The women’s Gaelic Players Association (WGPA) are to receive corporate sponsorship from Price Waterhouse Cooper (PwC).

“PwC’s backing will enable the WGPA to support the ongoing development of its members, both in their playing and professional careers,” read a PwC statement. “The WGPA have rolled out a range of support services including a member helpline, scholarships and personal development coaching and with PwC’s association, this will be expanded through leadership training and third level education events.

"The WGPA was launched in January to support members in improving standards in the game, following research carried out into the playing experience. The report Making Things Better revealed eight out of ten county players are overwhelmed by their commitments, less than one in ten (7 per cent) receive travel expenses to attend training and almost two-thirds (62 per cent) have been out of pocket due to injury. Furthermore, 83 per cent said intercounty players do not have access to support services for player welfare such as counselling, career advice, education support. Nearly three-quarters (73 per cent) said that player welfare of intercounty players is being insufficiently looked after. Two-thirds (68 per cent) believe intercounty players are not respected as athletes by the general population."

“High performance sport helps to set up good habits for life, which places top ladies footballers and camogie players as ideal role models in Irish society,” said WGPA chairperson Aoife Lane. “Unfortunately, these players are relatively invisible and undocumented, something that is recognised by nine out of ten members.”