A footballer from Laois has been named as a graduate from the Ladies Gaelic Football Association’s Believe, Unlock Potential, Achieve (BUA) Programme.
Grace Cunningham, 17 from Park-Ratheniska was one of 24 graduates from the third edition of the BUA Programme.
Cunningham, who plays half forward, is part of the Laois minor panel for the second year in a row.
She played for Park-Ratheniska in he Intermediate football final two years ago as a 16 year old, and last year featured for the club in the senior championship.
Cunningham, a student at Dunamase College, Portlaoise, is renowned for her fitness and as is regarded as an excellent trainer.
Outside of football, she also plays for Laois Hockey Club, and is a talented musician and has represented Laois at Scór.
18 counties were represented, as well as the Coatbridge Davitts club from Scotland, at a special graduation ceremony held at Croke Park Stadium on Tuesday April 2.
The BUA 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.
Lyndsey Davey, a five-time All-Ireland Senior medallist, said the graduates “increased confidence, self-respect and greater resilience through their involvement” in the programme.
LGFA-specific modules between each leadership session were conducted by some of the most recognisable names in Ladies Gaelic Football, including former inter-county players and leading referees.
Hailing the graduates from the BUA Programme, Ladies Gaelic Football Association President, Mícheál Naughton, said:
“It has been incredible to note the progress of the programme participants since its commencement, and they have come a long way in a relatively short period of time.
“We are acutely aware of our responsibilities in terms of serving the needs of our young members, and it’s vital to have structures in place which will help them to flourish and reach their full potential.
“Our latest BUA programme has been a real success and it was wonderful to see our graduates full engaged from the outset.
“These are outstanding young females who can play key roles within our Association for many years to come, and who are already infused with a deep love for our sport.
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