Our Learn to Lead participants featured in Peil Magazine and you can read all about them by clicking on article below: Hear what some of the participants had to say! Administration/Governance Strand Name: Trina Murray County: Westmeath Club: Moate Why did you apply for the programme? I applied for the programme to improve my skill sets in Leadership and also to enhance my leadership style so that I can effectively perform my duties in my role as Leinster Vice President. What aspect of Learn to Lead have you enjoyed? To be fair I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. I particularly enjoyed the area of identifying your leadership type and recognising other leadership styles and how you can all work together effectively as a unit. I feel honoured to be chosen as one of the first participants and look forward to my journey ahead. Do you feel you will utilise the skills you have learned in the future? Absolutely, yes I will indeed. These skills will be invaluable to me as I progress my position within my Province. I would highly recommend this programme for any Female who is either starting their journey in any of the strands in Leadership or like myself a stalwart of the Association to grasp the opportunity to avail of this top class Leadership programme. The coaching we received by the Guest Speakers/ Coaches was top class and the Ladies Football Association are to be commended for the amount of time and effort they took in co ordinating this Female Leadership Programme. We look forward to using our new skill sets along our Journey within the structure of the LGFA and indeed in our own daily lives. Name: Sinead Reel County: Armagh Club: Silverbridge Harps Why did you apply for the programme? Always keen to learn from others, found this was the ideal opportunity to work alongside people in the same or similar role to myself, wanted to improve my skills as a leader. What aspect of Learn to Lead have you enjoyed most? The interaction at all the workshops amongst us all as participants, the new skills I have learned for aspects of my particular role as a county chair including negotiation, leadership, learn to listen, respect, conducting meetings and learning to include all involved, more importantly learning that I cannot do it all myself, training myself to ask for more help in certain areas. Do you feel you will utilise the skills you have learned in the future? I feel I have already put to good use the skills I have picked up along the way, mainly in the committee room scenario but also dealing with people on a daily basis. I am also becoming more recognisable in my role, so I must always be aware that my attitude, personality, responses to situations are always under scrutiny and I am more aware of that. Would you recommend the programme to other females? Absolutely, I would recommend any of the programmes the LGFA organise, because no matter what role you are in, you can always learn more, even if you only take one small piece from each meeting or course, it is something more to add onto your list of abilities. Being able to utilise the skills from the course is the important part for me. Name: Eimear O’Connor County: Laois Club: Mountrath (formally Portarlington) Why did you apply for the programme? I was very interested to learn more about LGFA and develop my leadership skills, which inevitably would help me as chair of my club and in my new business IntegriLeads. Plus I’m always up for a challenge. What aspect of Learn to Lead have you enjoyed most to date? Meeting liked minded individuals and learning from those who have a vast amount of life experience both in the LGFA and business. Do you feel you will utilise the skills you have learned in the future? Yes, we are gaining valuable lessons on how to handle situations and become more effective leaders. Every session has been different and each time you can bring something that you learned back to your club. Would you recommend the programme to other females? Yes, I found it a very positive experience, at times it has been difficult because I am a mum of 4, with a new business and chairing my club, so there has been a lot of juggling. However, the opportunities that have come from the course far outweigh anything else. It’s such an exciting, forward thinking organisation and I’m delighted to be part of it and I’d encourage more women to get involved, it’s one thing you won’t regret. Name: Liz Ahern County: Cork Club: Carrigtwohill Why did you apply for the programme? I applied to increase my confidence in my ability and acquire skills to assist me in my administrative role in the LGFA. What aspect of Learn to Lead have you enjoyed most? I particularly enjoyed in engaging with other participants and the peer learning that resulted; sharing experiences, successes and failures. Women supporting women is very empowering. The speakers throughout the course were of a very high calibre and I left each day inspired and hungry for more. Do you feel you will utilise the skills you have learned in the future? The skills I have learned have served me so well both personally and professionally. In fact, It has not just benefitted me but everyone I engage with. In essence, my mindset is positive and I am intentional and deliberate in my interactions with others. Would you recommend the programme to other females? Absolutely, if you are open to a journey of self, then you will thoroughly enjoy it! Other Participants: Eileen Jones (Tyrone) Officiating Strand Name: Grainne Sands County: Down Club: Glenn John Martin Why did you apply for the programme? I wanted to increase my knowledge of officiating and try to promote and increase the number of female officials in LGFA. What aspect of Learn to Lead have you enjoyed most? I enjoy the meetings of the individual strands with LGFA staff, guests and the other girls from Officiating. This is because it is specific to us. Do you feel you will utilise the skills you have learned in the future? I have no doubt and I can’t wait to the new season starts, I am eager to implement my new learned skills and develop my leadership traits. Would you recommend the programme to other females? There is no doubt in my mind about recommending this