Company with local links is LGFA's new medical partner
Dooctor.ie - a company with strong local links - has been announced as the Ladies Gaelic Football Association’s new and official medical and healthcare partner.
Former Maryland footballer and current Athlone ladies team manager Thomas Browne is director of Dooctor.ie and the company has a clinic in Athlone.
Thomas was a Leinster minor championship medal winner with Westmeath in 2000 and his brother Richie was part of the Lake County's All-Ireland U21 winning team of 1999. Their father Richard has had a long association with Maryland and Westmeath GAA.
Speaking about the partnership, Thomas said: “This partnership is a game changer for injured athletes. Through Dooctor.ie, LGFA players and members can rapidly access a doctor through our express consultation service or access scan appointments through clear and affordable referral pathways.
“When a player is injured, turnaround time is paramount. Getting the right diagnosis quickly, arranging the appropriate scan when required, and putting a clear plan in place can make a major difference to a player’s recovery and return-to-play journey. Our aim is to help players return as swiftly and as safely as possible, with healthcare support that is accessible, affordable, and built around their needs.
“This partnership allows us to support LGFA players, clubs, and communities in a meaningful way. Over the coming years, we will be promoting our services not only to club and intercounty players, but to the entire LGFA membership family, including management teams, coaches, parents, volunteers, supporters, friends, and families.
“Rapid medical access for LGFA members is only the beginning of improved healthcare for women’s athletes and the wider LGFA community. We are delighted to support members with faster access to medical care, clear referral pathways, and healthcare services designed around athletes, families, and communities.”
As part of the partnership, Dooctor.ie will provide a range of healthcare initiatives for LGFA members and athletes, including medical support, rapid medical access, health assessments, cardiac screening, blood testing, online doctor consultations, scan referral pathways, and health education programmes.
This announcement builds on the already strong relationship between the LGFA and Dooctor.ie, who will also embark on a longer-term sponsorship of the LGFA’s National Volunteer of the Year awards.
Commenting about the partnership, LGFA President Trina Murray said: “We are absolutely delighted to strengthen our relationship with Dooctor.ie as they come on board as the LGFA’s Official Medical and Healthcare Partner. This partnership is a natural progression, building on the fantastic support Dooctor.ie has already shown through its sponsorship of our National Volunteer of the Year Awards, where they have helped us recognise the incredible people who are the backbone of our Association.
“At the LGFA, the health, wellbeing and welfare of our members is a top priority, and we are proud to align with an organisation that shares those same values. Together, we are committed to supporting players, volunteers and communities by promoting accessible, high-quality healthcare and encouraging positive wellbeing across all levels of our game.
“We look forward to working closely with the Dooctor.ie team and developing a partnership that will deliver meaningful benefits for our members and the wider LGFA family for years to come,” the Moate woman added.
Dr Hafiz Ali, CEO and founder of Dooctor.ie, said: “We are incredibly proud to become the official medical & healthcare partner of the LGFA. Ladies Gaelic football has become one of the country’s great sporting success stories, bringing together thousands of players, volunteers, families, and supporters in every county across Ireland.
“At Dooctor.ie, we believe healthcare should be accessible, affordable, and available when people need it most. This partnership reflects those values and allows us to support athletes both on and off the pitch while helping to promote healthier communities across the country.
“Our ambition goes beyond treating illness. We want to help people stay healthy through prevention, early detection, education, and easy access to medical care. Working with the LGFA gives us an opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the health and wellbeing of players and their wider communities.”