Issue link: http://digitaleditions.uberflip.com/i/1437906
60 | WINTER 2021 | www.ladiesgaelic.ie Learn to Lead strand: PR/ Media Sorcha Furlong, St Brigids, Dublin What attracted you to the Learn to Lead programme? I had heard such great things about the first Learn to Lead programme that it sounded like it was too good to be true, but thankfully... it was all true! I wanted to challenge myself to become a better person and I was very enthused by the idea of meeting like- minded women. I also wanted to learn how I could contribute in some small way to the development of the association. I think that through the programme I will become better able to give back to the game and the association that gave so much to me. What has been the highlight of the programme so far? There have been so many great evenings in our strands, listening to and learning from some amazing women. I've already learned more about myself, my style of leadership and leadership in general than I thought I would throughout the whole programme. My favourite thing so far has been our first day meeting in person with everyone on the programme. While we had all met virtually before then, it was great to see everyone in person. We had a fabulous day listening, chatting and of course laughing! Have you specific leadership qualities that you want to develop while on the programme? I wanted to learn more about the type of leader I could be and how to get the best from myself and the people around me. I love to work with other people and as a teacher, I always want to see people being the best that they could be. There are so many different types of leaders, but in my opinion, the best leaders get the best out of everyone that they meet. That is something I would love to be able to say about myself, that I get the best from myself and those around me. What was your favourite personal moment of your LGFA role in 2021? For me it was being in Croke Park on All-Ireland final day, pitch-side, reporting on the games. It was such a privilege to be so close to the action and to speak to the people so centrally involved, from those organising all of the behind the scenes action to those playing and managing on the day. It was an honour for me to be there and to interview people on such a special occasion. It was made extra special having my 2-month-old daughter Aisling there too! What are you most looking forward to in 2022? In 2022, I'm looking forward to continuing our journey on the programme and becoming a better leader and person. In terms of football in 2022, I'm excited to see a full year of football, between club games, intercounty league and championship. It's been a tough few years for people and football is something that brings such pleasure to so many people around the country. I'm also excited to see a senior Leinster championship back in action. It's been a few years since we had one at senior level and suddenly we now have three teams competing, including both All- Ireland finalists from last year! Who are your LGFA role models? There are so many role models to choose from it's hard to pick one or two out. From a media perspective, Gráinne McElwain is certainly someone that I look up to and admire. She has been the face of ladies football for so long and it's fantastic to see her progressing so well. In terms of current players, the likes of Lyndsey Davey and Vikki Wall would be two people that I'd look up to. Lyndsey has been there a long time and done it all. She's the epitome of a team player and leader. Vikki now stands out as a leader both on and off the pitch. She's been well known and regarded in football circles for many years but she's now become a household name throughout the country in a relatively short space of time and she's thriving in that environment too. The LGFA has made some significant progress over the past decade – what are the most important changes you have seen? There have been so many positive steps forward in the association. Obviously, the prominence of female athletes in the media is huge for young girls growing up. They now have very visible role models. The LGFA have worked very hard at making the players and the association as a whole more visible with positive knock-on effects. The sponsorship deals that have been put in place and the formation of the WGPA are big steps forward. For me, the increase in the numbers of girls and women playing football has to be the most significant thing that has changed in the last decade Development LGFA