The team is made up of Annette Spollen, Avril Stafford Curely, Ciera Murray, Elaine Byrne, Eva Feeney, Georgina Fitzpatrick, Grainne Dempsey, Ingrid Wallace, Lisa Davin, Melissa Quinn Smith, Michelle Rowe, Nicola McEvoy, Nicola Guing McEvoy, Richelle Mulholland, Zoe O'Leary, Patricia Moody, Tabby Geoghegan, Claire Murray, Aoife Kirwan, Sinead Somers, Shauna Leavy, Ciara Groome, Helena Coughlan, Niamh Cunningham.

Clonbullogue Mothers & Others to represent Offaly at Festival of Football in New York

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Clonbullogue Gaelic for Mothers and Others has been selected to represent Offaly at the Festival of Football in New York later this year.

Now in its third year, the Festival of Football trip will mark Clonbullogue’s first time competing abroad. A total of 21 women will make the journey to the United States for the blitz.

Taking place over three days in early October, the event will include a 5km run in Central Park and a blitz featuring 27 Irish clubs and three New York clubs.

"It's a lucky dip. Hundreds of teams apply, and we were just lucky to be selected this year," said Gráinne McEvoy, a Clonbullogue Mothers & Others player.

"We're absolutely over the moon, and we just can't believe it at the same time. It's a big, big honour. We've been playing since 2010, so we were hoping we'd get something like this before a few of us retire!"

The group, established in 2010, is one of the longest-running Gaelic for Mothers and Others clubs in both Offaly and Ireland.

Clonbullogue’s current panel features 21 players aged between 25 and 50, including twelve members from the original 2010 team. The players are all hard-working women who actively support and volunteer with their local LGFA and GAA at both club and county levels.

"It's a social thing for mammies and women," Gráinne added. "We do blitzes and have had a few nights away. It's also great for mental health just to get out of the house and promote fitness."

All of the women are covering their own flight and accommodation costs, but they are hoping to raise funds to help with expenses such as bus transfers, equipment, and registration fees.

The team has just begun their fundraising journey and is appealing for sponsorship for the trip.

Planned fundraisers include the sale of Father's Day hampers and a 10km run on July 19, with additional events to be announced.

Those interested in sponsoring the group can email clonbullogueG4MO@gmail.com or donate directly through their iDonate page at: https://www.idonate.ie/cause/ClonbullogueGaelicforMothers

Rebekah O'Reilly
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