No Laois woman is a Gaelic Games Leading Provincial Female

No Laois woman will be part of a Gaelic Games programme aimed at developing leadership on and off the field.

The O'Moore County is absent from the list of successful applicants announced on March 7 for the 2025 Gaelic Games ‘Leading Provincial Females’ Programmes, across Connacht, Leinster, Munster, and Ulster.

Croke Park announced that 73 participants had been selected to represent 23 counties and have commenced their "leadership journeys" in Gaelic sport.

A statement from GAA HQ to the Leinster Express / Laois Live said the programme is for females who wish to develop and hone their leadership skills, while also furthering development as a coach, match official, administrator or any volunteer role in Gaelic Games.

A total of 140 people applied from the 32 counties for a place on the programme, of whom 111 were accepted. None of those accepted. A spokesperson said ther have been Laois participants in previous years

There are three mandatory in-person attendance days of the 12-month programme, which is open to members of GAA, LGFA, Camogie, Handball and Rounders. The Leinster days take place in Croke Park. 

The programme, which is in its sixth year, is supported by the Sport Ireland Women in Sport Fund. It will run from February until September, with follow-up work to be completed thereafter.

A statement said the programme is designed for females aged 18+ interested in personal development and potentially leading teams on and off the field. Throughout the year, participants engage in four provincial programmes, each of which will consist of face-to-face sessions and online webinars, which will examine their leadership skills.

A key feature of the programme includes three in-person days; one at the start of the programme, one at the midpoint, and one after the programme.

These in-person sessions will focus on developing participants' leadership skills, while also offering an opportunity for reflection and growth.

Participants must also complete at least two modules from themes across the four strands of coaching, officiating, administration and PR/media between each of those dates, a minimum of four.

GAA President, Jalarth Burns, commented: “The Leading Provincial Females Programme is a fantastic initiative and one that underlines the collaborative working relationship between the Gaelic games organisations.

“An exciting 12-month programme awaits the 73 participants who have been selected and the spread of 23 counties covered by the group is a source of huge encouragement.

“The new and enhanced skills acquired by everyone involved will not only benefit Gaelic games but will see participants to bring those same qualities back into their personal and professional lives," he said.

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Speaking on behalf of the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, President Mícheál Naughton, added: “I am so pleased that this programme is being rolled out once again in 2025. It’s a programme that has the capacity to hone pre-existing skills, while developing new ones.

“Our Association is synonymous with strong female leaders and this programme will be of huge benefit to females who are already leaders in their own right, but who can now be even better leaders in the years to come.

“We’re delighted to work alongside our counterparts in the GAA and the Camogie Association to oversee the rollout of the 2025 Leading Provincial Females programme. It’s wonderful to see such a broad geographical cross-section of participants, and with all four provinces well represented.”

Brian Molloy, President of the Camogie Association, said: "The Camogie Association is proud to support the 2025 ‘Leading Provincial Females’ Programme, which is a vital step in developing the next generation of female leaders in Gaelic Games. This programme brings together women from clubs across Ireland, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead within their clubs and communities.

"By investing in the personal and leadership development of women, we are not only strengthening Camogie but also cultivating a culture that inspires and motivates future generations. Through this initiative, we are creating a more inclusive and dynamic future for Gaelic Games as a whole."