Rising Laois lights of Ladies Gaelic Football feature in  Gaelic4Girls

Laois girls who want to play Gaelic Football to be given the opportunity to take up the game via a local club selected for the annual Gaelic4Girls Programme.

St Pauls is among those listed by the Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) in the Glenveagh Homes Gaelic4Girls Programme. The Emo / Courtwood club is one of 23 clubs from Ireland and Britain set to take part sports initiative.

The LGFA say the programme has been a huge success story since its inception in 2008. In 2026, 15 counties will be represented among the clubs, which include St Joseph’s from London.

Gaelic4Girls is a 10-week programme incorporating coaching and non-competitive blitzes aimed at increasing participation in Ladies Gaelic Football. The programme targets girls aged between 8-12 years who are not registered with a Ladies Gaelic Football club.

LGFA President Trina Murray commented: “I am absolutely delighted to acknowledge the list of 23 clubs that will participate in the 2026 Glenveagh Homes Gaelic4Girls programme.

“Each year, this initiative continues to play a vital role in introducing young girls to our sport, helping them build confidence, make friendships, and enjoy football in a fun and supportive environment. The passion and commitment shown by our clubs in delivering Gaelic4Girls never fails to impress, and the enthusiasm of the girls themselves is truly inspiring.

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“We are deeply grateful to our programme sponsors, Glenveagh Homes, whose unwavering support ensures that this important pathway continues to grow and flourish.

“Their backing allows us to reach even more communities and provide meaningful opportunities for girls to experience Gaelic football in a positive and encouraging setting. I look forward to seeing the impact these 23 clubs will make throughout 2026 and beyond.”

Annette McGarry, Head of Community Engagement, Glenveagh Homes, added: “We are delighted to continue our support for the Gaelic4Girls initiative in 2026. This programme plays a key role in developing sports skills and friendships for young girls at local levels, and at a time when women’s sports are gaining more traction, it has become an increasingly important sporting pillar for communities nationwide".

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The roll-out of the programme will be assisted by leading inter-county players serving as ambassadors, namely Aimee Mackin (Armagh), Laurie Ryan (Clare), Jennifer Higgins (Roscommon), Leah Caffrey (Dublin), Blaithín Bogue (Fermanagh), Síofra O’Shea (Kerry) and Louise Ward (Galway).

A new ambassador will be revealed early in the New Year.