Desertmartin GAC’s Mothers and Others team bound for NYC

A group of 15 players from Desertmartin GAC’s Mothers and Others (G4MO) are preparing to jet off to America next week to take part in the ‘Festival of Football’ in New York.

Hosted by New York Ladies GAA, the festival will take place on Saturday, October 11 where 27 Irish-based clubs and New York clubs will come together to play in the tournament.

The Desertmartin team is the only team from County Derry selected to take part in the prestigious event.

Julie Kelly, who helped to form the team back in early 2024, said the ladies are excited to take part in the event.

Dungiven native Julie, who lives in Desertmartin, played with Ballinascreen’s Mothers and Others for two years before she was approached by Desertmartin club who were keen to set up their own team.

Julie’s children play for Desertmartin and she has been heavily involved in taking pictures for the club.

“The club approached me a couple of times about setting up a team and on the 9th of March 2024 we had our first session.  A good lot of people came for that session and we just went from there,” she said.  

“I applied for the New York trip after seeing it advertised on a Facebook page and woke one Saturday morning to the email to say we had got into New York,  I couldn’t believe it.  We are the only team from Derry going.”

The ladies, who have paid for their flights and accommodation themselves, will also be accompanied by the club chairperson, Anne Matterson.

“It feels unreal - we just can’t wait, we are all buzzing for it,” continued Julie.

“Mothers and Others isn’t like senior ladies, there is no commitment - it’s all for the craic.  Most of the players are running their kids to their own training and they have no time for themselves so this is something for themselves.  There was one evening there where we were training on the top pitch. It was a lovely evening and some of the girls had their wains with them and they all just joined in and we played football with them. That’s what it’s all about, getting out, getting the head showered and having a bit of craic.  One of the ladies is a qualified fitness instructor so during the winter she takes gym sessions so we keep going the whole year around.”

The ladies have been busy fundraising for the trip and will travel to New York on October 8 and return on October 13.

Some of the players have spoken about their experience of being part of the team and what it means to them.

What does it mean to be part of the G4MO’s team?

I love being part of the G4MO team, we train one night a week and it's that happy medium of getting out of the house for exercise while also socialising with other mums. It's exercising without realising you're exercising and the girls are all so lovely. It's honestly my highlight of the week from being a busy, working mum and juggling family life. It's my escapism.

What do you like about playing G4MO’s?

I used to play senior football many years ago now, and as much as I love football I don't have the time or commitment (or fitness) to play at that level anymore. G4MO gives me the opportunity to still play football non-competitively and we get to travel the country participating in local, national and (extremely lucky to be selected to play) at international level this year.

What does getting to NYC mean to you?

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to be selected to represent Co. Derry competing against teams from all over Ireland and America. There was no way I was turning down this opportunity as I know I would regret it if I didn't go. There is some excitement and buzz with the girls and I know we will make memories to last a lifetime.

What does it mean to be part of the G4MO’s team?

I grew up playing camogie, retired in 2016 and hadn’t played any team sports until I joined Desertmartin G4MO in May 2024. It can be overwhelming trying new things and joining a new team in your thirties but the Desertmartin girls were so friendly and welcoming from the start and it’s been really lovely being part of a team of like minded women. I’ve also been reunited with old school friends through the blitzes. 

What do you like about playing G4MO’s?

I love Gaelic and I love that I get to play in my late 30s in a non competitive, social capacity. With three young children at home and working full time I don’t have the time to commit to playing competitive sport so G4MO is perfect for me. The blitzes are brilliant days out and bring women together for the sole purpose of playing a bit of football but most importantly having a lot of craic! 

What does getting to NYC mean to you? 

Getting to NYC is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Never in a million years did I think that joining Desertmartin G4MO would lead to a trip to New York just a year later. It’s a real privilege and I feel extremely lucky.

What does it mean to be part of the G4MO’s team?

I think it's amazing being a part of the G4MO team as it gives you an opportunity to get out and meet new people. It takes you out of your comfort zone as you learn new skills as well as having fun along the way. 

What do you like about playing G4MO?

All the girls are very encouraging no matter how good or bad you play and we can all laugh at each other's mistakes. Nothing is taken too seriously. 

What does getting to NYC mean to you?

NYC is one of the amazing opportunities I heard about when I first started playing G4MO four years ago. I think it's a once in a lifetime opportunity that may never come around again and I'm so excited for the adventure with the best group of girls.

I've been playing ladies gaelic since I was 11 years old up until about 28.  Life took over and I could no longer commit to competitive football. G4MO has given me the opportunity to play my favourite sport again without the competitiveness and commitment. I also always wanted to see NewYork and G4MO has given me this opportunity to combine the two of them together. I am so looking forward to this experience and its memories I will keep close to me forever.