Lidl Ireland makes LGFA players stars of the screen with ‘Greatness Deserves to be Seen’ campaign

Lidl Ireland and the Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) are calling on supporters across the country to turn out in force this weekend for the Lidl National Football League Finals on Saturday 11th and Sunday, 12th, as the top teams across all four divisions compete for silverware.
Following a highly competitive League campaign, the finals represent a showcase of the very best of Ladies’ Gaelic Football, with players delivering exceptional standards of skill, athleticism and intensity throughout the season.
With over 63 hours of TV airtime dedicated to LGFA players since January 2026, supported by a national social media campaign across TikTok and Instagram, the campaign has been viewed more than 12 million times by audiences across Ireland, creating opportunities for the Irish public to see the game and its players ahead of the all important finals this weekend.
Despite this boost, challenges remain around visibility and recognition. Just 8% of LGFA players feel that current media coverage accurately reflects the true standard of the game, highlighting the need for continued support both on and off the pitch.
Lidl and the LGFA are encouraging fans to attend, back their counties, and experience firsthand the quality of the women’s game, ensuring that the excellence on the pitch is matched by the energy and support in the stands.
The call to action comes as Lidl research conducted by Red C highlights both the progress and the ongoing challenges facing women’s sport in Ireland. While 80% of people believe inequality still exists between men’s and women’s sport, there are clear signs of positive momentum, with one in five people reporting increased interest in women’s sport over the past year.
Importantly, perceptions are shifting. Almost two-thirds (65%) of respondents now rate women’s sport as “high quality,” a significant increase in recent years. Media coverage of the LGFA has also tripled since 2020, supported in part by sustained investment and campaigns such as Lidl’s ‘Greatness Deserves to Be Seen’. However, a significant gap remains, with men’s sport still receiving 15 times more coverage.
Through its ‘Greatness Deserves to be Seen’ campaign, Lidl has helped shine a spotlight on the skill and thrill of the game by ‘crashing’ its own TV advertisements to show one of the
many iconic moments in the sport instead of the retailer’s weekly offers. From Carla Rowe’s iconic back heel goal to superb strikes into the back of the net from Armagh’s Aimee Mackin and Kerry’s Danielle O’Leary and an overhead fisted goal by Tipperary’s Aishling Maloney, the campaign settles the score that when it comes to quality and skill, the ladies’ game has it in abundance.
As momentum continues to build, the message is clear: the talent is there, the quality is undeniable, now it’s time for supporters to get behind the game.
Robert Ryan, Chief Executive Officer of Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland, said:
“We are incredibly proud of the impact that our ‘Greatness Deserves to be Seen’ campaign has had in bringing the skill of the game to new audiences who may never have engaged before.  Through our LGFA partnership over the past decade, and with our renewed investment of €7.5 million in the years to come, we continue to work to elevate the visibility and profile of the game. However, the reality is that there is still more to be done to ensure the brilliance we see on the pitch is matched by the support in the stands.
 
As we approach the Lidl National League Finals this weekend, I’m encouraging all Gaelic Games fans to come out and support these players. Through our ‘Greatness Deserves to Be Seen’ campaign, we are shining a spotlight on the skill, dedication and excellence of LGFA players. Now, we are calling on supporters across the country to play their part. Get behind the teams, attend the finals, and help ensure that the greatness on the pitch is truly reflected in the stands.”
 
 
Trina Murray, LGFA President, said:
“As we approach the Lidl National League Finals, it’s important that we continue to get behind our players. The standard of football throughout this year’s league campaign has been fantastic, showcasing the skill, intensity and commitment that defines the LGFA. These finals are a brilliant opportunity for supporters to come out, show their backing, and experience the quality of the women’s game firsthand. We are incredibly fortunate to have such strong role models across our counties, inspiring the next generation both on and off the pitch, and I wish all teams the very best in the finals.”
 
Lidl Ireland has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to the LGFA and women’s sport more broadly, announcing a €7.5m extension of its LGFA partnership for the next five years. Combined with a previous €15m investment over the last ten years, Lidl’s total support for the LGFA now totals €22.5m, representing a significant and sustained effort to advance and promote women’s sport across Ireland.
The Division 1 final will be held in TUS Gaelic Grounds between Cork and Galway at 5pm on Saturday 11th April, while the Division 2 final between Cavan and Donegal will be at 3pm at St Tiernach’s Park in Clones, Monaghan, on the same day. Also on Saturday, the Division 3 final will see Louth face Antrim at 1pm in St. Oliver Plunkett Park, Crossmaglen and on Sunday 12th April,  Carlow will take on Leitrim at 2pm in Grant Heating St.Brendan’s Park, Birr, in the Division 4 Final.

