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www.ladiesgaelic.ie | WINTER 2021 | 59 LGFA Development Learn to Lead strand: Administration Mary Ita Casey, Athea, Co. Limerick. What attracted you to the Learn to Lead programme? I have always been in involved in admin with my club. Every day is a school day, so I thought it was an opportunity to develop new skills while enhancing the ones I have. What has been the highlight of the programme so far? Meeting everyone face to face on Day 2 in Dublin. Great to meet like-minded people that bring out the best in you! Have you specific leadership qualities that you want to develop while on the programme? The ability to delegate! What was your favourite personal moment of your LGFA role in 2021? Our club winning some silverware this summer for the first time in 10 years!! What are you most looking forward to in 2022? New season, fresh ideas and renewed optimism. Who are your LGFA role models? Amanda Casey - Monaghan- mother, self- employed, superstar - still playing at such a high level. Pauline McCarthy of St. Ailbes still playing competitive football at 62…. So I'm only at the half way point in my football career. The LGFA has made some significant progress over the past decade – what are the most important changes you have seen? The continued promotion of the games by TG4, live streaming of matches and the publicity in partnership with Lidl. Learn to Lead strand: Officiating Jacqui Mulligan, St. Farnan's, Sligo. What attracted you to the Learn to Lead programme? Following the 2019/2020 leaders, it seemed to be exciting programme that offered you the opportunity to meet like-minded females involved as referees and to learn from other prominent female leaders. For me it is an opportunity to develop my skills as a referee and to progress along the referee pathway, while also developing my leadership skills. What has been the highlight of the programme so far? I really enjoyed the zoom session we had with David Gough. From a referee who has officiated at the highest level, he was so open with his preparation, performance and reflection. His tips for keeping focused in all these was invaluable. Have you specific leadership qualities that you want to develop while on the programme? I am looking forward to enhancing my communication and leadership skills and building confidence to help me excel in the role as an LGFA referee. Through the zoom calls and in person workshops, with the assistance of my fellow passionate female referees, I would hope to create personal development plans specific to my leadership style. What was your favourite personal moment of your LGFA role in 2021? I've been very fortunate to be still playing at inter-county level at this stage in my career, while also progressing as a referee. The personal moment for me would have to be playing with Sligo, topping our group and getting to the Lidl Division 3 League Semi Final. We were staring down the barrel of relegation in 2020 so to turn that around with a young panel and new Management was the best feeling. What are you most looking forward to in 2022? Having the opportunity to learn from the fellow members of the officiating strand. I would really like to take it a step further and gain experience of refereeing games at adult level. Who are your LGFA role models? With regard to referees, the first name that comes to mind is Shane Curley. He was introduced to us in Croke Park during the Grab Your Whistle National Programme. His passion for his role was clearly evident. Since then I've had the pleasure of him officiating at our games, his professionalism, calming voice & steady head makes him a great role model in the officiating strand. The LGFA has made some significant progress over the past decade – what are the most important changes you have seen? The raise in profile of LGFA as an organisation is exceptional. The increase in numbers playing, attending & watching games but more importantly the female role models that so many members of the organisation are now to younger girls is remarkable.