Ladies Gaelic Football

www.ladiesgaelic.ie | SPRING 2022 | 29 INTERVIEW match days and pools of coaches who are happy to help outside their own team when needed. This year, we have a female in the lead coach role for our nursery group (mixed boys and girls U5-7) – this is another first for the club, historically a male has always held this position. Every team gets equal pitch time for training and games, which helps build respect among all our groups – from U5 to adult. While it can be very easy to have a One Club model on paper, in reality, it does take time and planning in terms of the structures, and really honest conversations about where a club is and where it would like to go. I really can't imagine what it would be like if we weren't One Club. Q4: What has been the most valuable thing you have learned on the programme so far? It's hard to pick just one! There are a few: • You don't always have to lead from the front to be a great leader • Don't be a busy fool (wise words from Pedro Angulo) • Feel the fear – face the fear (Pedro again) • It's good to stretch out of the comfort zone – really what's the worst that can happen?! (yes – Pedro & Niamh McElwain – LGFA L2L Facilitators) Q5: What is your ambition for yourself within your roles in the LGFA/GAA? I would like to continue to learn and grow within my current roles and hopefully inspire other females to get involved. I have recently 'stretched' and completed the LGFA 'Grab Your Whistle' referee course. I'm hoping that over time that I'll be confident enough to referee more than U8 girls & U9 boys training matches. I am really looking forward to G4M&O – all girls just want to have fun. Q6: If you could change one thing about the LGFA/GAA what would that be? Again - it's hard to pick just one – the obvious one is that all the codes move under one integrated structure, but also: Disability & Inclusion - that there be more of a focus on participation rather than competition (winning) especially at underage, which would promote a more inclusive environment for children of all needs and abilities. This would need to be underpinned with other local organisations such as the LSPs, CARA etc and perhaps mandatory training for coaches in the area of D&I. The acceptance of disrespectful / abusive behaviour – it's evident for so many volunteers involved in our game - referees, coaches, players, club officers. Something needs to change in this area. If nothing changes, then nothing changes and everything just stays the same! Q7: What do you think stops women from getting involved in decision-making positions in clubs? I find this a hard question to answer, as on our Club Committee nine out of 16 roles are filled by women, all of which involve significant decision-making requirements. Historically, I think perhaps the GAA was a male-dominated organisation and that maybe there was (is) a perception that men know more about Gaelic football or that they could do a better job than women fulfilling the roles or that they might have more time to volunteer. For me, personally, a lack of confidence and a fear of failing or not knowing enough prevented me from getting more involved in committees in the past. Learn2Lead has helped sort some of that out... Nothing ventured, nothing gained! Q8: Is there anything that you have learned outside of your LGFA/GAA involvement that you think has been a valuable asset in your role within it? There are a couple of things: My day job entails a lot continuous process improvement, conflict resolution, root cause, human factor and risk analysis. Having experience in these areas has certainly helped in working with others in a volunteer capacity and initiating changes to existing structures. I have completed an SNA course and I am training to become a Disability/Inclusion coach with Donegal Sports Partnership. These courses have really opened my eyes to the many improvement opportunities that exist within Gaelic Games, especially when compared to other sports. As a coach of young children – these courses have helped my confidence in adapting and planning training sessions to suit all abilities that come to training. Having empathy and acknowledging that we never know what is going on for people is really important too. "WE OWE A GREAT THANKS TO THOSE INVOLVED DOWN THROUGH THE LAST 10+ YEARS WHO HAD THE VISION FOR ONE CLUB. WE ARE IMPROVING ON OUR JOINT STRUCTURES ALL THE TIME. NOT ONLY DO WE SHARE IN THE HIGHS AND LOWS WITH ALL OUR TEAMS, BUT ALSO WE SHARE FINANCES, RESPONSIBILITY."

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