Eilish Considine believes the GAA and LGFA can learn lessons from Australian Rules when it comes to promoting women's football.
Considine returned to the Clare Football Club after a successful career in Australia, where she won two Premier League titles with Adelaide.
From performing in front of large crowds to television broadcasts, the 32-year-old has been deeply impressed by the way Australia has promoted the AFLW.
With the number of Irish players in the AFLW growing every year, Considine hopes the GAA can adopt some aspects of the Australian model.
“They've made huge strides in Australia in terms of promoting the games and broadcasting them live on a regular basis, so I think they could definitely take some tips from the AFL in terms of organisation.
“They're quite similar cultures – the GAA and the AFL – people there love their football and we love the GAA here. There are a few things you can learn from the AFL.”
Returning to football with Claire, Considine admitted she was frustrated by old problems in the game that continued to exist many years later.
“It drives me crazy to be honest, especially the state of the pitches. I really expect county matches to be played on county grounds.
“For the GAA it may be a small detail and they probably don't even realise how important it is for us.
“It gives the game a bit more prestige when it's played at county stadiums but I don't think we've played a league game at Cusack Park or Páirc Chíosóg this year, which is a shame as we played most of our games there last year.”
“There may just be some conflicts between the GAA and the LGFA this year. But that can be fixed. I hope the merger happens soon enough to sort out the scheduling issues.”
“You can learn from the AFL. They often play twice in one weekend and they still attract spectators to both games rather than forcing them to choose one.”
The professional atmosphere and the opportunity to earn money doing what you love will attract any athlete to Australia.
With top players leaving intercounty football every year, the Clare resident is not surprised that so many Irish players are moving to another country.
“It's definitely a threat to the GAA and the LGFA. It's a threat to the game, losing top players, but on the other hand it's such a great opportunity that you can't miss it, so when it comes along you can't ignore it.”
Following relegation to the Third Division, Considine and her Clare teammates turned their attention to the Irish Championship.
After years of failure and lost finals, Clare will be looking to take one last step towards All-Ireland glory.
For Considine, leaving professional sport was a challenge, but it also brought more balance to her life outside of football.
“When I started playing for Clare it was a big deal for me, as it is for everyone who starts playing for the county, it meant a lot to them.
“I did it for so long and then I tried my hand in Australia. There was a more relaxed approach to the game and it was interesting because it was a professional environment.”
“Everyone focused on the balance between work
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
