A sustained marketing push from Lidl Ireland and the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, through the 2026 Lidle National League has delivered over 63 hours of television airtime since January, alongside a national social media campaign that has generated more than 12 million views.

Despite this progress, research conducted by Red C highlights ongoing challenges. While 65 per cent of respondents now rate women’s sport as high quality, and one in five report increased interest over the past year, 80 per cent still believe inequality persists between men’s and women’s sport.

Notably, just 8 per cent of LGFA players feel current media coverage accurately reflects the standard of the game, underlining the continued need for investment and visibility.

Lidl Ireland and the Ladies Gaelic Football Association have issued a strong call to action for supporters to get behind this weekend’s Lidl National Football League Finals.

The four divisional finals, taking place across Saturday and Sunday, will bring together the top teams in the country following a highly competitive league campaign.

Campaign Driving Engagement

Central to Lidl’s strategy has been its ‘Greatness Deserves to Be Seen’ campaign, which has sought to elevate awareness by integrating iconic moments from the women’s game into mainstream advertising.

Highlights featured in the campaign include standout contributions from Carla Rowe, Aimee Mackin, Danielle O’Leary and Aishling Maloney, reinforcing the skill level and entertainment value of the sport.

The initiative forms part of a broader, long-term commitment from Lidl, which recently announced a €7.5 million extension of its partnership with the LGFA. Combined with a previous €15 million investment, this brings total support for the association to €22.5 million over 15 years.

Call to Convert Interest into Attendance

Robert Ryan, CEO of Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland, said the focus now is on translating increased visibility into matchday support.

“We are incredibly proud of the impact that our ‘Greatness Deserves to be Seen’ campaign has had in bringing the skill of the game to new audiences,” he said. “However, there is still more to be done to ensure the brilliance we see on the pitch is matched by the support in the stands.”

He added that the finals weekend represents an opportunity for fans to actively support the continued growth of the game.

Trina Murray, President of the LGFA, echoed that message, pointing to the league campaign as evidence of the sport’s continued development.

“These finals are a brilliant opportunity for supporters to come out, show their backing, and experience the quality of the women’s game firsthand,” she said.

Finals Weekend Fixtures

The Division 1 final between Cork and Galway will headline the weekend at TUS Gaelic Grounds on Saturday evening, with throw-in at 5pm.

Earlier that day, Cavan face Donegal in the Division 2 final at St Tiernach’s Park in Clones, while Louth meet Antrim in the Division 3 decider in Crossmaglen.

Sunday’s action sees Carlow take on Leitrim in the Division 4 final at St Brendan’s Park in Birr.

Commercial Momentum Building

The combination of increased broadcast exposure, digital reach and long-term sponsorship investment highlights the growing commercial momentum behind the LGFA.

However, with men’s sport still receiving significantly greater coverage, the weekend’s finals represent not just a sporting occasion, but a key moment in continuing to drive parity, engagement and long-term audience growth within women’s sport in Ireland.

 

Image Credit: Lidl Ireland and LGFA

 

Lidl Ireland and the LGFA are full members of Sport for Business.  If you would like to join them and see your organisation in our content, on our stages, and in the conversation happening every day around the commercial world of Irish Sport, email us today and let’s see what is possible.

 

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