Kildare coach honoured from LGFA’s Female Leadership Programme

Bláthnaid Tennyson from Coill Dubh Camogie and St Kevin’s GAA was honoured among 22 graduates from the LGFA’s 2025/2026 ‘Learn to Lead’ Female Leadership Programme at the Carlton Hotel in Dublin. The Kildare woman was the only representative from her county and was honoured for her contributions in coaching.

The Ladies Gaelic Football association ‘Learn to Lead’ was launched in 2019 to develop the next generation of female leaders within Ladies Gaelic Football, was delivered once again by experts in the fields of coaching, officiating, administration and PR/Media.

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Over four days, and six evenings, the LGFA examined diverse leadership skills and focused on the skill-sets and techniques required to master each of the four strands – coaching, officiating, administration and PR/Media. Six candidates were originally chosen to participate in each strand – and the final list of 22 included leading coaches, officials, administrators and players, representing the four provinces.

The 2025/2026 programme concluded last Saturday with the final Leadership Day at the Carlton Hotel, followed by a graduation event that evening. Proceedings were overseen by LGFA President, Trina Murray, alongside the Association’s National Development Manager, Lyn Savage.

Joan Kehoe, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Alchelyst, was also present to deliver a keynote address on the night.
Pedro Angulo, Head of Team Effectiveness at AIB, and Niamh McElwain, founder of The Hybrid Way, delivered the final day of course content, before the participants retired to the Hotel to reflect upon their achievements.

Ladies Gaelic Football Association President Trina Murray, who presented the participants with their commemorative medallions at the Graduation evening, commented: “I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to all participants who have successfully graduated from the LGFA’s 2025/2026 Learn to Lead Female Leadership programme. This initiative continues to play a vital role in empowering women across our Association by equipping them with the confidence, skills, and networks needed to step into leadership roles both on and off the field. The dedication shown by our graduates has been outstanding, and their commitment to personal development reflects the strength and ambition that exists within our membership.

“Leadership is central to the continued growth of Ladies Gaelic Football, and programmes like Learn to Lead ensure that we are building a strong pipeline of capable, motivated leaders who will shape the future of our sport. These graduates are not only investing in themselves but also in their clubs, counties, and communities, helping to create inclusive and supportive environments where everyone can thrive.

“We are incredibly proud of what they have achieved and look forward to seeing the positive impact they will make in the months and years ahead. On behalf of the LGFA, I wish them every success as they continue their leadership journeys.”

The full list of graduates, and the strands in which they participated, reads as follows:

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Administration:
Emma Oliver – St Peter’s (Armagh)
Eileen Daly – Tramore (Waterford)
Hannah Caldwell – Limavady Wolfhounds (Derry)
Louise Brady – Naomh Seamas (Antrim)

Coaching:
Angela Walsh – Inch Rovers (Cork)
Bláthnaid Tennyson – Coill Dubh Camogie/St Kevin’s GAA (Kildare)
Siobhan Hickey – Fr Griffin’s Éire Óg (Galway)
Judith Sharvin Cunningham – Saul (Down)
Mary T McTavish – Shrule/Glencorrib (Mayo)
Noreen Wrenn – Éire Óg (Carlow)

Officiating:
Caoimhe Ryan – St Patrick’s (Tipperary)
Emma Fox – Dunnamaggin (Kilkenny)
Gemma Monahan – Skryne (Meath)
Helen Rice – Loughlinisland GAC (Down)
Orla Kavanagh – Geraldine P Morans (Dublin)
Nicole Leonard – Shandonagh (Westmeath)

PR/Media:
Méabh de Búrca – Salthill Knocknacarra (Galway)
Megan Gaughan – St Mary’s, Tulsk (Roscommon)
Grainne Coleman – Beann Eadair (Dublin)
Sarah Marley – Lissummon (Armagh)
Katrina Stack – Laune Rangers (Kerry)
Caroline Hughes – Man O’War (Dublin)