Derrylaughan Kevin Barrys GAC had a debut season to remember for its new women and girls football teams.
In February 2025, the club launched its first Ladies Gaelic Football programme, welcoming women and girls from age 3+ thanks to National Lottery funding through Sport NI’s Creating Opportunities programme.
Through Creating Opportunities, Derrylaughan GAC raised £5,000 by crowdfunding and received the maximum of £5,000 match funding by Sport NI for a total of £10,000.
The funding was used to provide equipment, coach education, transportation to games and team bonding activities for all ages.
Ladies Club Chairman Brian McCann shared how crucial the investment has been, he said: “Once we got the funding, it gave us time to focus on the girls and their development. Instead of saying to them we need to raise funds for the team, it gave us a peace of mind. The funding has provided equality with our girls being able to get off on the same foot as the boys.”
The club held its end of season blitz in October with over 80 women and girls taking part. Younger members were also encouraged to continue their participation by being presented with a ball from Tyrone GAA captain and clubman Brian Kennedy.
Ladies captain Niamh McNally said: “We always had a camogie team, but never a football team. There was a big interest and now have all age groups running. Without the funding, we couldn’t have got the teams going. We wouldn’t have been able to make these new connections across our teams.
“Sport NI have been fantastic in explaining the opportunities, the criteria and talking us through step by step of what we need to do. I would encourage people to reach out and make the call.”
The club providing a vital space for women and girls of all ages to participate in sport. Not only has their new ladies football team achieved success on the pitch, but the club also organises a range of activities such as fitness classes.
It is a shining example of our Be Seen, Be Heard, Belong campaign which aims to encourage women and girls to find their place in sport.
Derrylaughan Kevin Barrys GAC club chairman Sean Cullen added: “We have another string to our bow with the ladies football team. It means so much to them as they come from Derrylaughan families. The players and their parents appreciate that the club is now providing for the needs of young girls in the community.”
Find out more about how your club can make the most of our Creating Opportunities investment here: www.sportni.net/funding/creating-opportunities/
You can also check how to support our Be Seen, Be Heard, Belong campaign here: www.beseenbeheardbelong.co.uk