members of the Galway LGFA golf outing fundraising committee in helping raising funds for the squad. It was very much appreciated.
I would like to thank the many clubs that assisted us in sharing their facilities with us, in particular Claregalway, Dunmore, Clonberne, Turloughmore and St. James. I would like to thank Galway GAA for use of the training facilities at Loughgeorge and Feed the Pulse for looking after our catering requirements.
I also want to thank NUIG Sports Department for making their sports facilities at Dangan available to us.
Finally, I would like to thank the Galway LGFA executive for their support and in particular county secretary Geraldine Heverin and chairperson Betty Hernon for their cooperation and support over the past three years.
Tim Rabbitt
Galway Ladies County Board wish to acknowledge Tim Rabitt’s decision not to put his name forward as Manager for another term with the Galway Senior ladies.
Tim has given three years to Galway ladies the latter two as manager. This role comes with huge personal demands and sacrifices. Tim has served Galway Ladies Football with the utmost of commitment, dedication and integrity. At all times his players and their welfare were his priority.
Under his stewardship the Galway Ladies reached both the All Ireland League and Championship Finals in 2019. In 2020 they were top of the League table prior to Covid – 19 and reached the All Ireland semi-final in the Championship.
The County Board wish to sincerely thank Tim for his professionalism in managing this team. He brought players to a new level and has assisted them in progressing and performing at this higher level. Most importantly, he at all times encouraged players to believe in their ability and talents and to always strive to be the best they can be. He has passed on not just football skills but life lessons in leadership, teamwork and accountability. We are indebted to Tim and indeed to all his mentors who have vested so much of themselves in our Senior Team.
The County Board wish to thank you Tim for your cooperation, energy, enthusiasm, dedication, inspiration, respect and your ongoing support. We wish you continued success into the future and we are very grateful to have shared this journey with you.
Adh mór ort agus go n-éirí an t-ádh leat
Please support our Senior Ladies when they take on Dublin in the TG4 All Ireland Senior Championship Semi Final. Game in Dr. Hyde Park next Saturday 25th August at 4.30pm as part of a triple header. Tickets available on www.tickets.ie and Supervalu and Centra Stores.
A reminder of the webinar taking place tomorrow Thursday 29th October 2020
Topic: Volunteer Recruitment and Retention
Date: Thursday 29th October or Wednesday 13th January
Time: 7pm
Aimed at: All club officers especially Chairperson and Secretary
Description: A webinar aimed at teaching club officers the benefits of implementing proper volunteer recruitment and retention procedures
To book your place: 29th October CLICK HERE, 13th January CLICK HERE
Galway LGFA Senior playing panel for the upcoming 2020 championship season has been finalised.
Galway face Tipperary in round 1 of the All Ireland series this Sat 3 pm in Limerick.
Press Release
Corrib Oil announced as official fuel sponsors to Galway LGFA.
Galway LGFA are delighted to announce Corrib Oil as the official fuel partners to the Galway Ladies senior football team.
‘’We are delighted to support the Galway Ladies senior football team in preparation for the upcoming 2020 All Ireland series and in their quest to go one step further than last year. We have a strong tradition of supporting local sporting bodies and supporting Galway ladies football is a perfect fit for us especially in the year 2020 with the growth of female sport ‘’
Galway LGFA chairperson Betty Hernon says ‘’ We are delighted that Galway based company Corrib Oil have come on board to support the players for the coming season There is a high level of commitment required by the players to play inter county football at an elite level and this partnership will assist them in there preparations for the season ahead’’
Galway senior ladies football campaign commences on October 31st verses Tipperary.
Please find picture attached from left to right Betty Hernon Chairperson Galway LGFA, Noel Browne and Tommy Rohan of Corrib Oil, Galway players Chloe Miskel and Ailish Morrissey , Bernard Dempsey and Jamie Tierney of Corrib Oil.
Former player becomes new presenter of TG4’s Peil na mBan Beo coverage
The TG4 Ladies Football Championship in association with the LGFA is back on our screens soon. Despite the Covid delays the championships promise high drama from the start, with everything on the line for the teams involved from the first game.
As always, TG4 will be in the thick of the action, broadcasting 9 live games, including the junior, intermediate and senior finals.
There will a new face on TG4's Peil na mBan Beo coverage this year, with former Galway star and TG4 analyst Máire Ní Bhraonáin fronting the station's live broadcasts.
Máire Ní Bhraonáin is a presenter, commentator, analyst and secondary school teacher born and raised in Milltown, Co, Galway. At nine years of age, she began playing football with Milltown. She made her Galway Senior championship debut in 2011 against Dublin. Achievements include 3 Connacht Titles, 1 Minor All-Ireland Title, 1 U16 All -Ireland Title and 2 All-Ireland Club 7's Titles.
Graduating from Trinity College in 2010 in Modern Irish and Drama Studies, she completed her PDE in NUIG in 2013. A love of music has always been in the family and she plays the fiddle, piano and tin whistle. Along with working as a vice Principal in Conamara during summer months, she has travelled three times to Zambia to build homes for the local people.
The opportunity to begin working with Spórt TG4 and Nemeton came in 2011. Máire contributes regularly to radio programmers on RTÉ RnaG, BBC Gaeilge and Newstalk and presented C.L.U.B with Diarmuid Lyng in 2018.
On fronting Peil na mBan Beo Máire says, "Sport plays a prominent role in our lives. For the past 20 years, TG4 has been instrumental in promoting and developing Peil na mBan. Having worked as an analyst on Peil na mBan Beo since 2011, I am thrilled to be presenting the 2020 Peil na mBan Beo Championship."
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