The Gaelic Players Association (GPA) is calling for a coordinated effort across Gaelic games to better support elite female inter-county athletes who wish to start families while continuing their sporting careers.
Emerging research conducted as part of a PhD study examining the experiences of female inter-county players has revealed that only 3% of female players currently have children, compared to approximately 7% in the Women’s Super League (WSL), raising important questions about the supports available to athletes during key life stages.
The PhD study, undertaken by student researcher Sarah Doran in partnership with the SHE Research Centre in TUS Athlone and the GPA, highlights that female inter-county players leave elite sport at younger ages than males, with just 12% of players aged over 30, compared to 19% of male players. Separate data from former players shows that time pressures, family commitments and financial costs are common reasons for stepping away from inter-county competition.
GPA CEO Tom Parsons said; “Inter-county players are making enormous commitments to represent their counties at the highest level. Female players should not feel they have to choose between pursuing a family and continuing their sporting ambitions.
“These findings point to an opportunity for Gaelic games to develop more player-centred environments that support women through family planning, pregnancy and a safe return to play. No player should feel that motherhood marks the end of their sporting career.
“We need to do all that is feasible to retain our top talent and normalising becoming a mother as another phase of a playing career can help in that regard.”
The research also identified significant gaps in access to specialist support services that are critical for female athlete health and wellbeing. While access to physiotherapy and strength and conditioning support is generally positive across inter-county setups, many players report limited access to other key practitioners.
Among surveyed players:
38% reported no access to a nutritionist
41% reported no access to a psychologist
85% reported no access to a medical doctor
These services can play a crucial role in supporting athletes through pregnancy, post-partum recovery, load management and return-to-play processes.
The challenges are compounded by findings from a survey of practitioners working within female Gaelic games, completed by the GPA. The majority reported having no specific education relating to female health, while 47% stated they do not have adequate resources to support female health needs effectively.
Practitioners also rated interdisciplinary collaboration significantly lower for female health issues (49%) than for injury management (83%), highlighting the need for more integrated approaches when supporting players through pregnancy, post-partum recovery and broader female health considerations.
GPA Head of Equality and Player Relations Gemma Begley said; “The encouraging aspect of this research is that solutions already exist.
” Improved access to specialist expertise, clear pregnancy and return-to-play guidelines, targeted education for coaches and practitioners, and better collaboration between medical and performance staff would significantly improve the environment for players.
“We have made major strides in recognising the unique needs of female athletes and establishing the first player charter for female players to standardise supports across teams. The next step is ensuring that players who wish to become mothers are fully supported to remain involved in our games for as long as they choose.”
The GPA believes the findings should inform future discussions across Gaelic games around player welfare, female athlete health and the long-term sustainability of inter-county participation.
ENDS
Research Notes
PhD Female Inter-County Player Survey 2025: Responses N = 480
GPA Survey of Practitioners Working in Female Inter-County Gaelic Games 2026: Responses N = 70
