Limerick player graduates from Ladies Gaelic Football Association’s BUA Programme

ONE LIMERICK football player has successfully graduated from the Ladies Gaelic Football Association’s BUA Programme. Lainey Stokes from Oola is one of 24 females that have graduated from the programme today. 

The 24 graduates, representing 18 counties, as well as the Coatbridge Davitts club from Scotland, were saluted at a special graduation ceremony held at Croke Park Stadium on Tuesday April 2.

The BUA (Believe Unlock Potential Achieve) Programme is a self-development initiative aimed at supporting young people in the LGFA to develop life skills and qualities to benefit themselves and their local communities.

Aimed at females aged 16-19 years of age, ‘BUA’ was conducted through expert-led workshops and self-reflection, before participants put their enhanced leadership skills into practice through a club action project.

The participants engaged in learning and covered topics essential for young people including resilience, dealing with change, building trust and respect, conflict resolution, problem solving, project planning and delegation.

In addition, LGFA-specific topics including introductions to coaching, officiating and administration were also covered. The BUA Programme began in September 2023 and concluded in April 2024, with former inter-county stars Lyndsey Davey (Dublin) and Ciara O’Sullivan (Cork) serving as programme ambassadors.

Five-time TG4 All-Ireland Senior medallist Lyndsey Davey commented on the presentation at Croke Park Stadium yesterday, Tuesday saying: “It was brilliant to be at the final day of the programme and witness the positive change in the participants over the duration of the programme. They cited increased confidence, self-respect and greater resilience through their involvement, these are so important for all young women. I am really proud to be an ambassador for the BUA Programme.”