Aileen Tohill

1. Aileen Tohill Women in the GAA

2. Contents • Historical context • Major Developments • Current prevalence of women • What are the issues? • Moving ahead • Testimony from one who knows! • Top tips • Discussion, Q & A

3. Activity 1 On your feet!

4. Where have we come from?

5. Early reference “…..the hurling begins, in which the young fellow appointed for her husband has the eyes of all the company fixed upon him; if he comes off conqueror, he is certainly married to the girl, but if another is victorious, he as certainly loses her; for she is the prize of the victor….. …..sometimes one barony hurls against another, but a marriageable girl is always the prize” Arthur Young’s Tour in Ireland, 1776-79, pp 446-447 Contributions by Donal McAnallen

6. Foundation of GAA Hayes Hotel, Thurles Saturday 1st November 1884 The Gaelic Athletic Association was founded for the preservation and cultivation of National Pastimes Contributions by Donal McAnallen

7. Early female participation • Women did not play a direct role in the administration of the GAA • Men led proceedings on and off the field • However, for most of the 1900’s, women played a supportive role (directly and indirectly) at GAA events “She largely helped to establish the Gaelic Athletic Association” Cusack (1899) of his wife Margaret Imelda (née Woods) Contributions by Donal McAnallen

8. Spectators • Women attended games from the earliest days (albeit in smaller numbers) • For many years they were granted free admission • Newspaper reports at the time such references as ~ • Brightening up the occasion • Inspiring their men • “The fairer sex” Reflective of attitudes to women at the time Contributions by Donal McAnallen

9. Camogie Association 1904– Launch of Camogie with first official match 1905– Cumann Camógaíochta na nGael officially inaugurated Women were involved heavily in the administration from it’s inception Camogie was socially revolutionary! Previously, women participated in sports such as tennis, hockey etc Contributions by Donal McAnallen

10. Continued….. • There was some early bias against females playing the game • Girls often carried their sticks under coats and trained ‘behind doors’ • 1928; Pope Pius XI publicly stated his disapproval for female athletic competitions • Some regarded the game as unladylike and unsuitable for young girls • Despite difficulties, the Association survived and thrived! Contributions by Donal McAnallen

11. Ladies Gaelic Football Association 1960s– Ladies matches played in pockets across Ireland (evidence in Tyrone & Armagh) Often matches were played at Carnivals and Sports Days as a novelty feature 1970s– Tournaments & unofficial leagues 1974 – Ladies Gaelic Football Association founded 1992– Ulster Council officially formed & affiliated Both women and men played a role in the administration and set up.

12. Women in the GAA! Increased female involvement at Club & County First female GAA County Secretary (Donegal) Ladies Gaelic Association Formed (1974) Females on GAA Club sub-committees (sparse!) Camogie Association formed GAA formed 80s 90s 1884 1904 1970s Contributions by Donal McAnallen

13. Where are we now?

14. Central GAA • Ard-Comhairle – 50 MEN 0 WOMEN • Coiste Bainistí – 15 MEN 0 WOMEN Sub-committees/workgroups Delegates

15. Central GAA

16. Ulster GAA • Coiste Bainistí – 8 MEN 0 WOMEN Sub-committees Delegates

17. Ulster GAA

18. County GAA (Ulster) • 5/9 County Executive Committees are all Male

19. Greatest female representation • Monaghan County Board • Greatest number of females on Committee • Secretary & Treasurer are women • 4/8 positions listed previous are held by women • 50 / 50 split!

20. Activity 2 What is stopping women?

21. What is stopping women? • Attitudes • Stereotypes • Time • Family commitments • Lacking confidence • Lacking skills • No tradition of female involvement • Male dominated environment

22. Addressing the issues Attitudes & Stereotypes • These are an individual’s perceptions • Can take time to change – but they can be challenged! • The Club belongs to the whole community, not just one or two! • Get involved – prove them wrong!

23. Addressing the issues Need to have a passion for it I was very accepted I was determined to do it as well as anyone else had Never felt any different I just got on with it Need to believe in what you’re doing I’d encourage anyone to get involved It’s my club, I wanted to be involved

24. Addressing the issues Time & Family • Structured meeting commitments • Work carried out between meetings in own time • No to ‘meetings about meetings’ • Co-ordinate meetings with nursery/underage activities • Involve in sub-committees • Circumstances change

25. Addressing the issues Confidence & Skills • Go after the right people for the right positions • Match individual’s skills with positions • Get involved in specific tasks initially • Involve other females who can support • Encourage people to make contributions where they feel comfortable • Commend people for their efforts • Avail of volunteer programmes such as Club Maith

26. Addressing the issues ? No tradition of female involvement • Traditions can be changed • Most clubs have a female code • If we were establishing the GAA now what would it look like? ?

27. Integration • Codes should work together on joint initiatives • Build relationships • Governance – female representation at management & sub-committee levels

28. Ulster GAA supporting Integration • Integrated CDP calendar of events • Double headers • Coaching conference • Elite summer camps • Feile • Poc Fada • Office accommodation • Representation on committees

29. Addressing the issues Eimear Lennon Kildress GAA Club Chair

30. Why! • Be part of something important • Sense of self-worth • Contribute to the wider community • Be a role model for others • Social aspect • Meet other people • Family organisation • Developing skills

31. Getting females involved! • Knock on the door! • Be specific in requests • Sell benefits • Offer volunteer training if necessary • Maximise use of sub-committees • Look at other areas for initial involvement • Create ethos of an open & welcoming club • Acknowledge contributions • Get young people involved • Promote all that is good!

33. Thank you for listening. Any questions?