Galway camogie’s recent €250,000 sponsorship deal with Westerwood Global broke ground as a historic standalone influx of investment into women’s sport.
While the five year deal may have been met with plaudits for its’ recognition of the sport’s commercial value, it also serves as a marker as to just how highly esteemed camogie has come to be.
“It’s reflection of where we’re at with Galway camogie and how successful we’ve been in previous years to gain that financial investment, but I suppose it’s also a reflection of how far women’s sport has come in such a short period of time” says Orlaith McGrath, all-star forward.
€250k sponsorship deal for @GalwayCamogie96 by Maynooth-based Westerwood Global, but set up and owned by former Galway minor hurler Basil Holian, will be a game-changer for the county. Hopefully will spark a seachange in how women's sports are viewed as commercial opportunities
— Daragh Ó Conchúir (@RebelDevil71) January 20, 2022
“I think it’s huge to get that kind of financial backing, and it’s needed to progress every team that’s in Galway’s set up. Without financial backing in this day and age at top level you’re going to be left behind.”
The Sarsfields star also believes the announcement bodes well for the future, proposing that it will “positively influence” more brand partnerships with other counties in the coming years.
Crediting the GPA for their strives forward in the field, she only sees the trajectory of camogie heading one direction.
“The GPA have done a huge amount of work in promoting the games and there definitely is a bit more exposure and I can only see that going from strength to strength in the coming years” the Kinvara PE teacher added.
The @gaelicplayers made a multitude of moves to parity during 2021, and we're sure there's more to come this year 🏐!
Their most recent upgrade saw the group secure a equal compensation for both male and female inter county players for sponsorship work 💪https://t.co/Pcq1wk6Gwm— Her Sport (@HerSportDotIE) January 10, 2022
Hectic season schedule
Intercounty league, intercounty championship, club championship and then the All Ireland series.
It’s a frantic timetable for a talented GAA player, one without pause and little off season.
With Galway having stayed the course and picked up victory in the battle for the O’Duffy cup and her club Sarsfields’ venturing to All Ireland finals on the regular, McGrath is all too familiar with the situation.
But is that the price of success?
“I think particular in the last two or three years because we’re successful with club and with Galway there isn’t a huge amount of a break” says the 26 year old.
“Weaker clubs might have a bigger break period before you return to county but we don’t.”
“It’s all year around but you wouldn’t do it if you didn’t enjoy it and I’m very fortunate to be a part of two very successful teams so it’s only a good thing.”
And the end is not in sight just yet either. Although McGrath is still tied up with club action for the forthcoming weeks, the Littlewoods Camogie League comes into full swing tomorrow.
This weekend sees the opening round of action in the @LittlewoodsIRL Camogie Leagues!
Fixture information ➡️ https://t.co/PRzYtvbx0j
Ticket information ➡️ https://t.co/xd3YDVsp2N#StyleOfPlay pic.twitter.com/vlZO3anLzp— Camogie Association (@OfficialCamogie) February 2, 2022
Fixtures
Saturday, 5th February
Littlewoods Ireland Camogie Leagues, Division 1
Galway v Offaly, 2pm, Gort GAA, H91VFK4. Ray Kelly (Kildare)
Tipperary v Down, 2pm, The Ragg, E41DE72. Andy Larkin (Cork)
Kilkenny v Limerick, 2pm, John Lockes Callan, R95HF8A. Justin Heffernan (Wexford)
Littlewoods Ireland Camogie Leagues, Division 2
Cork v Wexford, 2pm, Cork Camogie Grounds, Castle Road. Aaron Hogg (Clare)
Meath v Derry, 1pm, Donaghmore Ashbourne GAA, A84 YY47. Gavin Donegan (Dublin)
Westmeath v Waterford, 2pm, TEG Cusack Park, Mullingar N91NXV5. Philip McDonald (Cavan)
Kilkenny v Tipperary, 2pm, St. Lachtain’s GAA, Freshford R95WF34. John Horgan (Cork)
Galway v Laois, 12:30pm, Gort GAA, H91VFK4. Barry Nea (Wexford)
Sunday, 6th February
Littlewoods Ireland Camogie Leagues, Division 2
Kerry v Antrim, 1pm, Lixnaw GAA, V92FH70. Cathal McAllister (Cork)
