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EDUCATION SERIES This is the second series of 'Accelerate Your Journey… Preparation as a Minor County Player.' An education series delivered in association with ZuCar, the LGFA Performance Partner. This series is designed specifically for players on minor county panels for 2022 or 2023 and will provide them with an opportunity to interact with and learn from some of the current stars of our game. The series is hosted by former All Star and Armagh captain Caoimhe Morgan and she will discuss a number of topics as listed below with each panel. We spoke to our host, Caoimhe Marley Morgan, on the upcoming series. Caoimhe, it is great to have you involved in the series again. Can you tell us a little about yourself and why you decided to get involved in the series? I play my club football with Lissummon. I played for Armagh Ladies for 20 years, captaining the team on five occasions. My dad Noel Marley, who played for Armagh himself, first introduced me to Gaelic football and both my mum and dad have been an immense support to me throughout my career. My whole family is steeped in the game. Undoubtedly one of my most cherished moments in football was lining out with my three sisters in an All-Ireland quarter final win against Cork. I am also Head of PE in St. Catherine's College Armagh, a mum of two; Cadhla 10 and Dáire 6, and I've been married to my husband Comghall for 13 years. This series is an invaluable resource for young female athletes. I am so passionate and excited about it as I know I would have gained so much from it as a young girl trying to balance sport, school and life. Tell us a little bit more about the series As I said, this series is an invaluable resource for young female athletes. The series features amazing women from whom so much can be learned about balancing sport, school and life. The platform allows me to ask questions that I know young girls want answers to and it also lets them know they are not alone in their struggles. The topics are current and relatable, young girls will gain advice and tips on how to maximise their potential. Don't Miss Out on January and February sessions of Accelerate Your Journey.. Why did you get involved in the series? After retiring from inter county football, I was accepted onto the Learn To Lead Programme. One of the many things I learned from the programme was that there is a wealth of opportunities out there and the LGFA are trail blazers when it comes to encouraging and developing past players to stay involved. This series is something I feel I missed growing up and I know I would have benefited so much from being able to hear first-hand the answers to questions that can Accelerate Your Journey. I also teach many young girls who are asking me various questions centred around getting the most out of their sporting journeys. I have a superb line-up of speakers and the value they bring with their own experiences are priceless. These women have a varied range of experiences that will intrigue and amaze you. They are down to earth, approachable and willing to help you on your journey. They epitomise what is great about our LGFA; the sharing of best practise, promotion of building connections and most of all the sheer joy of being involved! What should young people expect from the series? Firstly, this will be a safe space to ask questions and share stories. There will be practical hints and tips on how to maximise your potential. You will hear first- hand experiences from a broad range of topics. Both the emotional and physical demands, how to create a support network and your lifestyle as a county player. Expect an honest series with a few laughs along the way! What are your hopes for the series and what would you like the players to take away? I hope that the players feel comforted that they are not alone on their journey. There are many ups and downs but the good times are worth it all. The most important thing about playing is to enjoy it, it is a hobby after all! When you hear some of the adversities some of these amazing speakers have overcome, I hope it gives players the resilience to stay involved and realise that the LGFA is a family with many opportunities. THE SERIES TAKES PLACE ACROSS 3 ONLINE SESSIONS: 8th December at 7.30pm – Emotional and Physical Preparation as a County Player with Emma Duggan (Meath) & Laura Ahearne (Galway) 10th January at 7.30pm – Communication and Creating a Support Network with Laurie Ryan (Clare) & Éabha Rutledge (Dublin) 6th February at 7.30pm – Your Lifestyle as a County Player with Tiarna Grimes (Armagh) & Mary Hulgraine (Kildare) To register to attend these live sessions on Zoom please CLICK HERE 26 | WINTER 2022 / JANUARY 2023 | www.ladiesgaelic.ie