Ladies Gaelic Football

8 | SPRING 2019 | www.ladiesgaelic.ie FEMALE LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME ast year, the LGFA launched its Strategic Roadmap 2017-2022 with a key area stated as to 'define a model to promote Female Leadership across the Association. And so, the Ladies Gaelic Football Association launched the 'Learn to Lead' Programme in February 2019– a unique Female Leadership programme. The LGFA Leadership Programme was devised to develop the next generation of female leaders within Ladies Gaelic Football. The course is delivered over 12 months by experts in the fields of coaching, officiating, administration and PR/ Media. Over four days, and six evenings, the LGFA will examine diverse leadership skills and focus on the skill-sets and techniques required to master each of the four strands – coaching, officiating, administration and PR/Media. Five candidates were chosen to participate in each strand –the final list of 20 includes leading coaches, officials, administrators and players, representing the four provinces. Now 3 months into the Learn to lead programme, Participants met in Croke Park for the 2 nd of 4 Leadership sessions where all 20 members of the programme come together. The session was led by Pedro Angulo, head of Leadership Development with AIB, and kicked off with TG4's Grainne McElwain in conversation with the day's keynote speaker, former Uachtarán na hÉireann, Mary McAleese. While it was the first time a lot of those in the audience had heard her speak, they were instantly hooked on her every word. She spoke of the female role models in her own life, her mother and grandmother, about growing up in Belfast during the troubles and being the eldest of nine children. She spoke of her grandmother working every day of her life in the family home to provide for her children, her mother leaving school at 15 to become a hairdresser and her father at 13 to work in a bar. She also spoke about her involvement in the human rights movement in Ireland for lesbian and gay people in the 1970s. When approached by David Norris to become legal advisor to the Campaign for Homosexual Law Reform, she didn't hesitate in taking up the position. Mary McAleese shared invaluable L insights for developing leadership skills and also strategies to utilise in times of doubt. This opportunity for intimate discussion with the former President is something the participants will never forgot and provided huge inspiration to embrace opportunities to challenge themselves. Pedro Angulo was the facilitator for the rest of the day. Hailing from Spain and married to a Cork woman, Pedro studied at both Minnesota State University and UCD and as well as his role with AIB, he is also Programme Director with the Irish Management Institute. He would deliver in the most uplifting manner, full of humour and his expertise was evident throughout the day, covering all facets of leadership. Participants carried out exercises to discover who they are as leaders and how to better connect with others. They were challenged to identify personal purpose moving forward and given strategies to fulfil it. A multitude of analysis of leadership styles, qualities and strengths was carried out and reading, watching and listening lists advised. Lyn Savage, National Development Manager, and Marie Hickey, Uachtarán Cumann Peil Gael na mBan, brought the day to a close with heartfelt and inspirational speeches. The energy, drive and focus of all the programme's participants was evident by the days end and all agreed they are already seeing the fruits of the momentum created by the programme in their own units, be it with club, county or province. "The group has already formed a bond that promises tangible and sustainable leadership" said Former Donegal captain Nadine Doherty, one of 20 participants in the LGFA's 'Learn to Lead' Female Leadership Programme. She is one of five participants in the PR/Media Strand and following Day 2 of the Programme at Croke Park she wrote a wonderful reflective piece on her experience so far for the LGFA website. link You can follow the journey of all 20 participants on the LGFA's 'Learn to Lead' Female Leadership Programme, by accessing their social media handles on the LGFA website link Main Image: LGFA CEO Helen O'Rourke, Former Uachtarán na hÉireann, Mary McAleese & LGFA President Maire Hickey. Small Image: Leadership Programme participants listen to the discussion

• Cover