Faughanvale GAC mothers and others to represent County Derry at New York Blitz

Excitement has been building at St Mary’s GAC, Faughanvale this month as their talented Mothers and Others team have been invited to compete at the New York Ladies G4MO blitz this October.

The New York blitz will take place at Rocklands GAA in New York on October 12 with 700-800 women taking part from 37 clubs, from Ireland, USA and Canada. 

The Faughanvale Mothers and Others team are the only team selected from County Derry and are thrilled to represent their club and county at what they describe as a once in a lifetime experience.

Lauren Nicholl, Faughanvale Committee member and Mothers and Others player, is delighted that her team have been selected for this exciting opportunity; she said:

“There are 14 players heading to New York in October including our coaches, Jane, who plays Mothers and Others too and Cheree, a player of our senior Ladies’ team. 

“There are also a few partners and supporters coming along for the weekend too!”

She explained the origins of the initiative at the Faughanvale club:

“Our Mothers and Others team was set up three years ago by Jane Rankin, a taster session was held at the beginning of 2021 and the ball started rolling. 

“Each year, even in our very first year of playing, we were invited to blitzes ran by clubs in Donegal, Derry and Antrim. 

“Last year, we were invited to take part in the Ulster Provincial G4MO Blitz which was held in Derry and then the National G4MO blitz, held annually in Dublin.

“We have between 20-30 players who take part in training and blitzes, the great thing with Mothers and Others is the flexibility, some women might make it once a month, some every week but no matter what, everyone is equal in the team and all play their part when they can!”

Mothers and Others player Shauna Doherty described the fun and pleasure of playing with the club:

“Being the mammy of the team approaching my 50s, I feel wonderful getting out on a Tuesday evening to train.

“Playing in the blitzs with the other girls and the camaraderie between us is such a fantastic feeling.

“Where else would you ever get the chance to play in New York with such a great bunch of girls?”

Player Erin McLaughlin believes Mothers and Others is all about being part of a community:

“I've gotten more involved in the club since I started playing again, helping coach underage and getting involved with fundraising and it's great being more involved in the community, it gives you a purpose. 

“To get the chance to go to NYC to play is unreal, even my own mother is going to support us. 

“We can't wait to play against teams we would never have got the chance to play against and are looking even more forward to the celebrations after!”

Kerrie Anne O'Kane, a new player to the club, felt she was made welcome and has made new friends through Mothers and Others, whilst Ashlene Moore has enjoyed reuniting with her Senior Ladies teammates from 20 years ago.

Natalie Moore recommends the flexibility and craic of Mothers and Others and “the chance to socialise, let your hair down and have some well needed 'me time'!” and Danielle O'Hara said that “Mothers and Others gives me the freedom to play a game that we all love and enjoy it with 'fun' being the main priority.”

Joanne O'Donnell described it as “refreshing at 43 to be able to play a team sport with a fab bunch of girls and not feel like you are 'past it'.”

“I love the balance of fun with a little competitiveness, meeting teams from all over at blitzes and having brilliant experiences with great teammates again.”

“Joining Mothers and Others has been good for the body but really does the heart good too!!'

Coach Cheree Mackey, a current Senior Ladies player, has been enjoying helping out with the Mothers and Others team:

“It's been great seeing girls that I used to play football with years ago back out enjoying playing again and girls that have never played before get out on a Tuesday night to keep fit, enjoy themselves and have a bit of craic. 

“For the girls getting the chance to go to New York to play against teams from all over is an unreal experience and I can't wait to be there supporting them all.”

Eamon King, the Club Chairman wished the team all the best in the competition:

“We are very proud that our Mothers and Others have been selected to represent our Club and County in New York this October. 

“Some of the ladies have been involved with the club for most of their lives, while others are new to the Club; Mothers and Others has been a great opportunity to promote Gaelic games for all. 

“I hope you all have a great time and do yourselves and your families proud, from all at Faughanvale GAC.

“I have no doubt the girls will have lots of laughs, make great memories and gain some lifelong friends.”

The Gaelic4Mothers&Others initiative was set up by the LGFA to introduce mothers and other women to playing Ladies Gaelic Football. 

The initiative sees women playing Gaelic football in a non-competitive and social environment, providing an opportunity for women to exercise in a fun way while meeting with others in the local community.  

The ethos at Faughanvale M&O is very much about social interaction, fun and fitness; Lauren said:

“I think if you were to ask everyone that attended our training sessions or matches, they would all say the same thing, we do more laughing than playing football!

“One thing guaranteed is we have bucket loads of fun, on and off the pitch!”

Faughanvale Mothers and Others training sessions take place on Tuesday evenings, from 6:30pm to 7:30pm. 

Lauren confirms that the club will hold a number of fundraising events to help raise money for the team to travel to New York and have a potential target of £8,000 to reach.

A family fun day is planned for the weekend of July 4 and a family fun weekend at the end of August to coincide with hosting the Faughanvale Mothers and Others blitz.

Details will be posted on the club’s social media pages and businesses who would like to sponsor the team or donate prizes for a raffle are urged to get in touch via these pages.