Ladies Gaelic Football recommend inter-county training to cease

The Ladies Gaelic Football Association have revealed the findings of an extensive consultation process with key stakeholders. 

Last weekend, the LGFA sought the views of county and club players, county managers, club and county board officers, and referees, through surveys, and the results are contained in the attached document. 

The LGFA hopes to be in a position to play some club and inter-county games this year, subject to public health guidelines.

As it is unlikely that inter-county games will be played before October at the earliest, the LGFA is now recommending that inter-county training should cease for now, and only resume when it is advised to do so.  

In the survey which garnered responses from 356 inter-county players, 2020 club players, 155 county board officers, 468 club officers, 23 county managers, 17 national referees and 17 national committee members, it found that 51% felt there was a possibility of playing Ladies Football games in 2020. 

89% felt there should be a priority give to resuming with club before inter-county championship. Just 29% felt it would be feasible to play the inter-county championships this year but 91% were open to playing such a championship behind closed doors.

Just over 60% of all survey groups were comfortable resuming on July 20th, however, that number rises to 85% when it reaches October.

32% of respondants said that there should be no Ladies Football played at any level for the remainder of the year with 46% wanting to focus on club championship with 22% feeling an inter-county championship could be played after an initial focus on clubs.

The LGFA will continue to adhere to best practice in relation to Covid-19, and the Association will be guided at all times by the Government and public health authorities.

When the situation becomes clearer, there will be a phased resumption of training at both club and county levels, to allow players to prepare for a return to play. 

The LGFA will work closely with the GAA in the formulation of these return-to-play protocols, which will be activated only when it is safe to do so. 

LGFA President Marie Hickey commented: “I would like to thank all of our stakeholders who engaged in the surveys that were sent out, and completed last weekend. 

“The various responses made for interesting reading and it was important to gauge the views of players, managers, referees and officials. 

“We all look forward to the time when we can safely return to training and playing games. 

“Until then, I would once again urge all of our members to continue adhering to current Covid-19 guidelines, and I wish everybody well during these challenging and unprecedented times.”