Today, 18 July 2024, marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Ladies Gaelic Football Association.
Although founded in 1974, according to the LGFA’s website, the women’s game took a tad longer to take off Down Under.
The first accounts of women’s Gaelic football in Australasia were in the early 90s, primarily in Sydney. Such was the popularity and quality of the games in New South Wales, a demonstration game was played among NSW female reps at the Australasia Championships in 1994.
The game was a success, and rapid growth followed. 1995 saw the first women’s football competition at the annual championships, with NSW winning the inaugural title. Success continued for the sky blues, while Auckland, Western Australia and Queensland also laid claim to national silverware in subsequent years.
The turn of the millennium saw women’s football teams represent Australasia on the world stage for the first time. With mostly native-born players, Australasia defeated North America (2000) and London (2002) to win World Cup titles. More recently, in 2019 and 2023, our Irish-born team claimed back-to-back GAA World Games titles.
Women’s Gaelic football in Australasia continues to grow in numbers and popularity, both with Irish expats, and especially with native-born Australian and New Zealand players. Thousands of female players line out across our states and regions, playing in social to national and international competitions.
We look forward to the continued growth and success of the women’s game. And we’re especially excited for this year’s 50th anniversary Australasia Championships.
Women’s football teams from 6 states will line out across the senior and intermediate competitions, and we’re delighted to be welcoming LGFA CEO, Helen O’Rourke, and President, Mícheál Naughton, as special guests to the tournament in October.
