Speech by the Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahern, T.D., at the launch of the 2007 Suzuki Ladies Gaelic National Football League in Croke Park on Monday, 5th February, 2007 at 12.30 p.m.
A dhaoine Uaisle.
Is cúis áthais dom a bheith ar ais i bPáirc an Chrocaigh chun Craobh Náisiúnta de Chumann Peil Gael na mBan a sheoladh. Taitníonn an ócáid seo go mór liom gach bhliain – ócáid a osclaíonn séisiúr nua a chuireann go mór le stair cluichí na mban, agus le meanma agus folláin na bpeileadóirí ar fud na tíre.
Next Sunday sees the start of the 2007 Suzuki Ladies Gaelic National Football League. I am delighted to be with you again this year to launch what should prove to be another exciting year in ladies football.
I want to thank Suzuki Ireland for their generous and ongoing sponsorship of the National Ladies Football League. Last year, I am delighted to say, marked the company’s 21st anniversary in Ireland as well as their very welcome announcement that they will continue sponsoring the League until 2008.
This time of year is always particularly exciting for football and hurling fans all over the country as we look ahead with anticipation to the thrill and excitement that only the League and Championship can bring.
Over the last two years, Cork has proven to be the dominant force in ladies football and will provide stiff opposition again this year. Cork retained the Suzuki Ladies National Football League Division 1 title last year beating Meath in the final. They then went on to retain the double by beating Armagh in the TG4 All Ireland Championship in October.
This year Cork and Armagh are in separate sides of Division 1, but may encounter each other in the quarter-finals. Armagh have to meet their neighbours Tyrone in the first round.
I am glad to say that we see Laois enter Division 1 this year after defeating Kildare last year to win the Division 2 title. Their first encounter this year is with the formidable Mayo team which should prove to be a great game. We also saw Clare win the Division 3 Final beating Leitrim by a single point.
Last year saw the introduction of a new League format due to the growing popularity of ladies football. This restructuring has proven very successful with 32 counties competing in three divisions.
I am delighted to see that, for the first time, the National League Division 1 and 2 Finals, played in one venue, will be televised live on TG4. This live coverage affords ladies football the attention and recognition it richly deserves. For the first time also this year, both the League Division 1 and 2 Finals will be played under floodlights.
No one can be in any doubt about the growth which ladies football in Ireland is currently enjoying with nearly 120,000 registered members in 2006. We, in Government, are delighted to see this healthy growth as we recognise the importance of increasing the number of women participating in sport.
Under the 2006 Sports Capital Programme, the Government has given priority to projects which demonstrate greater involvement of women in that particular sport through the development of facilities. Last year, I am pleased to say we allocated €314,000 to Cumann Peile Gael na mBan under the Women in Sport Initiative, which you used to fund three very successful projects. This was in addition to core funding for the organisation of nearly €200,000.
This year's allocation for the Women in Sport Initiative will be made later in the year.
There is no doubt though but 2007 will be another bumper year. We have allocated in excess of €316 million for sport overall for 2007, compared to just €17 million in 1997. This is an unprecedented level of funding in the history of Irish sport and largely directed at ensuring that opportunities for participation in sport exist for all communities in every part of Ireland.
I welcome the Association’s recent appointment of two Regional Games Development Officers, one in Connacht and one in Ulster. I know there are also plans to appoint a further two officers in the near future. The role of the RGDO is a very significant one to develop a strategic plan specific to their province using the National Strategic Plan “Enhancing Lives and Communities for over 100,000 players” as a benchmark.
It now only remains for me to conclude by wishing all the teams participating in the forthcoming National League the very best of luck. I hope 2007 proves to be another great year in Irish sport.
Go raibh maith agaibh go léir.
ENDS.