SPORTS
AWARD RECIPIENT
Na Gaeil Aeracha
Na Gaeil Aeracha made history in 2020 when it became the world’s first explicitly LGBTQ+ inclusive GAA club. It has offered LGFA since 2021, men’s+ football since 2022, hurling since 2023 and camogie since 2024. The group is credited with helping members feel like Ireland’s national sports are for them, all while having fun and building friendships.
Accepting the award, Na Gaeil Aeracha thanked the NXF and GCN and shared, “We’re six years now in existence, and we’re really proud of what we’re doing in building a space in Gaelic games and in sports for the queer community.”
NOMINEES
Blake Coe
Blake Coe is the founder of Déise Pride FC, an LGBTQ+ inclusive football team in Waterford. Having previously served as the club’s Chairperson, he remains a committee member after moving to Cork, where he is also on the committee for Cork Rebels FC. Furthermore, he has just taken part in a new documentary with TENI, highlighting issues faced by trans athletes in Irish sports and encouraging others to get involved.
Fionn Collins
A member of Sporting Pride Ireland, Fionn Collins has a particular interest in supporting trans inclusion. He has worked with clubs and governing bodies to create policies in collaboration with TENI, and has also helped to set up LGBTQ+ clubs in Ireland.
Shamrock Sióga
Founded in 2024, Shamrock Sióga is Ireland’s first LGBTQ+ basketball club. As well as representing the nation at tournaments in Lyon, London and Oslo, they have also hosted Éire Games, an international competition welcoming 200 players from around the world to celebrate inclusion, visibility and community within queer sport.
By Alice Linehan