course. I am so privileged to have been part of the very first programme. It is a fantastic opportunity for anyone who wants to improve themselves in order to be a leader of others. A leader and a guide. Name: Aisling Carey County: Westmeath Club: Shandonagh Why did you apply for the programme? To learn how to be a referee and develop the confidence to officiate. What aspect of Learn to Lead have you enjoyed most? The first and second Dublin leadership days were excellent! Do you feel you will utilise the skills you have learned in the future? Yes, the skills I have learned will certainly assist me in the future. Would you recommend the programme to other females? Yes, but I wouldn’t recommend the current officiating strand programme for initial recruitment. Previous referee experience is essential. Name: Sinéad Mc Hugh County: Donegal Club: St. Michael’s Why did you apply for the programme? I applied for the programme because I thought it would be a great opportunity to get some expertise in officiating. I’ve been a referee tutor for LGFA for a number of years now and thought it was time to actually practice what I preach. Having the support from the officiating group and my mentor, Su Carty has been great. What aspect of Learn to Lead have you enjoyed most? Hard to pick just one but the very first day with Niamh McElwaine was excellent. It was a great learning opportunity and enabled the group to gel within a matter of hours. Niamh had a great way to help us to identify our strengths and our areas for development. Niamh did a number of exercises with us but her ability to draw each and every one of us outside our comfort zone was remarkable. It was an opportunity to set our goals and a plan to achieve them. Do you feel you will utilise the skills you have learned in the future? Yes, I will learn the skills not only in an officiating and sport-related capacity but will develop these skills in my teaching. Would you recommend the programme to other females? Yes, absolutely. It’s been a fantastic programme and I would highly recommend to anyone thinking of applying. I’m lucky to be part of a great group of 20 female leaders and also to have the calibre of some of the LGFA staff heading up the programme. Name: Kelley Cunningham County: Offaly Club: Tullamore Why Did You Apply for the Programme? I applied for the programme because I wanted to gain more confidence in myself as a referee. I also wanted to try and inspire younger referees coming forward to stay involved in refereeing, particularly females. What Aspect of Learn to Lead have you Enjoyed Most? I really enjoyed the practical session we had with Cliodhna O’Connor. Cliodhna showed us the different types of training sessions that are required to referee at the highest level. It also highlighted the importance of preparation as a referee. Do You Feel You Will Utilise the Skills You Have Learned in the Future? Yes, 100%. For me, when I look back on 2019 I have had so many fantastic opportunities to showcase the skills I have learnt so far as part of the programme and I hope to use these skills going forward. Would You Recommend the Programme to Other Females? Most definitely. The amount of support we have received and the friendships we have made from doing the programme are incredible. I’m lucky to be part of such a fantastic initiative. Name: Mairéad Dullea County: Cork Club: Bantry Blues Why did you apply for the programme? I saw it as an opportunity to develop my skills as a referee and to progress along the referee pathway, while developing my leadership skills. What aspect of Learn to Lead have you enjoyed most? Meeting new people who are enthusiastic about Ladies Football and becoming good friends with them. Also gaining insights about leadership from experienced leaders from different walks of life. Do you feel you will utilise the skills you have learned in the future? Absolutely, both on and off the pitch. Would you recommend the programme to other females? 100% Yes PR/Media Strand Name: Niamh Dunne County: Laois Club: Park Ratheniska Why did you apply for the programme? It was completely out of my comfort zone and I had fallen into a career in media around the same time. I thought why not try and merge my love for sport with the ever-changing industry of media! What aspect of Learn to Lead have you enjoyed most? It’s been an amazing journey so far, but for me the things I have learned about myself through self-reflection has been the most enjoyable. It’s a personal journey as well as a collective through each strand. Do you feel you will utilise the skills you have learned in the future? Absolutely, being the youngest member of my strand I feel I’ll use the skills I’ve learned well into the future and I’m constantly trying to build confidence to translate the skills into sport and my personal life. Would you recommend the programme to other females? 100%. This programme has something for everyone. You get to meet amazing people and work in dynamic teams and every course day you come home with a new perspective. Name: Nadine Doherty County: Donegal Club: Na Fianna (Dublin), formally St Eunans (Donegal) Why did you apply for the programme? When I read the Learn to Lead Programme course outline I had just started doing a small bit of media work, written a few articles and contributed to Sportsgirls podcast. I immediately recognised the potential learning within the programme. I also felt it would be a huge benefit to my job especially the leadership aspect to my role as a school principal. What aspect of Learn to Lead have you enjoyed most? I have enjoyed the keynote speakers the most and their contribution to the programme. The content and delivery of their sessions has been incredible in terms of learning and sustainability in leadership. There was also a huge focus on female leaders and the ways to increase numbers in the area. I have also been lucky enough to meet so many incredible women and made friends for life who are inspirational in so many ways. Do you feel you will utilise the skills you have learned in the future? I have already been consistently and continually implementing what I have learned so far throughout the course, both in my media role and within my role