Longford mothers to clash with US gaelic football teams in New York this autumn

A Longford gaelic football team for mothers has been selected to play in a New York blitz this October. 

Legan GFMO (Gaelic Football for Mothers and Others) is the first Longford team to be selected for the blitz, with a spokesperson stating they are “super excited” to represent the county. 

The GFMO is an initiative run by the Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) to introduce mothers and other women to playing Ladies Gaelic Football. 

It sees women playing football in a fun non-competitive and social environment and provides an opportunity for women to get their recommended weekly exercise in a fun way while meeting other mothers in the area.  

The minimum age limit to join is 25 with no upper age limit.

Over 40 women have gotten togged out and battled on Andy Flood Pitch in Legan in the few shorts weeks since GFMO’s commencement in Legan. 

Every Thursday night, women of all levels of fitness, ability and disability come together for a shared experience and companionship. 

A Legan GFMO spokesperson said, “The enthusiasm in Legan and beyond was evident from the start with women from surrounding parishes joining the team.

“Blitzes have been played, nights out enjoyed, but most importantly friendships have been made [sic].” 

She continued, “We are super excited that we have been selected to play in the New York Blitz in October. We are the first Longford GFMO team to be selected and we are really looking forward to representing Longford at it. We are up there with the greats like Mayo now bringing our skills to NYC and the training is in full swing now to be ready for it. 

“The improvement in the team is immense and the coaching is provided by our own local man and his son Ollie and Stephen Boylan.

“Rumour has it that the men’s senior county team have heard of the excellence of this team and would like a few tips from them.” 

A 20-strong team are off to New York this October and – as they must pay for their own trips – are gratefully accepting donations from individuals or companies interested in sponsoring them. 

The spokesperson concluded, “The expectation is that we will represent Longford in a positive manner and as a role model for younger girls to take up Gaelic as many often fall away from sport in their teenage years.” 

For any more information, contact Aoife Byrne (chairperson) on 086 173 6941 or Noeleen (secretary) on 0852112450.

Any woman who would like to join can come along any Thursday night at 7pm.