Dundalk Grammar School to introduce gaelic football for senior cycle students
In recent months students had engaged in protests over the school’s refusal to allow gaelic football.
Dundalk Grammar School will play gaelic football from 2025 onwards, it has been announced. This decision follows a series of productive meetings between school staff and the Board of Governors.
In recent months students had engaged in protests over the school’s refusal to allow gaelic football.
In May students walked out of class and staged a match on the school’s astroturf pitch. Despite calls from students, parents, and teachers, the school’s Board of Governors had at that time remained firm in its decision.
A team was also entered into the Lennon Cup, a local competition, but was forced to withdraw after receiving a letter from the Chairperson of the Board of Governors stating that gaelic football is a non-sanctioned sport and students would not be insured to play.
Gaelic football will be played by both boys and girls in the senior cycle only, providing students with the opportunity to participate in the sport.
In a statement a student representative said:
“We have been told that we will play a friendly this academic year and can enter the Lennon Cup next year. Girls will have the opportunity to compete from the 2025/26 academic year also.
“We are delighted with the Board’s decision to include Gaelic Football as part of the school’s sports programme. It’s a sport that is so integral to our national identity, and we are excited that future generations of Dundalk Grammar students will have the chance to play it.
“We want to express our gratitude to those who supported our efforts, especially Ruairí Ó Murchú TD, who played a pivotal role in raising awareness of our campaign in the Dáil.
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“We are deeply grateful to Ruairí Ó Murchú TD for his unwavering support throughout our campaign.
“We would also like to express our thanks to students from other schools who signedpetitions in solidarity with our campaign, led by Alex McArdle.
“In addition, we would like that thank Louth GAA Chairman Sean McClean and the entireLouth GAA community for their ongoing support and encouragement throughout theprocess.
“Their backing has been instrumental in bringing this initiative to fruition.
“Starting in 2025, the school will begin organising teams and coaching for both boys and girlsin preparation for competition at senior level.”