Clara Ladies Gaelic4Mothers & Others take New York by storm
A trip of a lifetime took place recently for Clara Ladies 'G4M&O' when they proudly represented Offaly at the New York Ladies Festival of Football.
The team was one of just 30 selected to participate in the festival after more than 300 teams applied to take part. Of the 30 teams, 28 travelled from Ireland, alongside two New York teams.
A squad of 21 women, accompanied by their coach Mick and sidekick Sandra, travelled to the Big Apple to embrace the experience both on and off the pitch.
Planning and preparations began back in early March when the team received confirmation of its selection, and in the days leading up to the football the Clara contingent took in several sights across New York, including the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, Summit One Vanderbilt, Times Square and the poignant 9/11 Memorial.
One of the highlights of the trip was the welcome received on at Rosie O’Grady’s, thanks to Clara man Luke Kelly.
Blitz Day saw more than 1,000 women take to the field in Rockland GAA Club to celebrate football, friendship and the spirit of Gaelic games. Clara Ladies played four games against Shane O’Neill's (Armagh), Mícheál McGrath (Waterford), Rockland Ladies (New York), and St Farnan LGFA (Sligo).
The event, organised by Amy Brett and Michelle Dowd, brings together more than 1,000 women from Ireland and New York for a celebration of football, friendship and community. Clara Ladies 'G4M&O' thanked Amy, Michelle and everyone involved for their efforts in making the festival 'such a wonderful and memorable experience for everyone'.
The Clara celebrations continued on the Sunday afternoon at JP Clarke’s in Yonkers, where the team was once again treated to hospitality. The Clara club thanked John Creegan and the staff at JP Clarke’s.
The Clara team also gave special recognition to two more Clara men - Brendan (Benji) Moran and James Kinahan – who are members of the Offaly Association of New York. Both men organised the event at JP Clarke’s and also sponsored a first-aid kit and footballs for Clara Ladies 'G4M&O' to use during the blitz.
Clara Ladies 'G4M&O' said: 'This was much more than a football trip. It was an opportunity to represent the club and county with pride, to experience a world-famous city, strengthen friendships, and to create memories that will be cherished for years to come.
The laughter, the football, the hospitality and the friendships made the experience truly special. With such a super group of women, there will be plenty of stories to tell for a long time yet. Clara Ladies G4M&O thank everyone who contributed to making the trip such a success, from sponsors and supporters at home to the wonderful Clara connections who welcomed us so warmly in New York'.
The following sponsors were thanked by Clara Ladies G4M&O: Anteo, Arachas Insurance, Clara GAA, Clara LGFC, David Phelan Heating & Plumbing, Dessie Dolan Pub, Keenan Painting & Decorating, Mie World Education & Care, Millmount Maintenance Servies, Noel Kelly’s Clara, Offaly LGFA, St Brigid’s Credit Union, Wilker Auto Conversions Ltd, WR. Shaw Ltd.