The Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) has announced AirNav Ireland as the new sponsor of the All-Ireland U-16 Championships. This is a ground-breaking announcement as, for the very first time, the LGFA will have a title sponsor of these competitions, and for a three-year term covering the seasons 2026-2028. The stature and profile of the competitions will receive a significant boost with the arrival of AirNav Ireland as the title sponsor.
AirNav Ireland is Ireland’s air navigation service provider, responsible for the safe, efficient and sustainable management of air traffic across Irish-controlled airspace. Working at the centre of the country’s aviation infrastructure, AirNav Ireland supports hundreds of thousands of flights each year, connecting people, businesses and communities across Ireland, Europe and beyond. In doing so, the organisation keeps more than 160 million passengers safe annually- equivalent to filling over five Croke Parks every day – through precision, teamwork and an unwavering focus on safety. Its teams of air traffic controllers, engineers and aviation specialists work in a high-performance environment where focus, teamwork, communication and sound decision-making matter every minute. AirNav Ireland invests continuously in people, training and technology to meet the changing needs of aviation.
At its core, AirNav Ireland is guided by its SKIES values – Safety is their promise; Key to their success – their people; Integrity in everything they do; Environment – reducing climate impact through innovation; and Service excellence -delivering a world-leading service. These values strongly align with those of the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, where dedication, leadership, inclusion and the pursuit of excellence empower individuals and teams to perform at their very best, both on and off the field. Through this partnership, AirNav Ireland is proud to support participation, opportunity and positive role models for young women and girls in communities across Ireland.
Commenting on the announcement, AirNav Ireland’s Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, Rachel Martin, said, “This sponsorship provides an opportunity to raise awareness among young women of the skills and career opportunities available in air traffic management. Many of the qualities demonstrated by the players competing in these competitions, including teamwork, concentration, decision-making and communication, are also essential for air traffic controllers. These professionals play a vital role in managing aircraft flying through Irish airspace and Irish airports. By increasing awareness of the air traffic control profession, we hope to encourage many of the participants to explore these rewarding career opportunities.”
Ladies Gaelic Football Association President Trina Murray commented: “On behalf of the LGFA, I am delighted to welcome AirNav Ireland as the new sponsor of our All-Ireland U-16 Championships. This partnership represents a significant investment in the future of Ladies Gaelic Football and will help us continue providing meaningful opportunities for young players to develop, compete and thrive. We greatly appreciate AirNav Ireland’s commitment to supporting grassroots sport and empowering the next generation. As excitement builds ahead of the semi-finals, I want to wish all competing counties the very best of luck. Enjoy the occasion, play with pride, and create lasting memories for your teams and supporters alike.”
