Lidl Ireland and the Ladies Gaelic Football Association are gearing up for an action-packed weekend of National Football League Finals across all four divisions, with Armagh, Kerry, Cork and Galway all battling it out at Croke Park on Saturday. Then, on Sunday, Cavan, Wexford, Antrim, and Fermanagh will target silverware in Drogheda and Clones.
Both sport and sponsor are calling on the public to support the games in person.
Research conducted by Red C in November 2024 revealed that 59% of parents believe it is important for their daughters to have a female sports role model, and 49% of parents believe it is important for their sons to be interested in female sports.
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%). While for the sport itself, the overarching benefit is that it encourages young girls to get into the sport (77%).
Lidl is transforming the finals into a fun-filled family day out to generate further excitement around the matches. There will be a vibrant Fan Zone at the Hogan Stand in Croke Park, offering an engaging atmosphere for all attendees. This will feature a variety of activities for families to enjoy, including music, competitions, interactive games, and giveaways such as county flags and healthy snacks.
There’s a familiar feel to the Division 1 Final, with Armagh and Kerry set to go head to head for a second successive year in the top-flight decider.
This will be the third Lidl National League Final between the counties in four years, as they also contested the 2022 Division 2 decider.
In the Division 2 Final, which will precede the Division 1 showpiece, Cork and Galway will battle it out for silverware after claiming promotion.
Relegated from Division 1 in 2024, the two counties have bounced back to the top tier at the first attempt and will now look to put the icing on a sweet-tasting Lidl National League cake by landing the trophy on offer.
Armagh, Kerry, Cork and Galway were also the 2024 TG4 All-Ireland Senior Championship semi-finalists, proof positive that all four teams have carried last year’s encouraging form into the 2025 season.
Saturday’s Divisions 1 and 2 Finals will be televised live on TG4, with the Division 3 and 4 Finals available to view on the Spórt TG4 YouTube channel. All the details can be found on the Sport for Business Rolling Seven-Day Guide to Sport on TV and Streaming
“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,” said Eimear O’Sullivan, Corporate Affairs Director Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland.
“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.”
“We’ve been treated to some wonderful football already in the 2025 Lidl National Leagues, and now we’re anticipating four excellent finals,” added Trina Murray, LGFA President preparing for her first trophy presentation at Croke Park.
“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.”
Further Reading for Sport for Business members:
Sport for Business in Conversation with Eimear O’Sullivan of Lidl Ireland
SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE
Lidl’s all round support for Ladies Football has been one of the best sponsorships of the last decade. It gives presence and visibility across it’s full store estate and has devoted it’s advertising with the LGFA over the past 15 months to promoting greater attendance.
WHAT’S UP NEXT?
A family of four can attend the Lidl National Football League Division 1 and 2 finals double-header at Croke Park on Saturday 12th April for €50 (Adult tickets €20 each / Juvenile ticket €5 each). Student and OAP tickets are available for €10. The Division 3 and 4 finals on Sunday 13th sees Adult tickets priced at €10, Students/OAPs €5, U18s €2 and under 12s go free.
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