LGFA Statement – 19/6/23

THE Ladies Gaelic Football Association notes with surprise the statement issued by the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) today on behalf of female inter-county panels.

The LGFA wishes to address some items mentioned in the GPA statement.

Despite claims to the contrary, the LGFA was actively involved in correspondence arising from the publication of the GPA’s ‘State of Play’ Equality report.

The GAA, LGFA and Camogie Association were asked to ‘collectively’ commence discussions with the GPA following the circulation of a memo to National Governing Bodies (NGBs) on Squad Charters in early May.

On behalf of the three Associations, a response was issued to point out that we are currently in a process of integration, and that inter-county charters will be one of the items for discussion.

The LGFA also wishes to reiterate its commitment to the integration process and dialogue will continue with key stakeholders.

The LGFA takes issue with the suggestion that inter-county players are treated like ‘second class’ citizens.

It should be noted that, in 2023, over €1.4m of Government funding will be allocated to LGFA inter-county squads to assist with player expense claims.

Of this figure, over €900,000 is allocated directly to player expenses, while almost €500,000 is designated for LGFA team funding.

The LGFA’s Central Council continues to recognise and acknowledge the vital role of the inter-county player – and earlier this year agreed that the full LGFA allocation (€1.4m) of Government funding would be assigned to player expenses for 2023, with the LGFA self-funding the team element for counties.

Additionally, the live-streaming of all adult inter-county games, not shown live by TG4, from the Lidl National Leagues and TG4 All-Ireland Championships, provides inter-county management teams with an outstanding and unique service to assist with internal analysis.

From the outset, the LGFA and the Camogie Association have worked pro-actively and diligently to secure this much-needed Government support, for the betterment of our players, which is then distributed to the various squads via the GPA, following sign-off by the inter-county support group (ISG).

The ISG is comprised of representatives from the three Gaelic Games Associations (GAA, LGFA, Camogie), the GPA and Sport Ireland.

Since the publication of the ‘State of Play’ report, the LGFA has worked closely with county boards, who submitted figures relating to the preparation of adult inter-county teams during the 2023 Lidl National Football Leagues.

Figures received indicate that a minimum of €1.8m was spent by county boards in the preparation of teams throughout the Lidl National Leagues in 2023, and with more to come during Championship season.

This is a significant investment from county boards, who operate in a volunteer capacity with limited resources – and with a full schedule of activity to attend to, both at club and inter-county levels.

We wish all of our inter-county players well for the remainder of the Championship season and we look forward to more superb action on the playing fields.