Recently, Deirdre Codd was in the media for her tweet regarding the misogynistic funding system in our Gaelic Games.
At Wexford Weekly, we have exclusively caught up with the three-time All-Ireland winner to discuss the idea of balancing equality, but not just between men and women.
“The Wexford GAA Cúl camps had 967 female participants last year. That’s over €50,000 into Wexford GAA who’s governing board states that 80% revenue goes back into underage. I doubt the little girls who took part get any help to their development.”
“I’m not just talking about having equality for the women, I’m talking about between hurling and men’s football too. Wexford hurlers have always received more than the footballers.”
Codd then accounted for a recent interaction with a friend; a mother who’s son was on the receiving end of inequality.
“I recently talked to a mother of a 17-year-old boy who was on both development squads in Wexford GAA. He was born with a hurl in his hand, but he has received better treatment and better meals from the football squad, so he has chosen to only play football and doesn’t have half as much interest in the hurling anymore.”
“I think it’s so sad to see this and unless equality comes across the board, many more people will suffer. We all represent Wexford, we all deserve the same basic necessities as every other player no matter which Gaelic Game it is.”
Although Codd seemed to slam the funding system in her earlier tweet, certainly there have been innovative steps taken by some clubs to inhibit inequality and her own club, Duffry Rovers, was one of those clubs.
“A number have clubs, including Duffry Rovers went down the joint fundraising route for Strictly Club Dancing. It makes so much sense on so many levels and it should happen more often by clubs.”
“I thought it was a brilliant step forward having a joint fundraiser for the Wexford hurling and camogie in January for the Fittest Family too. It brings a greater unity to all the hardworking players.”
However, even though some steps have been made, it is still evident that many problems still remain amongst the associations and it’s an area that needs tackling.
“The GAA, Camogie and Ladies football presidents 3 years ago agreed that the merging into the one organisation would be the way forward, yet this hasn’t even started to happen. Ireland has always been amazing at setting the trend.. with female presidents, gay marriage..”
“I just feel when it comes to our Gaelic sports they continue to take steps backwards not forward.”
Wexford Weekly
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