A major new initiative involving the three Gaelic games associations, aimed at supporting the development and pathway for female referees across football, hurling and camogie, has been unveiled.
The Female Referee Academy, which will be run throughout the remainder of the year, has been undertaken with support from the Sport Ireland "Women in Sport" fund.
A dozen participants were confirmed for the collaborative workshop following the application process.
Aine McKenna (Westmeath), Caragh Cremins (Cork), Claire Flanagan (Derry), Debbie Lee Gaffney (Cavan), Deirdre Croghan (Roscommon), Ella Meyler (Carlow), Jane Sone Lenou, Jenny Casserly, Patricia Grehan (all Dublin), Patricia Hackett-McKenna (Tyrone), Roisin Mahony (Clare) and Vivienne Holmes (Kilkenny) have been entered on the programme.
They represent the four provinces and 10 counties.
The Female Referee Academy has been devised to develop aspiring female referees already at adult age.
They will take part in seven events based on technical, physical, mental and tactical development whilst also gaining practical referee experience on top of ongoing support and advice.
The aim is to increase the number of women officiating within the sports by supporting their development as officials and encourage them to achieve their officiating ambitions.
GAA president Jarlath Burns said: "Well done to all of the participants who have made the shortlist for an initiative that deserves the support of us all.
"Without match officials we have no games and the importance of cultivating new referees and providing them with the requisite support and resources to excel underlines the commitment of the three organisations involved.
"It is another manifestation of the increased co-operation across the wider Gaelic games family."
LGFA president Trina Murray added: "These officials have already shown real ambition at local level and who aspire to provincial and national duty."
Camogie counterpart Brian Molloy said by equipping aspiring female referees with essential skills and practical experience, the three bodies are investing in the future of the sports.
Listen to the RTÉ GAA Podcast on the RTÉ Radio Player, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts
