Olympic aspirations for ladies gaelic

[youbetterbelieveit]

Olympic aspirations for ladies gaelic
09 March 2007


The Ladies Football Congress took place in Tipperary at the weekend with the expansion of the game one of the main topics for discussion.

Due to the growing popularity of the game overseas, it was proposed that Ladies Gaelic Football be put forward for recognition as an Olympic sport by 2032. Ladies Gaelic is hugely popular in Australasia, North America and Europe and as it is a game with a universal skill base, it could become a global sport over the next 15-20 years.

Also at Congress, the issue of player burnout was discussed following a presentation on the subject by former Ladies Footballer Lynette Hughes and it was agreed that the rule disallowing U-16 players to play senior county football is to be maintained.

Geraldine Giles, President of Cuman Peil Gael na mB_n said: "The Congress was a success and the most striking thing for me was the turnout from the overseas delegates who turned out in force and are now making a huge contribution to the Association. We estimate there are over 10,000 Ladies footballers playing overseas and the game is thriving in places like Australia and Canada."

The Suzuki Ladies National Football League kicks back into action after a rest week and as the hunt for play-off places heats up so too does the battle to stave off relegation.

Sarah OÅfConnorÅfs Kerry recorded their third consecutive league victory with a win over Tyrone and the Kingdom are now in poll position in Division 1A. However, Kerry must beat Mayo and Armagh to secure top spot and avoid the likes of Cork and Galway in the playoffs.

Waterford are the only side in Division 1A without a win and having already lost to fellow strugglers Tyrone, they face a huge task to maintain their division 1 status for next year.

The eagerly anticipated clash of Cork and Galway in Division 1B takes place this weekend. Both sides boast an unbeaten start to their respective league campaigns and a win for either side will no doubt assure top seeding in their group.

At the other end of Division 1B, Kildare and Donegal face a relegation dogfight. Neither side has recorded a win but Kildare have shown more promise with two with narrow defeats at the hands of Galway and Monaghan. The clash between these two sides may determine which county is relegated.

Sligo and Tipperary are leading the way in Division 2 topping their respective groups. Sligo, the 2006 All Ireland Junior Champions, have been in impressive form and have flagged promotion to Division 1 as a must for 2007.

Last yearÅfs Junior All Ireland runners-up, Leitrim find themselves in a precarious position after failing to win either of their opening two games. Leitrim must get back to winning ways this weekend in Division 2A against fellow strugglers Limerick if they are to avoid getting dragged into a relegation battle.

Tipperary have the comfort of knowing that they have already beaten Wexford, their closest challenger in Division 2B, and should confirm top billing this weekend at home to Longford. At the other end of the table any one from three could be facing relegation as Longford, Roscommon and Down have yet to record a victory.

In Division 3, Cavan, Westmeath and Fermanagh have all made flawless starts to the league but no team has as yet broken from the pack and looked like a definite promotion prospect.

[AMayoSheep]

Not a snowballs chance in hell will there be ladies gaelic in the olympics!!
No disrespect but itl never happen as much as id love it to.

At least we would be gauranteed  a medal unless half the team were druged up and shame was put upon the country...then it would be like every other olympic year!