Ladies football boom hits Australia

LADIES football is said to be ‘booming’ in Australia, with the game attracting growing numbers because it’s viewed as being less physically challenging than either rugby or Aussie Rules.

This emerged yesterday from a meeting of GAA leaders with representatives of local officials led by the long-serving General Secretary of the Association in Australia, Gerard Roe, whose position was made full-time three years ago.

According to Director-General Liam Mulvihill, the other sports are envious of the boom.

"Both rugby union and rules football are seen as being too rough for girls. The only games they can play are soccer which a lot of Australians have no time for or ladies football.

"For instance, the GAA was weak in Adelaide until the girls started up. Now, there has been a huge explosion of interest. They have 36 teams and more than half are women's teams!"

Yesterday's meeting was also attended by Leinster Council Chairman Nicky Brennan. As a result of a decision taken earlier in the year by the GAA's International Committee, Leinster is now twinned with Australia.

"There are problems, but genuine progress is being made," he said.

"There is a lot of emphasis on coaching and working in schools and we'll look at a number of initiatives."

Meanwhile, the Irish squad finished off their tour in Melbourne's Gaelic Park yesterday with a 2-7 to 0-9 win over a Victorian selection.

The home team promised a surprise win until a pointed free from team captain Colin Corkery regained the lead for the Irish side and the team's physiotherapist, Eamonn O Mhuircheartaigh, bagged a late goal created by Kieran McGeeney after making a guest appearance near the end.

Irish scorers were: Stephen Kelly 1-1; E. O Muircheartaigh 1-0; Colin Corkery 0-3; Stephen McDonnell, C. McManus and O. O'Dwyer 0-1 each.

IRELAND: E. Murphy; P. Christie, C. Daly, K. Cassidy; S. Ryan, K. McGeeney, O. O'Dwyer; C. McManus, P. McGrane; G. Cox, J. Bergin, D. Dolan; S. McDonnell, C. Corkery (c), B. McDonald. Subs: A. Lynch, G. Canty, S. Kelly, T. Freeman, B. Coulter.

Referee: Brian White.