Míchéal Naughton steps down as LGFA president at LGFA Congress in Letterkenny

Míchéal Naughton has stepped down as President of the Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) after four years at the helm as he handed over the reins at the Annual Congress held at the Clanree Hotel in Letterkenny, marking the end of his tenure.

Taking up the position is Trina Murray from Westmeath, who now becomes the 14th President of the LGFA since its foundation in 1974.

An Assistant Staff Officer at Westmeath County Council, Murray has been actively involved in the organisation, having served as LGFA Vice-President and Leinster LGFA President since 2021.

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Naughton offered his best wishes to Murray, while also voicing his thoughts on the future of the organisation.

“I believe that under the integrated model for Gaelic Games, it’s vital that Ladies Football retains a degree of autonomy, while working within the overall framework. It’s about respecting each other and finding a way where we can all develop and grow stronger together.”

He reflected on the LGFA’s journey, adding: “An interesting question I’ve been pondering in recent times is this: if we were set up 50 years ago, within the GAA, would we be here today and as strong as we are as an organisation? I don’t believe so. And that’s why, as we move forward, we must not lose sight of where we came from, and strive to maintain the level of independence that has brought us to this point.”

Murray, a native of Moate, is the fifth woman to lead the association, following in the footsteps of Mary Wheatley, Helen O’Rourke (now LGFA CEO), Geraldine Giles and Marie Hickey.

After her local club, Tubber, disbanded, she helped establish Moate Ladies, where she played for two decades and also represented Westmeath for 13 years, winning a Leinster title and an All-Ireland B title in 1995. However, an unfortunate car accident a week before the final prevented her from playing in the decider.

Beyond playing, Murray has built a strong administrative career, previously serving as Moate Ladies secretary before moving on to become Westmeath LGFA secretary. She has also held coaching roles at club, county, and provincial levels, in addition to acting as a Westmeath delegate at Leinster and Central Council meetings.

In 2017, Murray was appointed Vice-President of Leinster LGFA, progressing to provincial President-elect in 2020. She also completed the administration strand of the LGFA’s ‘Learn to Lead’ Female Leadership programme in February 2020.

Speaking after her appointment, Murray expressed her gratitude and excitement, particularly on a day of significance for women in sport.

“I am thrilled and deeply humbled to be elected on International Women’s Day. This is a hugely significant day for all females in sport. There are simply no words to describe the immense pride and sense of honour I feel. It is a wonderful occasion for my family, my club, my county, my province.”

She also addressed the ongoing discussions around integration within Gaelic Games, noting: “The recent discussions and steps toward greater integration present an exciting opportunity for all of us in the LGFA. The year 2027 is a significant milestone for our association, and it represents a change.

"It will no doubt be a leap of trust, and we will work closely with all our units and you the delegates to ensure that the integration benefits all levels of the game—making it stronger, more sustainable, more equal, and more connected than ever.”

Murray has also pledged to prioritise boosting attendance at LGFA fixtures, particularly at finals held in Croke Park.

“One of my key priorities will be to increase attendance at our matches and particularly at our finals in Croke Park. Headquarters is the perfect stage to showcase the pinnacle of our sporting calendar, and our players deserve to be celebrated by packed crowds of supporters who recognise the hard work and dedication of our players.”

Meanwhile, it was confirmed that Leitrim will host the Annual Congress in 2026. Additionally, an LGFA Management proposal regarding the injury fund — stating that it should cover only registered members in official matches or on-pitch training — was deferred, with a policy set to be reviewed in due course.