The news broke last month that for the first time in its history the Leinster ladies’ football final will take place on the same day as the Leinster men’s football final with both games being held in Croke Park on Saturday 28th of May.
We caught up with Leinster LGFA President Trina Murray to get her thoughts on the news and understand Leinster LGFA’s point of view;
“We’re absolutely delighted and it’s great news. It’s great for our players, great for associations and to get to play alongside each other and come together.”
” I’d like to thank Pat Teehan (Leinster GAA President) and Michael Reynolds (Leinster CEO) . We know that it will be hugely positive for both associations. “
The game is indeed growing despite covid. A Moate native, Murray came into the role in February 2021, so her tenure has been strictly during the Pandemic. Football has obviously continued, with the added stress of course, but Murray seems confident that the game is going to flourish in the coming years. She highlighted a few reasons for this belief.
“There’s huge development going on in the province and that’s associated with the volunteers on the ground, the coaches, and everyone buying into being coaches, the education is fantastic.”
“In recent times the streaming of our games has brought huge audiences and we’ve been able to reach a greater audience worldwide even. The promotion of our games and the great sponsors that we have as well have done tremendous work. “
“Last year getting the same amount of funding as men was huge. Our ladies deserve that.”
In 2019, the last All-Ireland final played with maximum capacity was a record attendance of 56,114 for a women’s sporting event in Europe that year, which was only eclipsed by the World Cup final. A fantastic watershed moment for the sport and Murray hopes this type of support can continue.
“I was there that day, it was so heartwarming to see how far we have come. I am a long time in the game and have been there when very few attended. I look forward to the day when we are at full capacity. “
“People are glad to be back out. There is a huge support in the club All Irelands this year.”
You can listen to the full interview tomorrow on Scoreline from 2-6 or listen out for Scoreline Extra Sunday night.
