It is what integration will look like in two years’ time, and all the better for it. Last week, the Camogie President Brian Molloy came out and urged all Camogie members to support the TG4 LGFA All Ireland Finals. Now the LGFA President Trina Murray has done likewise in the opposite direction for this weekend.
Does it matter that a sports administrator urges players who pay their membership to pay to go to a game, maybe not a lot in terms of adding bodies, but it sets a tone that we are actually in this together and what is stronger for one code is stronger for how Women’s sport is perceived.
This week has seen increased coverage of the Camogie Finals, and the clear focus on Gaelic Games coverage is an important aspect. If the sun shines on Sunday, with no bank holiday competition and no All Together Now Festival, then a new record might be within reach.
Two years ago, 30,191 came into Croke Park with Waterford’s novel appearance seen as a factor. Last year, the number dipped to 27,811, but the hope is that it will bounce back again.
With 48,000 at last weekend’s football, buoyed by Dublin and Meath in the Senior final, it would need an attendance on Sunday of 34,000 to set a milestone figure across the two codes of 82,000.
Every Men’s final gets that without thinking, but as Brian Moilloy said earlier in the week, what does that say about us as a society that we value men’s sport so much higher?
It’s less of a society and more of a personal question for anyone who supports equity and equality in sport.
It is a great day out with three All-Ireland finals and the pageantry of a parade with U14 players from every county, all for only €30 as an adult, less as a student, or an OAOP, free as a child.
When the same Senior Finalists met in the final in 1993, there were only 5,400 in the stands. Sport Ireland Director Miriam O’Callaghan refereed the final that day. We have come a long way but not far enough to say that sport is gender equal in the hearts and minds of the Irish public.
The average attendance at the Euro 2025 Football finals in Switzerland was only just over 21,000, so even on a global scale, we are supporting Women on the big occasions more than most, but still, not enough.
An All-Ireland Final is a special day. Do someone you know a favour and introduce them to its magic this weekend.
It is the right thing to do and a lot of fun besides.
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