Galway LGFA call for “a partnership of equals”
The Chairperson for Galway LGFA has highlighted the need for greater co-operation between men’s GAA and women’s football and camogie.
This is following the Gaelic Players Association’s (GPA) call for the “integration between the GAA, LGFA, and Camogie Association,” ahead of congress on the 26th of February.
In their recent statement, the GPA said, “It is our belief that we can best contribute to societal change for girls and women by calling for systemic change within Gaelic Games and equality can best be delivered by one combined governing body for Gaelic Games.”
Galway LGFA Chairperson, Betty Hernon, has called for further co-operation between organisations to be brought into the women’s game, with the county board set to submit a motion at congress as “a partnership of equals.”
“This isn’t as simple as organisations joining together, there needs to be a discussion regarding funding, facilities, and how the needs of all our players are going to be met.”
Ms Hernon has also called for new methods of funding to aid the women’s game: “If everybody was to contribute one to five euro a week as a government levy, and for this money to be put aside for sports facilities to be developed across the country.
“A lot of grant funding is needed to allow clubs to develop. It’s not right that the men have better facilities than the women, we need to be looking at facilities for everybody.”
While she acknowledges the progress that has been made for women’s football, Ms Hernon admits they’re a long way to go before equality is achieved, particularly in attendance at fixtures.
“We are a long way off getting the numbers at ladies matches compared to the men. The more promotion and publicity that is out there will help attract fans.
“The standard of football people witness is a huge factor. As it continues to grow it will help attract more interest.”
Despite the challenges ahead, Ms Hernon is confident that other counties will be open to change to help ladies football.
“People are in favour of it. At the end of the day, a lot of fundraising comes from families, where boys and girls are playing, so I think there will be support for it.”
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