Tickets for the Lidl National Football League Finals are priced at €15 for adults, €10 for students and OAPs, and €5 for juveniles and €2 for U12s.
Peil na mBan Beo will also be available to audiences globally on the TG4 Player at www.tg4.ie/beo and on the TG4 Mobile and Smart TV App.

 

 

 

 

Toyota Announced as Official Car Partner to The Camogie Association and GAA/GPA

Toyota Ireland has announced a new three-year partnership with The Camogie Association and GAA/GPA which sees Toyota become the Official Car Partner to these sporting organisations. The partnership is the latest in a long history of Toyota investing in and supporting Irish sport and athletes spanning Gaelic games, athletics, para-sport, rugby and cricket and at every level including men’s, women’s, grassroots, elite, able bodied and disability.

As part of the partnership, Dublin Camogie captain Aisling Maher and Galway footballer John Maher have been named as official Toyota ambassadors and will drive the Toyota C-HR Hybrid, which combines innovative design, style, Toyota’s cutting-edge hybrid technology and with reduced carbon emissions, it offers a smooth, low-emission driving experience – the perfect companion for winding down after training or a hard-fought match.

Commenting on the announcement, Steve Tormey, CEO of Toyota Ireland, said:

“Toyota has a proud history of supporting sport and athletes at both local and international levels. This new partnership is an investment in our national games and the inter-county players who are the heartbeat of the sport and role models for young children across the country. By supporting The Camogie Association, the GAA / GPA and our new ambassadors Aisling and John, we aim to deepen our connection with communities nationwide. Many of our Toyota dealerships already support their local GAA clubs, and this partnership builds on that grassroots commitment. It also reflects our belief in ‘Built for a Better World’ and by promoting inclusivity, community engagement, and supporting future generations through sport, we’re continuing our mission to improve lives and lead with purpose.”

 Brian Molloy, President of The Camogie Association, added:

“Having Toyota on board as a partner is a strong endorsement of the growing profile and significance of Camogie. We welcome Toyota’s support as we continue to develop and promote the game at every level.”

 Jarlath Burns, President of the GAA, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Toyota as Official Car Partner. Toyota has supported the GAA for generations, and their continued commitment to Gaelic games is a testament to the strong bond they share with our communities. Their focus on sustainability and community mirrors our own values, and we look forward to the positive impact this partnership will bring to Gaelic games across the country.”

 Commenting on the announcement, Tom Parsons, CEO of the GPA:

“This partnership with Toyota represents a meaningful investment into the GPA and will strengthen our ability to support inter-county players the length and breadth of the country. It’s great to have a brand like Toyota who recognise the unique role GPA members, both male and female, play in Irish society, on board.”

Other Motoring news 

World premiere of GAA game ‘Gaelic Football 2025’ at Gamerfest

Ahead of its massively anticipated launch, the world premiere of Gaelic Football 2025 is happening at GamerFest, Ireland’s biggest gaming and esports festival, where gamers can have an exclusive first play! The epic weekend celebration of gaming entertainment will include the latest games, VR gaming, esports and gaming challenges, a host of special guests including top Twitch and YouTube creators, and a packed schedule of live stage content.

The first Gaelic Football video game in 18 years is bigger, better, and built for next-generation game consoles – and GamerFest is the place to play it before anybody else! Whether you’re chasing glory in county championships or building your legacy from grassroots to greatness, Gaelic Football 2025 delivers the passion, pride, and power of Gaelic football like never before.

In addition to this world premiere, the developers of Gaelic Football 2025, Buck Eejit Games, will also be onsite at GamerFest to chat with the audience and gather that all important gamer feedback ahead of the games official launch in summer 2025 across Xbox Series X|S, PS5 and PC.

Red Bull’s mobile gaming event is returning to Ireland exclusively at GamerFest, featuring action-packed tournaments for both Player Unknown’s Battle Grounds on the Saturday and Clash Royale on the Sunday.

