Kilkenny councillor welcomes funding for women in sport

The announcement of record funding for Women in Sport has been welcomed in Kilkenny.

Cllr Deirdre Cullen, who is involved with the camogie club in Bennettsbridge, says the investment is crucial to keep women, and especially teenagers, involved in sports.

Earlier this week Minister Catherine Martin and Minister Thomas Byrne announce record investment of €4m in Women in Sport funding for 2024. This funding will benefit 45 sporting bodies nationwide, with €1m ring-fenced for football, Gaelic Games and rugby.

"I welcome this announcement of increased funding for women in sport. I champion female participation in sport and lack of funding in the past has had a negative impact on retention of women and young girls in particular in continuing to play sports, whether it be GAA, soccer etc.," Cllr Cullen said.

"We need to invest in our female players as with their male counterparts and equality of opportunity is crucial. We have a bit to go in order to bridge this gap and this increase will be a help. Crucially girls tend to fall away from sport in their teenage years and this is where increased investment is crucial to help prevent this."

Sport Ireland Chief Executive, Dr Úna May, said: “It is great news to welcome a record investment in funding under the Women in Sport Programme in 2024. Our aim is to have more women involved in sports and make sure they have the same chances to succeed in sport. This increased financial support will help to build on the current success we have with the WIS Programme.”