Gaelic4Mothers and others All Ireland Blitz
Saturday 14th October 2017, the date for this year’s National Gaelic4Mothers and Others football Blitz.
It was early morning when we left Asda car park to travel to host club Naomh Mearnog (Portmarnock), who had the honour and task of once again organising this year’s event.
Excitement and nerves were in the air as the St John’s panel, mentors and supporters arrived at the venue, looking forward to their day “out on the pitch”.
Wonder and anticipation was in the air regarding who would we be playing and would we manage a few wins, even when we know fine well G4MO is non-competitive and there is no score keeping. Officially anyhow!
As “throw-in “beckoned, the girls went through their final preparations which included a mass warm-up with ‘Bokwa Fitness Ireland’ and a number of visits to the ‘ladies’
The array of team colours and jerseys were a sight to behold. St John’s blue and white adding to the colour collage as every last player played their part, putting into practice the learning and skills developed in their training sessions back in Belfast.
First up was Shamrock Gaels (Sligo) and after a slow start the girls picked up the pace winning 0-2 to 0-1 and had their first All-Ireland win under their belts. A strong Monivea Abbey (Galway) were up next and the girls gave it their all only to fall short at the final whistle. But with their heads held high the girls lined out against a tough Skerries Harps (Dublin) team and gave a tremendous team effort to win 1-4 to 0-4. Waiting for the girls next were the Kilkenny champions Dunnamaggin. A very competitive game between two evenly matched teams which St John’s dramatically won 2-1 to 0.5. The winning goal a spectacular individual effort straight from the training ground! The final game was against Roscommon Gaels. The girls left nothing in the tank but with fatigue setting in they lost by a goal. With 3 wins the St John’s girls had topped the group!
There were balls kicked high, balls kicked wide, ankles accidentally kicked when too much zealous applied. There was also wonderful high fielding, good skill and fitness levels and some spectacular points and goals. Everybody got a chance; everybody played a part, everyone’s contribution valued.
The panel of: Catherine Carleton, Emer Brennan, Deirdre Marley, Jeannette McAllister, Jase Simpson, Kelly Darragh, Kim Jacobs, Carol Gibson, Andrea Lowe, Nicola Neeson, Nuala Wilson, Alison Donnelly, Jamie McCann, Kathryn Mallon, Ciara Burn, Claire Reynolds, Martine Mullan, and Aine Hand can be very proud of themselves for the effort, fight and commitment displayed on the day. They were a credit to the blue and white of St John’s. A special word of thanks must also go to team mentors Aidan Darragh and Sharon Hughes.
This was “Our Day”
A day that demonstrates the qualities at the heart of Gaelic4Mothers &Others, fun, inclusive participation, social, learning new skills of our game, etc. Activity that gets such an enthusiastic mass of women involved in physical activity has benefits far reaching beyond the football out on the pitch. This day showcases just what a phenomenon G4MO in Ireland has become and is confirmation of its importance within the LGFA and GAA organisation.
May the G4MO’s initiative continue to grow, reaching out and involving those that wish to enjoy playing football and most importantly in integrating them as a valued and active part of their GAA Club and community.
All new members welcome. Contact Sharon Hughes 07740981619, Nicola Neeson 07871823412 or Kelly Darragh 07894164047.