Tournament registration will take place on both days from 10am at the Red Bull Mobile Esports Open area at GamerFest. Attendees will commence the tournament in the Red Bull area from 1pm on both days, with the exciting Grand Finals taking place on the GamerFest Main Stage later in the day. The ultimate winner on both days will earn themselves their choice of a flagship smartphone or €1,000 in cash, plus the tournament winner’s trophy.

Also appearing at GamerFest will be Ireland’s top gaming content creators, including The Gara Show, who has amassed over 750,000 followers across his channels. Others such as Dylan Garbutt, Jordan Brown and Shields will be making live stage appearances and partaking in Q&As with gaming fans.

GamerFest has something for gamers of all levels, including families, casual and seasoned players alike. From retro games, cosplay and tournaments, to the Industry Zone where those interested in gaming professions can chat to the developers themselves and learn about the opportunities in the sector.

Stuart Dempsey, CEO of GamerFest, says: “This is a very exciting year for GamerFest, with audiences getting an exclusive first play of the hotly anticipated new GAA game. Our passion is to give Ireland’s gamers the biggest opportunities in the industry, whether that’s first plays of upcoming games or a chance to talk to developers about a future career in the games industry. We look forward to welcoming over 5,000 visitors to enjoy the weekend’s entertainment.”

GamerFest takes place in Dublin’s RDS on May 24th and 25th

Speechly interprets real-time audio conversations in Gaelic for Jabra users #Gaelic #Speechly #Jabra

Speechly, the innovative interpretation technology that allows direct conversation between speakers of multiple different languages, has added nine new languages to its service, including Gaelic. Jabra today confirms that Evolve2 series and BlueParrott C300-XT headsets have been certified for use with the Speechly app and support one-to-one conversations in 35 languages. Speechly, which was created by FITTS, uses artificial intelligence (AI) to translate spoken and written word.

In addition to launching Gaelic, Speechly has added eight new languages including Bulgarian, Croatian, Czech, Greek, Hungarian, Romanian, Slovak and Slovenian. With the rollout of these languages, Speechly technology can now be applied in even more scenarios where instant, high-quality and accurate interpretation is crucial. Speechly is designed to help organisations cut interpretation fees and simplify the translation process to improve communication.

Private and Public Sector organisations frequently encounter communication problems that reduce their ability to provide services effectively. Speechly technology supports a wide variety of uses from police, inter-governmental negotiations, paramedics, and disaster response, to business meetings, journalism, academic research and much more, by facilitating natural and seamless conversations in the speaker’s native language.

Speechly works exclusively with compatible Jabra professional headsets and speakerphones for conversations between two individuals. Jabra’s Evolve2 Series professional headsets offer outstanding call quality and wireless audio, enhancing productivity wherever you are. All Speechly conversations can be recorded, and a transcription of the conversation is also provided.

BlueParrott C300-XT headsets are engineered to make hands-free communication easy and reliable; ideal for frontline workers and first responders. A Microsoft Teams Walkie Talkie feature enables workers to use their smartphone or tablet as a walkie-talkie for group conversations, keeping distributed teams connected. The BlueParrott C300-XT comes with access to the Walkie Talkie feature already programmed into the headset’s BlueParrott Button™, offering clear and instant Push-to-Talk collaboration with colleagues. In addition, the headsets deliver 80 per cent noise cancellation*, enabling users to communicate clearly, even in demanding work environments.

James Haworth, Managing Director at FITTS, says, “When speaking to our partners and customers in Ireland, we recognised the huge demand for accurate and reliable Gaelic translation. Organisations in Ireland no longer have to forego translation into Gaelic or spend enormous sums of money on interpreters to resolve issues. We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with Jabra, and with the addition of these nine new languages, to continue to break down the language barrier for organisations in Ireland and around the world.”

John Nesbitt, Territory Director, Ireland at Jabra, said: “The availability of Speechly technology in Gaelic marks an important milestone, allowing users to speak in their native language and to receive real-time interpretation through the Speechly app. Jabra’s collaboration with Speechly offers world-class audio quality and a new level of integration with Jabra’s headsets. Users in Ireland can now enjoy seamless communication, helping organisations to improve collaboration and work more efficiently than ever before.”

Speechly can translate between the following 35 languages: Arabic, Bulgaria, Cantonese (Traditional), Catalan, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hindi, Hungarian, Irish, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese (Brazil), Portuguese (Portugal), Romanian, Russian, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish, Swedish, Tamil, Telugu, Thai, and Turkish.

To learn more, visit https://www.speechly.app/