TOP OF PAGE: Tipperary’s Cáit Devane, Kilkenny’s Sinead O’Keefe, Cork’s Meabh Cahalane,and Waterford’s Keeley Corbett-Barry supporting LGBTQ+ inclusivity initiative PRIDE Round. Photo: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

A game of PRIDE

A Cork camogie player is one of many across the country to help promote a new initiative which aims to promote LGBTQ+ inclusivity in the sport.

Cork’s Meabh Cahalane joined a team of her inter-county camogie comrades at the recent launch of the PRIDE Round initiative.

Announced last week by the Camogie Association, the initiative designates the third round of the Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Championship as the PRIDE Round which aims to create a welcoming and safe environment for all members of the camogie family and the wider community.

Speaking at the launch, Uachtarán of the Camogie Association, Hilda Breslin, spoke of the importance of inclusivity in all sport.

She said: “The Camogie Association strives to ensure that its core values including inclusiveness are reflected in our actions. As part of this ethos, we are launching for the second year our championship PRIDE Round. We are asking all units and members to engage positively in promoting the message of inclusiveness and diversity throughout our association.”

All counties will have the opportunity to engage in PRIDE Round by taking part in activities that create visibility within their own county.

Ms Breslin continued: “It is an opportunity for all members of our association, from players and coaches to supporters, volunteers and everyone in between, to celebrate inclusivity and diversity through our game.

“Last year’s PRIDE Round was a resounding success, with 22 inter-county teams participating in various activities and sharing them on their social media channels, resulting in a top 10 ranking for Twitter engagements.”

Tara Flynn, chief people and IT officer at Glen Dimplex Group, added: “Inclusivity is the lifeblood of a thriving and healthy culture, whether it be on the pitch or in the workplace. Glen Dimplex is proud to align with the Camogie Association’s PRIDE Round and the commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion.”

This year’s PRIDE Round will take place during the third round of the championship, commencing on 12 June, with fixtures scheduled for the weekend of 17-18 June.

Teams and clubs can register to engage in PRIDE Round at forms.office.com/e/1YxW6zDmR6.

The Camogie Association encourages all clubs and counties to join in and #ShowYourPRIDE for this year’s event using the hashtags #ShowYourPRIDE, #PRIDERound, and #OurGameOurPassion.