Athlone to take part in 2026 Gaelic4Girls programme
The Ladies Gaelic Football Association has announced details of the 2026 Glenveagh Homes Gaelic4Girls programme and Athlone has been confirmed as one of the participating clubs.
A total of 23 clubs from Ireland and Britain are set to take part, with Athlone the only Westmeath club involved.
Another local link is the involvement of Clann na nGael's Jennifer Higgins as one of the programme's ambassadors.
The Gaelic4Girls programme has been a huge success story for the LGFA since its inception in 2008 – and is boosted once again next year by the presence and support of sponsors Glenveagh Homes, who last year extended the partnership for an extra three years.
In 2026, 15 counties will be represented among the list of 23 participating clubs, and they’re joined by St Joseph’s from London.
The selected clubs will attend training sessions early in the new year before the programme is rolled out.
Gaelic4Girls is a ten-week programme incorporating coaching sessions with fun non-competitive blitzes aimed at increasing participation in Gaelic football. The programme targets girls aged between 8-12 years who are not currently registered with a LGFA club.
The roll-out of the programme will be assisted by leading inter-county players serving as ambassadors, namely Aimee Mackin (Armagh), Laurie Ryan (Clare), Jennifer Higgins (Roscommon), Leah Caffrey (Dublin), Blaithín Bogue (Fermanagh), Síofra O’Shea (Kerry) and Louise Ward (Galway).
An new ambassador will be revealed early in the new year to join the existing team.
LGFA President Trina Murray said: “Each year, this initiative continues to play a vital role in introducing young girls to our sport, helping them build confidence, make friendships, and enjoy football in a fun and supportive environment. The passion and commitment shown by our clubs in delivering Gaelic4Girls never fails to impress, and the enthusiasm of the girls themselves is truly inspiring.
“We are deeply grateful to our programme sponsors, Glenveagh Homes, whose unwavering support ensures that this important pathway continues to grow and flourish. Their backing allows us to reach even more communities and provide meaningful opportunities for girls to experience Gaelic football in a positive and encouraging setting. I look forward to seeing the impact these 23 clubs will make throughout 2026 and beyond,” added the Moate woman.
Annette McGarry, Head of Community Engagement, Glenveagh Homes, said: “We are delighted to continue our support for the Gaelic4Girls initiative in 2026. This programme plays a key role in developing sports skills and friendships for young girls at local levels, and at a time when women’s sports are gaining more traction, it has become an increasingly important sporting pillar for communities nationwide.”