LGFA and Camogie receive Government funding boost.

The Camogie association and Ladies Gaelic Football Intercounty teams are receiving their first tranche of government funding in the coming weeks which will reach €428,000 in total in 2017.

This funding supports both ladies football panels and camogie panels in their preparations for the upcoming year and also with the 2017 All-Ireland Championships in both codes set to get underway in the coming weeks, it is a welcome announcement.

In June 2016 the Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD, brought in a two-year agreement, commencing in 2017, to provide support for intercounty Camogie and Ladies Football players.

The government will provide funding of €500,000 in 2017 and 2018, through Sport Ireland, to support programmes included in a joint proposal brought in by the Camogie Association, the LGFA and the WGPA.

The financial support is aimed towards programmes such as injury prevention and medical cover, maximising player and team performance, and access to training facilities.

The applications received focused on important areas such as Physiotherapy, Strength and Conditioning, Nutritional Advice, Sports Psychology, Performance Analysis, Player Recovery, Medical Cover, Specialised Coaching and Gym/Training Facilities.

Speaking at the announcement, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Shane Ross said

“This two-year programme of financial support shows the appreciation of the Government for what our Intercounty Ladies Football and Camogie players do for our sporting landscape.

“Every year, we see many thrilling and competitive contests. Their sporting achievements and the enjoyment that they bring to so many throughout the length and breadth of Ireland deserves to be recognised. I wish all concerned with Ladies Football and Camogie continued success in the years ahead”.

Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Patrick O’Donovan said:

“I was delighted to announce this funding programme last June as I believe that it shows the commitment of the Government to the promotion of our national Gaelic Games. Ladies Football and Camogie form such an important part of Irish culture and heritage and the players and clubs are the cornerstone of communities around the country. The schemes which will be funded by the grants allocated today are so important to the continued development of women’s sport in Ireland.”

Sinéad McNulty, Chairperson of the Scheme Implementation Group stated “This investment will provide a range of valuable services, directly benefitting female Gaelic Games players across the country.

Female intercounty athletes demonstrate supreme commitment to their sports, and showcase their individual talents, as well as the opportunities which sport can provide to women and girls across Ireland.

“These athletes provide excellent role models for Irish women and girls, assisting the Ladies Gaelic Football Association and the Camogie Association to promote the sports. They encourage females to get involved in sport and physical activity through local clubs, where they can enjoy the personal benefits of improved physical & mental health, and social interactions provided at a club setting, and highlights the potential of performing at the highest levels through intercounty representation.”