Put attendances before grants, says Murphy

Increased attendances at games are paramount before any notions of Government grants for Ladies footballers can be talked about, according to Cork's All-Ireland-winning captain Juliet Murphy.

The Ladies Football Association has seen unprecidented growth in its playing numbers in recent years and the three-time All-Ireland winner wants to see that trend continue before the issue of grants is up for discussion.

"I would just prefer to see the game growing and continuing to grow in the manner it has in the last couple of years - particularly to get increased numbers at matches," Murphy said.

"I think if we could make that step forward before any money or any grants I think that would be more rewarding for all of the players, the association and the people involved.

"Everybody is involved at county level for the fun aspect and I think if you don't have that element there is no point in looking too far beyond those boundaries really."

The talented midfielder also believes that the International Rules Series in the Ladies code does not have a future. The experiment only lasted one year, after Ireland trashed the Aussies following Test matches in Cavan and Dublin two years ago.

"I don't think it's a step forward for our game. I think the rules for both codes, some work well for Ladies football, and I think it's probably better that the series wouldn't go ahead again."

Today saw Murphy fly to Dubai as part of the TG4 Ladies Football All-Star tour, which will see the 2006 and 2007 All-Stars play an exhibition match at the Annual Gulf Gaelic Games tournament, a two-day competition hosted by the Dubai Celts GAA Club.

"There are other people who think that the International Rules is a good idea, but I think when you go on these trips it's a bit more important because it is at ground level and that's really the key," Murphy added.

"It's a nice opportunity for players to go away without having the training and level of competition that we normally have.

"We don't get much other time to interact with each other on a social level so it is nice in that regard. The last trip was very enjoyable.

"There were huge efforts made by the association to try and go amongst the GAA community in Singapore and likewise will be done this week at the Sevens tournament in Dubai. It will be a good opportunity for us and also a good opportunity for the people over there," she explained.

National Ladies Football Assistant Secretary, Ita Hannon, also believes the tour is just reward for the efforts which the players put into the sport during the year.

"It's great for our girls because there are two years of Ladies Football All-Stars and it's great to pay them back a little bit for what they have given the association over the last two years. It's a great opportunity for them also on a social level also rather than being competitive," she said.

Hannon also believes that this All-Stars tour is also about giving back something to the Irish community abroad, which have forged strong links with Gaelic games and Ladies football over the years.

"Absolutely, because the Irish over there play at a very high level and there are quite a number of teams out there at the moment playing in the Sevens. We will be attending these games out there as well are own girls playing their challenge game on Saturday."

This weekend's game will take place at the Polo Grounds in Dubai and will be refereed by Mayo's Declan Corcoran.