The Camogie Association launched PRIDE Round, an initiative which involves affording the third round of the Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Championship the dedicated name of “PRIDE Round”. PRIDE Round offers the opportunity to make all members of the Camogie Family and the wider community feel welcome, safe, included, and celebrated.
Speaking at today’s launch, Uachtarán/President of the Camogie Association, Hilda Breslin said;
“I am delighted to launch the PRIDE Round on behalf of the Camogie Association. Camogie is a community-based association, where everyone should feel welcome. One of our core values is inclusiveness and it is vital that we show solidarity and respect with all our members. It is important that we follow up those words with actions and we are calling on all units and members to engage positively in promoting the message of inclusivity and diversity through our game.”
Rowena Rodrigues, Group Head of External Relations and Engagement at championship sponsors, Glen Dimplex, said:
“As an inclusive employer with Care About People at the heart of our company values, Glen Dimplex are proud to align with the Camogie Association’s inaugural PRIDE Round and the commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion.”
All counties will have the opportunity to engage in PRIDE Round, which will involve taking part in some suggested activities to create visibility within their own county. It is an opportunity for all members of the Association, from players and coaches to supporters, volunteers and everyone in between to celebrate inclusivity and diversity through camogie.
Louise Keane, the Camogie Associations Player Welfare and Inclusion Coordinator said:
“We are really excited for PRIDE Round. It’s an opportunity for us to create visibility and allowing people to see themselves in others and see a community where they are not just accepted but they are celebrated and embraced. We are asking all counties to get involved and do something, big or small, to celebrate PRIDE Round and the LGBTQ+ community and we can’t wait to see what they do.”
Following on from the LGBTQ+ Awareness workshops with ShoutOut for Children’s Officers, players and young adults and coaches, parents, and teachers in 2021, the Camogie Association aims to continue building an environment where everyone feels welcome and protected. There was a huge interest in these workshops with 473 volunteers engaged in the training.
Aifric Ní Chríodáin, Executive Director of ShoutOut added:
“We’re delighted to support the Camogie Association’s inaugural PRIDE Round and enthusiastically welcome their demonstrated commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion. Through our educational workshops with the CA we supported participants across the organisation to recognise and dismantle barriers to LGBTQ+ inclusion in Camogie through their actions and language. The PRIDE Round represents the next step for the Camogie Association in celebrating members of the LGBTQ+ community as players, coaches, and supporters, and creating a truly welcoming environment for Camogie communities across Ireland.”
