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58 | SPRING 2022 | www.ladiesgaelic.ie T he inaugural Leading Provincial Programme has just finished. This programme is run in partnership with the GAA, and is designed for females aged 18+ who are interested in personal development and leadership through their role in LGFA or GAA. We caught up with one graduate from each province to get their thoughts on the programme. LEADING PROVINCIAL FEMALES PROGRAMME Orla Cunnigham, Na Gaeil Óga/Our Ladys Island, Dublin/ Wexford, Leinster After the success of the initial Female Leadership Programme and having a study of the modules, I knew that getting involved in the programme was something I really wanted to do. I had moved to Dublin away from my home club (An Charraig Mhór; Tir Eoghain) and joined Na Gaeil Óga in Dublin; one of Ireland's fastest growing clubs, because I wanted to be able to use Gaeilge in my everyday life. I was always used to being a player and volunteering in my home club but moving away and sticking your neck out in unfamiliar territory is not something I had ever encountered. I knew that the modules being provided could help me with this, I wanted to know if I had the skills to be a good leader and realise if I had other potential, as I had recently been injured and wasn't confident that I'd ever play again, but I knew I didn't want to walk away from football entirely. I was accepted into the programme and completed my first face- to-face day and that's when I knew that every woman in the room had been bitten by the same bug; the desire to learn, to improve ourselves, improve our clubs and have our voices heard. Over the course of the months that would follow, we had coffee fuelled evenings with interesting discussions and perspectives, we were challenged to think deeply, to sit with uncomfortable thoughts, reflect and plan for the future. Every time we came face to face, those seven hours on a Saturday went by in a flash. We learnt, we laughed, we cried and we had the craic! Not only have I met some inspiring women - I have left this programme all the more knowledgeable because of the great teachers, guest speakers and leaders the LGFA provided to us. Taking part in this programme was a wonderful opportunity to develop my skills so I can better perform in my role as a coach and PRO, but also in my day-to-day and working life. The variety of content discussed meant that nothing went untouched. I would recommend this programme to absolutely every female involved in Gaelic Games with the GAA - no matter what level or age - absolutely everyone can learn and develop from this programme. LEADING PROVINCIAL FEMALES