A leader on and off the GAA field

GEMMA Begley’s name resonates deeply within the Gaelic football community of Tyrone.

She is not only renowned for her prowess on the field, but also for her unwavering commitment to championing equality and inclusivity within the sport. As a prominent figure in Tyrone Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA), Gemma’s journey reflects the evolution and progress of women’s Gaelic football in the county.

Not only has Gemma enjoyed an inspiring and successful footballing career, playing with Tyrone Ladies for 15 years at senior level and still continuing to play for her club Carrickmore, she also is an advocate for female footballers off the pitch.

Previously working with the Women’s Gaelic Player Association (WGPA) since 2015, Gemma was later appointed the Gaelic Players’ Association’s (GPA) first ever equality, diversity and inclusion manager following the integration of the ladies and men’s associations.

Speaking to the UH, Gemma reflected on how things have changed in Tyrone since she began playing.

“Women’s Gaelic has evolved an awful lot since I was starting out.

“I suppose the way it was back then ultimately prompted me to get involved with my current role as a champion of equality, diversity and inclusion.

“I always felt a lot could be improved and that the best way forward was to come together and tackle challenges collectively.”

Throughout her involvement, Gemma has witnessed significant transformations within ladies football.

“The journey towards equality has been marked by challenges and triumphs,” she acknowledges. “We’ve come a long way in terms of facilities, recognition, and opportunities for women in football.

“The progress made is very much a testament to the level that the adult inter-county game is at, and it’s now the ‘norm’ for women to be treated to the same high standards as the men.”

INTEGRATION

Looking ahead, Gemma is optimistic about the proposed integration of the Camogie Association, the GAA, and the LGFA by 2027.

“If the Gaelic games were to begin today, that’s how it would be done with all three organisations integrated – it just makes sense.

“However, Gaelic football is the biggest volunteer-led organisation in the country so integration will be no mean feat.

“In the meantime, an awful lot is happening on the ground.

“Many clubs have adopted the ‘one club model’ including my own, Carrickmore, which can have a real positive impact for female players in that they feel equal to their male clubmates.”

Beyond administrative duties in her current role, Gemma is deeply committed to bridging the gender gap and advocating for female players’ rights.

“A lot of my job deals with bridging the gender gap between men and women in Gaelic games. This includes working on government grants, funding, ensuring minimum standards are met for female players… while also striving to improve these standards,” she said.

For Gemma, football embodies more than just athletic prowess and achievement – it’s a symbol of identity, community, and empowerment.

“Everyone who plays Gaelic gets a lot more out of the sport than they put in. It’s a truly special thing to play your own indigenous sport, representing your own part of the world and your own people.

“I feel very lucky and grateful to be a Tyrone woman, for all the opportunities I have had and all the inspiring people I have met along the way.

“The things you learn playing football, you carry with you throughout your life.”

As Tyrone’s Senior Ladies gear up for the National League Division 2 Final on April 7 in Croke Park, Gemma is encouraging the community to create a ‘buzz’ around the team.

“It’s great to see them in the final and I hope the community and local clubs generate a big buzz around that. This is a really good time for Ladies football and I would love to see our young female footballers out supporting their local heroes as they play on a national stage,” she said.