in education. The course has also made me consider broadening my career pathway and given me the confidence to perhaps explore other options outside of education. Would you recommend the programme to other females? Absolutely, I can’t recommend the programme highly enough. It is suitable for females who are at various stages in life and in their careers. It caters for all strands of leadership within the LGFA, in life and on a professional basis. If you are someone who is looking to grow in confidence, perhaps move into leadership within your job or company or simply want to grow within the association then grasp the opportunity that Learn To Lead offers. Name: Denise Masterson County: Dublin Club: Ballymun Kickhams Why did you apply for the programme? I found myself involved in a bit of media and this sounded like a great way to get some knowledge and experience while working with some like-minded women. What aspect of Learn to Lead have you enjoyed most to date? Getting to know the other participants and all the amazing speakers we have had the privilege of listening to. Do you feel you will utilise the skills you have learned in the future? Definitely. Not just with regard to the course or my strand but in everyday life Would you recommend the programme to other females? Without hesitation Name: Bríd Stack County: Cork Club: St. Vals Why did you apply for the programme? I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone, learn from highly qualified mentors and ultimately, learn new skills that would enable me to give back to ladies football after enjoying many years of playing the sport. What aspect of Learn to Lead have you enjoyed most? The friendships that were created mean that I have a group of female friends that understand the importance of providing an honest, reliable and proactive soundboard to bounce ideas off. I absolutely loved the ‘straight talking’ aspect of the programme. Do you feel you will utilise the skills you have learned in the future? I have used them consistently in both my professional and personal life. Understanding the importance of emotional intelligence and the need for effective collaboration has been vital in my dealings with others. Would you recommend the programme to other females? If you do one thing this year, put yourself forward for this programme. You will not regret it. By immersing yourself in this programme, you will gain invaluable life skills that will directly improve your confidence and push you out of your comfort zone. You will learn from experts in the field and make friends for life along the way. Other participants: Michelle Ryan (Waterford) Coaching Strand Name: Olivia Butler County: Waterford Club: St. Pat’s Why did you apply for the programme? I applied for the programme because I felt the course would give me an opportunity to immerse myself in all aspects of coaching, learn from other coaches, stretch myself out of my comfort zone and challenge myself. What aspect of Learn to Lead have you enjoyed most? I have enjoyed meeting up with the other coaches and discussing how we are getting on. I found the recording of training sessions and match really pushed me out of my comfort zone. I am waiting feedback on these sessions which will give me areas to improve/work on. Having a mentor also was beneficial and shadowing him while he took a training session with his team. I found all the coaching evening very good and learnt loads and I found the leadership days very inspiring. Do you feel you will utilise the skills you have learned in the future? Yes, I feel the course has given me more confident in my ability as a coach. I know that I have a lot more to learn. Would you recommend the programme to other females? Yes I would recommend the course to other female coaches as it gives you an opportunity to learn about coaching, identify areas you need to improve on and pushes you out of your comfort zone. It has given me more confidence/belief in my ability as a coach. Name: Diane O’Hora County: Mayo Club: Clanna Gael Fontenoy Why did you apply for the programme? To become a better coach and to get mentoring from the best there is within the association! What aspect of Learn to Lead have you enjoyed most to date? I’ve really enjoyed the focus group days meeting everyone and learning from the various presenters. I’ve enjoyed our coaching evenings the presenters, the practical element & learning to think differently about coaching the individual. Having Liam Moggan as my mentor and getting training from Irene, Will & Cliodhna, is brilliant. Also my coach outside of ladies football, Jean O’Donnell (AIB) has been a brilliant resource! Do you feel you will utilise the skills you have learned in the future? Yes absolutely! I applied to get on this course to become better at what I do in terms of coaching & hope to be of value to teams and the association moving forward! Getting a lot of time with Irene and Will is proving to be invaluable while also learning a lot from the other coaches in my group within the peer to peer aspect of the course. Name: Jennifer Higgins County: Roscommon Club: Western Gaels Why did you apply for the programme? I applied for the programme because I wanted to learn the skills and competencies required to be an effective leader. I wanted to gain these skills so I could bring them back to empower my own teams in my club and county. What aspect of Learn to Lead have you enjoyed most? There are so many aspects of the programme which I have enjoyed. If I had to pick one, I have really enjoyed the onsite days in Croke Park which included talks from guest speakers such as Mary McAleese. Do you feel you will utilise the skills you have learned in the future? Absolutely!! I feel I am already utilising the skills with the various teams I am involved with both in a playing and coaching capacity. I am also using the skills I have gained in my personal life and career. I will continue to use the skills I have learned in the future. Would you recommend the programme to other females? 100% YES! Other Participants: Ailbhe Quinn (Monaghan), Donna Hagan (Tyrone) Learn to Lead Meet the 2019-2020 Participants Meet the 2021- 2022 Participants Meet the 2023-2024 Participants