Lidl and the Ladies’ Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) have teamed up to drum up support ahead of the Ladies’ GAA ahead of the National Football League Finals this weekend.
Heavy hitters Armagh, Kerry, Cork and Galway are heading to Croke Park to do battle.
Elsewhere, Cavan, Wexford, Antrim and Fermanagh will be competing in their finals in Drogheda and Clones.
On Saturday, Croke Park will play host to the Division 1 and 2 finals on Saturday, 12 April, while the Division 3 and 4 finals will take place on Sunday, 13 April in Drogheda and Clones, respectively.
Prior to the big games, both Lidl Ireland and the LGFA are encouraging the public to come and support their teams.
Recent research by Red C found that 59% of parents believe that it is important for their daughters to have a female sports role model, as well as 49% also saying that their sons should have a female sports role model.
Parent’s understanding of the impact on children of Irish female sporting role models saw a broad spectrum of benefits – from encouraging a healthy lifestyle for kids (57%), positive mental health (48%) and positive body image (46%); to essential life skills such as instilling teamwork (49%), good work ethic (44%) and leadership skills (37%).
Female sporting role models were also deemed to promote equality (55%) and representation within their community (34%).
At a societal level, female sports role models encourage equality (66%) and diversity and inclusion (56%). For the sport itself, the overarching benefit is that it encourages young girls to get into the sport (77%).
At the weekend games, Lidl is transforming the events into a full family day out, with music, exciting competitions, interactive games and giveaways all taking place at the Hogan Stand Fan Zone.
Corporate affairs director at Lidl Ireland & Northern Ireland, Eimear O’Sullivan, explained: “The Lidl National Football League season kicked off back in January, with compelling research spotlighting the importance of developing and elevating Irish female sporting role models for the positive impact they have on individuals, society, and their sport.
“We know a full stadium and a roaring crowd has an impact not only on the performance of athletes, but is vital to the development of the game.
“After an exciting National Football League season, we are encouraging everyone to take the opportunity to see some of the country’s top LGFA players in action and fill every seat at the thrilling final clashes coming up this weekend.”
While, LGFA president Trina Murray said: “We’ve been treated to some wonderful football already in the 2025 Lidl National Leagues, and now we’re anticipating four excellent finals.
“The eight counties who have reached this stage deserve huge credit, and now silverware is very much the name of the game.
“Since 2016, support from our National League sponsors and official retail partner, Lidl Ireland, has been nothing short of incredible.
“As their award-winning ‘Get Behind the Fight’ campaign continues, I’m urging more and more people to come out in support of our players over the coming weeks and months.”
Photos by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
