Report Paul Murphy

A notice of motion calling on the Ladies Gaelic Football Association to reverse its policy on transgenderism proved highly controversial at a meeting of Meath County Council today (Monday, 3rd March). Aontu Cllr Emer Tóibín wanted the council to write to the organisation to reverse the policy “for the sake of the safety of their membership and the sake of fairness on the football field”. The councillor said that many people were unaware that the policy had been adopted by the LGFA in February 2023 and she asked “are female players insured in case of injury by male-born Gaelic players”.

She said that while she believes all citizens should be approached with compassion and that the aim should be to be as inclusive as possible, people should never lose sight of common sense. The limit to the rights of each person was where they infringe on another person’s rights, she said. “That’s why like so many others I found the decision by the LGFA to allow male-born Gaelic football players compete against girls and women startling. The decision was unexpected and out of the blue. There was no consultation, zero discussion and no advance notice given to female Gaelic football players”.

The cllr said the decision had shocked county and club players, grassroots supporters, coaches, parents and club chairpersons around the country. She had yet to speak to one person in favour of the policy, she said. “People are citing safety first, on and off the pitch. How could a women’s sporting organisation relegate the safety of their players in this manner? “

She asked if the LGFA had sought legal advice on the question of insurance if a male-born player “who is physically larger, more muscular, taller and has higher levels of testosterone” injured a girl or woman in an impact during a match. She also asked who had been consulted about the transgender policy and sought details about arrangements for showers and changing rooms. The councillor said there was a gross failure of duty of care by the LGFA.

Fine Gael Cllr Maria Murphy said she strongly opposed Cllr Tóibín’s motion adding that she did not think the council should tell the LGFA how to do its business. She did not know how many people had read the LGFA policy but she found it “very balanced”. FG Cllr Sarah Reilly said she did not see herself having any role or part to play in the affairs of a voluntary organisation.

Cllr Wayne Harding

Fianna Fail Cllr Wayne Harding complimented the LGFA on its work. He said he was around the council long enough to be able to call the motion for what it was – “a politically motivated stunt”. He said he had no support whatever for the notice of motion.

Independent Cllr Carol Lennon said that she had a two relatives, one of whom who was a transgender female and was the older of the two and was 5’10”. The younger person who was biologically female and 5’9” “would take down the biggest of men”. She did not discriminate and was happy to “take on them all”.

Aontu Cllr Dave Boyne said that what was being talked about as “gender dysphoria” which was a serious mental condition and should be treated as such. They had gone down a “slippery slope” where men were being allowed play women’s football and camogie. “It is a simple scientific fact that if you have an x chromosome and a y chromosome you’re a male human being and if you have two x chromosomes you are a female human being, that’s just science.”

Cathaoirleach Cllr Sharon Tolan called a vote on Cllr Tóibín’s motion which was defeated by 15 votes to nine, with one abstention.