31 graduates of the LGFA’s inaugural BUA programme, representing 19 counties, were saluted at a special graduation ceremony held at the Bonnington Hotel in Dublin last weekend.
The BUA Programme is a self-development initiative aimed at supporting young people in the LGFA to develop life skills and qualities to benefit themselves and their local communities. Bua is an Irish word expressing victory.
Aimed at females aged 16-19 years of age, ‘BUA’ was conducted through expert-led workshops and self-reflection, before participants put their enhanced leadership skills into practice through a club action project.
The participants engaged in learning and covered topics essential for young people, including resilience, change, trust, respect, conflict and problem solving.
The course also included introductions to coaching, officiating and administration, providing a platform for eventual involvement in the sport beyond the field of play.
The BUA Programme began in June 2021 and concluded in February 2022, with Dublin star and five-time TG4 All-Ireland Senior medallist Lyndsey Davey serving as Programme ambassador.
Cork star Orlagh Farmer, Meath’s TG4 All-Ireland Senior winner and 2021 Senior Players’ Player of the Year, Vikki Wall, Kildare’s Mary Hulgraine, former Monaghan ace Sharon Courtney, and ex-Waterford player Michelle Ryan, a current analyst on TG4’s Peil na mBan Beo coverage, all contributed as well.
Hailing the graduates from the BUA Programme, Ladies Gaelic Football Association President, Mícheál Naughton, said: “It is vitally important for the LGFA as an Association to attend to the needs of our young members and to put structures in place that will allow them to flourish and reach their full potential. Our inaugural BUA Programme has proven to be a terrific success and our participants engaged fully right from the start.”
“We hope that the BUA Programme will provide our graduates with key tips and strategies that they can now carry forward and apply in their everyday lives. These are young females that we hope to see emerging as leaders in our Association in future years – and we look forward to following their journeys. I would also like to thank the leading inter-county stars who engaged with the Programme participants, and who helped to enrich the lives of these young females with their courteous and selfless interactions.”
