Mayo woman among 24 to graduate from LGFA’s BUA Programme

The Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) has acknowledged graduates from its third BUA Programme.

The 24 graduates, representing 18 counties as well as the Coatbridge Davitts club from Scotland, were saluted at a special graduation ceremony held at Croke Park Stadium on Tuesday, April 2.

Among the 24 graduates was Katie Fulham from the Swinford Killasser club in Mayo.

The BUA (Believe Unlock Potential Achieve) Programme is a self-development initiative aimed at supporting young people in the LGFA to develop life skills and qualities to benefit themselves and their local communities.

Aimed at females aged 16 to 19 years of age, BUA was conducted through expert-led workshops and self-reflection before participants put their enhanced leadership skills into practice through a club action project.

The participants engaged in learning and covered topics essential for young people, including resilience, dealing with change, building trust and respect, conflict resolution, problem solving, project planning and delegation.

In addition, LGFA-specific topics such as introductions to coaching, officiating and administration were also covered.

The BUA Programme began in September 2023 and concluded this week, with former inter-county stars Lyndsey Davey (Dublin) and Ciara O’Sullivan (Cork) serving as ambassadors.

Lyndsey Davey, a five-time TG4 All-Ireland senior medallist, commented: “It was brilliant to be at the final day of the programme and witness the positive change in the participants over the duration of the programme. They cited increased confidence, self-respect and greater resilience through their involvement, and these are so important for all young women. I am really proud to be an ambassador for the BUA Programme.”

LGFA-specific modules between each leadership session were conducted by some of the most recognisable names in LGFA, including former inter-county players Orlagh Farmer (Cork), Cathy Carey (Armagh) and Sinead Delahunty (Tipperary), as well as leading referees Maggie Farrelly (Cavan) and Shane Curley (Galway).

Hailing the graduates from the BUA Programme, LGFA president Mícheál Naughton said: “It has been incredible to note the progress of the programme participants since its commencement, and they have come a long way in a relatively short period of time.

“We are acutely aware of our responsibilities in terms of serving the needs of our young members, and it’s vital to have structures in place which will help them to flourish and reach their full potential. Our latest BUA Programme has been a real success and it was wonderful to see our graduates fully engaged from the outset.

“Our BUA Programme is now firmly established and our graduates have learned so many tips and strategies that they can take into their everyday lives. These are outstanding young females who can play key roles within our association for many years to come, and who are already infused with a deep love for our sport.

“I would also like to acknowledge the leading inter-county players and officials who played such a key role in the rollout of the programme, and who were on hand to share their experiences. The programme certainly benefited from their input and I know that the graduates took so much from people who have served and continue to serve as superb role models for our association."

The full list of graduates from the LGFA’s BUA Programme is as follows: Abaí Rogan, St. Enda’s GAC, Antrim; Aoibh Carroll, Carrickcruppen, Armagh; Caitlin Fitzpatrick, Mullaghbawn, Armagh; Annie O’Hanlon, Tir na nÓg, Armagh; Éinín Lawton, Cavan Gaels, Cavan; Alana Lawler, Ballyboden St. Enda’s, Dublin; Keeva Finlay, Ballyboden St. Enda’s, Dublin; Madison Stamper, Trinity Gaels, Dublin; Nadine Bannon, Saval, Down; Tyra Douglas, Aghadrumsee, Fermanagh; Imogen Knight, Derrygonnelly Harps, Fermanagh; Leah Curran, St. James, Galway; Doireann Dwyer, Kilcummin, Kerry; Rianna Cribbin, Kilcock, Kildare; Grace Cunningham, Park Ratheniska, Laois; Lainey Stokes, Oola, Limerick; Katie Fulham, Swinford Killasser, Mayo; Aine Keogh, Skryne, Meath; Megan O’Brien, Emyvale, Monaghan; Hannah Brady, Coatbridge Davitts, Scotland; Ceoladh McLoughlin, St. John’s, Sligo; Zara Casey, Ardfinnan, Tipperary; Amy McCarney, Errigal Ciarán, Tyrone; Neasa Keevers, Ardmore Grange, Waterford.