It’s exciting times for anyone lucky enough to be involved with Kilkenny Ladies football at the moment.
With news this week that preparations have begun to re-establish an adult inter-county team and with there being an increase in numbers involved in the sport over the last few years, Ladies football seems to be on the ascension in Kilkenny.
That was certainly the sentiment shared by Kilkenny Ladies Football Association’s Seamus Knox and Eléna Byrne when they spoke to KCLR’s Sunday Scoreline.
“We have a very active and interested group of people who want to be involved to help us achieve the goals we have set. It’s a very exciting time for us,” said new chairperson Knox.
Kilkenny were famously crowned 2007 All-Ireland Junior champions after they defeated London in the final and as a member of the Kilkenny LGFA Development Committee 2021, Eléna Byrne is hoping that similar times are not too far around the corner. She believes a major reason pointing to this is because of the strong relationship between Kilkenny Camogie and Kilkenny Ladies Football that will help support dual players.
“In recent years the relationship between both County Boards has been great. We have great fixtures collaboration so it’s very important that dual players are treated well,” said Byrne.
She continued: “The support of the Camogie Board would be massive to help us grow the sport.”
Byrne also highlighted the fact that it is not just inter-county players that should be supported. She insists that there will be a specific emphasis on giving as much support as possible to club players.
“We have to be serious about supporting everyone in female sport. Not just the county players but also the club players who are more likely to drop off,” said Byrne.
Knox believes that Ladies football in the county can help to push back on the mass drop off in teenage girls participating in sport.
“Ladies football is one key element of addressing the drop off of teenage girls being interested in sport.”
Byrne feels that the volunteers and committees are in place to help grow the sport across a county that already has ten clubs registered to play in local competitions.
“There has been a growth in volunteers due to the interest in the sport. This year we have a number of committee’s which is so helpful.”
The future looks bright for Kilkenny Ladies Gaelic Football. Catch the full interview below.
