Issue link: http://digitaleditions.uberflip.com/i/1481776
20 | AUTUMN 2022 | www.ladiesgaelic.ie SPORTS DIRECT GAELIC4MOTHERS & OTHERS I t was Raining Women as the SportsDirect National Gaelic4Mothers&Others Blitz Day Returned. A downpour, bucketed, saturated… Some of the sentiments that were used to describe the National Gaelic4Mothers&Others Blitz Day sponsored by Sports Direct as it returned in magnificent fashion in 2022. After a two-year enforced hiatus, the buzz of the big day had returned. As teams exited their mini buses from early in both Naomh Mearnóg and St Sylvester's GAA Clubs, it drew comparisons to an awakening or a dawn at sunrise. The vibrant colours and creative costumes sported were a signal that we were finally back and that the long-paused wheels of fun were about to commence turning again. The warm-up provided by Paula Bermingham from the Navan O'Mahonys club in Meath was the start of the downpour. This was not in reference to the weather; however, this was a downpour of a different kind. This was a downpour of colour, creativity, noise, and dance that had assembled through the Sports Direct arches and onto the brand-new astro pitch in Naomh Mearnóg. Nothing could shelter the spectators from the sheer fun and excitement provided by Paula and her team, who had everybody's pulses raised and ready for action. Even the referees got in on the action, creating the world's most 'officials' conga line. This year saw a record 130 teams take part across 22 pitches and the buzz of the teams getting ready to display their skills was almost tangible. The volunteers from across both St Sylvesters and Naomh Mearnóg had undertaken an enormous volume of work to prepare both adjoining clubs and every participant benefited as everyone's needs were met throughout. A WELCOME RETURN OF THE BIG BLITZ