TRINA Murray is the new President of the Ladies Gaelic Football Association.
The Westmeath native took over the position from Mícheál Naughton, who had served four years at the helm, at today’s Annual Congress, held at the Clanree Hotel in Letterkenny, Co. Donegal.
An Assistant Staff Officer at Westmeath County Council, Murray becomes the 14th different President of the LGFA since its inception in 1974.
A native of Moate in County Westmeath, Murray had been serving as Leinster LGFA President, and LGFA Vice-President, since January 2021.
Now, she becomes the fifth female LGFA President, following previous terms served by Mary Wheatley, Helen O’Rourke (the current LGFA CEO), Geraldine Giles and Marie Hickey.
Murray was brought up in a family steeped in Gaelic Games and she began playing Ladies Football in her parish, Tubber, at the age of 14.
To her disappointment, the Tubber club disbanded after a few short years and at 18, she successfully investigated the possibility of establishing the Moate Ladies club.
As a player, Murray lined out for 20 years with Moate Ladies and for 13 years in the colours of Westmeath, who won a Leinster title in 1995 before adding an All-Ireland B crown in the same year.
Murray, however, missed out on the chance to play in the All-Ireland Final as she was unfortunately involved in a car accident a week before the big game.
From an administrative viewpoint, Murray filled the secretary’s position with Moate Ladies before going on to serve as Westmeath LGFA secretary.
A coach of club, county and provincial teams, Murray would also serve as a Westmeath delegate at Leinster and Central Council gatherings, and also at Annual Congress.
In 2017, she was appointed Vice-President of Leinster LGFA, and became provincial President-elect in 2020.
In February 2020, Murray graduated from the administration strand of the LGFA’s ‘Learn to Lead’ Female Leadership programme.
Murray’s career in administration has progressed well since then and after assuming the role of Leinster LGFA President, she is now President of the LGFA.
Murray and her husband, Jack, have one daughter, Emma.
Murray said: “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.”
Murray spoke about the path to integration for the Gaelic Games Associations, adding: “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.
“I believe that this alignment, combined with our already growing momentum, will set us up for tremendous success in the coming years.”
And Murray has vowed to prioritise increased attendances at LGFA fixtures.
She added: “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.
“I encourage all clubs and supporters to come out and fill the stands for these key matches. When we show up, we show our players that they have our full backing, and we elevate the profile of our great game as we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible for the LGFA. Women need to support women. By showing up, by supporting each other, and by working together, we can create a stronger, more united future for the LGFA and for women’s sport as a whole.”
Outgoing President Mícheál Naughton wished his successor well, adding: “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.
“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 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.
“This remarkable and historic journey is one to be embraced, and not feared, but it’s a journey that we must take with a cautious approach and with our eyes wide open on every step of the way.”
It was also confirmed that Annual Congress in 2026 will be hosted by Leitrim.
And an LGFA Management proposal that the injury fund “shall only cover registered members in official matches or official on-pitch training” was deferred and policy will be reviewed.
