Participants announced for 2026 Leading Provincial Females Programme

The successful applicants have been announced for the 2026 Gaelic Games ‘Leading Provincial Females’ Programmes, taking place in Connacht, Leinster, Munster, and Ulster. 

The 43 participants selected represent 23 counties and have commenced their leadership journeys. 

This 12-month programme, secured through the support of the Sport Ireland Women in Sport Fund, runs from February until November. The Leading Provincial Females programme is designed for females aged 18+ interested in personal development and potentially leading teams on and off the field. 

Throughout the year, participants will engage in four provincial programmes, each of which will consist of face-to-face sessions and online webinars, which will examine their leadership skills. 

A key feature of the programme includes three in-person days; one at the start of the programme, one at the midpoint, and one at the conclusion of the programme. 

These in-person sessions will focus on developing participants’ leadership skills, while also offering an opportunity for reflection and growth. 

Participants must also complete at least two modules from themes across the four strands of coaching, officiating, administration and PR/Media between each of those dates, minimum four in total. 

This is a blended course, consisting of face-to-face sessions and online webinars, and the benefits are multi-fold for participants. 

They will have the chance to engage with like-minded future leaders in Gaelic Games, while also gaining insight and understanding of their own leadership styles. Experienced leadership trainers will guide the participants through the programme, offering support and expertise to help develop their potential in Gaelic Games. 

This programme is for females who wish to develop and hone their leadership skills, while also furthering development as a coach, match official, administrator or any volunteer role in Gaelic Games. 

GAA President, Jarlath Burns, commented: “I am delighted to offer my congratulations to the remarkable group of women who make up the 2026 Leading Provincial Females cohort. Their commitment to personal development and their passion for contributing to Gaelic games at every level is truly inspiring. This programme reflects our ongoing effort to nurture leaders who will shape the future of our Associations — on the field, along the sidelines, and within our communities. These participants represent the very best of what volunteerism and leadership look like in our games, and I look forward to seeing the impact they will continue to make in the years ahead”  

Speaking on behalf of the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, President Trina Murray added: “I would like to warmly congratulate each of the 42 participants selected for the 2026 Gaelic Games Leading Provincial Females Programme. This is a wonderful opportunity for women across our provinces to invest in themselves, develop their leadership skills, and grow in confidence both on and off the field. It is especially encouraging to see representation from 23 counties, which highlights the strength, ambition and potential of females involved in Gaelic Games throughout the country. “Leadership takes many forms, whether as a coach, match official, administrator, volunteer or role model within your community, and this programme will help nurture those qualities. I would also like to acknowledge the support of the Sport Ireland Women in Sport Fund, which makes initiatives like this possible. I wish all participants every success over the coming months and hope this journey proves both rewarding and inspiring for each and everyone of them.” 

Brian Molloy, President of the Camogie Association, said: “I would like to congratulate all 42 participants selected for the 2026 Leading Provincial Females Programme. Comhghairdeas libh uilig. 

“This initiative plays a vital role in developing the next generation of female leaders within Gaelic Games, providing participants with the confidence, skills and support to take on leadership roles across coaching, officiating, administration and beyond. 

“It is particularly encouraging to see such strong representation from across 23 counties, reflecting the continued strong interest among women to lead and shape the future of our games. Through the support of Sport Ireland and the collaborative approach across our Associations, this programme continues to create meaningful pathways for women to thrive both on and off the field, strengthening our clubs and communities for years to come.” 

GAA Handball President, Kevin Cooke, commented: 

“We are delighted to have Natasha Patrizi and Jenny Mahon representing GAA Handball in the Leading Provincial Females Programme. Developing female leadership across all areas of our sport is a key priority, and this initiative will play a major role in strengthening our future.  This programme marks an important step forward in empowering women across every level of our game. By focusing on coaching, officiating, administration and media, it recognises the vital role volunteers play in shaping a strong and inclusive future.  Crucially, this programme brings together all Gaelic games codes, creating a shared platform for collaboration, learning, and growth across our sporting community. By working collectively, we can take a more unified approach to developing female leaders while celebrating the unique strengths of each code.  We are committed to supporting and developing female leaders, providing them with the skills, confidence and opportunities to thrive. Through this programme, we aim to build a sustainable pathway that not only strengthens participation but ensures women’s voices are at the heart of decision-making across our sport.” 

Full list of participants from each province:  

Connacht  

Martina Harkin, Ballinderreen, Galway  

Geraldine McGrath, Sarsfields, Galway   

Paula Gallagher, St Colmans Camogie Club, Galway  

Melissa Healy,  Ahascragh-Fohenagh Hurling Club, Galway  

Carmel Owens-Kelly, Monivea/Abbeyknockmoy, Galway  

Amy O Connor, Boyle GAA, Roscommon 

Louise Moran, St. Michael’s (GAA) / Boyle (Camogie), Roscommom   

Leinster  

Meadhbh Ní Fheinneadha, Cuala, Dublin  

Mairead Corr, Ranelagh Gaels, Dublin  

Emer O’Shea, St Sylvester’s, Dublin    

Manuela Mester, St. Finians Swords, Dublin   

Sylvia Conlon, Maynooth, Kildare   

Jessie Newman, Emeralds – Urlingford, Kilkenny   

Jenny Mahon, Abbeylara Handball Club, Longford   

Kellyann McGrory, Naomh Fionnbarra, Louth 

Emma Dunne, St Fechins GAA, Louth 

Marcella Bannon, Colmcilles, Meath  

Shirley Lennon, Dunderry, Meath  

Abbi Stafford, Rhode, Offaly  

Margaret Doyle, Kilrush/Askamore, Wexford   

Natasha Patrizi, Mullingar Handball Club, Westmeath  

Laoise Whelan O’Neill, Avoca, Wicklow   

Gillian Curran, Arklow Rocks Parnell, Wicklow   

Munster 

Ann Marie O’Hanlon, Aghada, Cork  

Sarajane Collins, Kilbrittain, Cork 

Clíodhna McCarthy Quirke, MKL Gaels, Kerry  

Íde Trant, Old Mill Ladies Football Club, Limerick   

Maria Wayson, Drom and Inch, Tipperary  

Lucy White, Mullinahone LGFA, Tipperary   

Ulster 

Eimear Shannon, O’Donovan Rossa, Antrim  

Claire Thompson, Ruairí Óg CLG, Cushendall, Antrim  

Katie Glackin, Loughgiel Shamrocks GAC, Antrim   

Alma Rooney, Bailieborough Shamrocks, Cavan  

Lisa McElroy, O’Donovan Rossa, Magherafelt, Derry  

Hannah Dorrian, Ballygalget, Down/ O’Donovan Rossa, Antrim 

Deirdre Kearns, Bredagh GAC, Down 

Erin Rafferty, Clonduff , Down 

Katie McGilligan, Clonduff , Down  

Martina Carvill, Clonduff, Down  

Michelle McKenna, Buncrana, Donegal   

Johanne McColgan, Naomh Padraig Uisce Chaoin, Donegal  

Marie O’Neill, St Tiarnach’s Clones, Monaghan   

Shauna Carberry, Brackaville Owen Roe’s GFC, Tyrone 

For further information, please contact:  

GAA – Emmet Haughian, Volunteer Development Officer, emmet.haughian@gaa.ie 

LGFA – Niall Mulrine, Head of Development – niall.mulrine@lgfa.ie 

Camogie –Tracy McDonald, Operations & Communications Executive , tracy.mcdonald@camogie.ie