Issue link: http://digitaleditions.uberflip.com/i/1481776
Previews www.ladiesgaelic.ie | AUTUMN 2022 | 55 MATCH www.ladiesgaelic.ie | AUTUMN 2022 | 55 I F you've never attended an annual Gaelic4Mothers&Others National Blitz Day, but you plan to do so, there's nothing that can quite prepare you in advance for the scale of the event. Laurita Blewitt, the Mayo native who produces the giggles alongside Hector Ó hEeochagáin and Tommy Tiernan on a popular podcast, was "completely blown away" by the 2022 blitz, held at the Naomh Mearnóg and St Sylvester's clubs on September 3. Blewitt was signed up by programme sponsors Sports Direct Ireland in an ambassadorial capacity and, despite initial reservations, she's so glad she accepted the role. Sports Direct's involvement in the programme added significantly to the national blitz day, with clever activations including a silent disco and photo-wall. Blewitt's involvement as programme ambassador saw her return to Ladies Football in a playing capacity for the first time in a number of years. And such has been the impact of Gaelic4Mothers&Others on the Knockmore woman, she has no intention of stopping again any time soon. "I absolutely loved it," says Blewitt, as she looks back on the ambassadorial experience. "And I'm continuing with it (Gaelic4Mothers&Others). I did the ambassadorial role for a month but I've continued on with the training. "I was a bit unsure at the start, I hadn't played for a long time and I was aware that it was non competitive and the scores aren't kept. I wasn't sure it was for me but I'm loving it and it's a great gateway to get back into Gaelic Football and get the fitness levels up. "I really am enjoying it at the minute. It's a lot of fun and while you think you know so many people, you get to meet new people and faces, and it's nice to make new friends. "We're looking forward also to some nights out together and it's been a hugely positive experience." The National Blitz day was another outstanding success, with over 2,500 women present and having a ball, despite the inclement weather conditions. "I was completely blown away by it," Blewitt admits. "For years, and years ago, I was playing football and nobody used to go to the matches. "The LGFA have done tremendous work in building up the attendance figures at games and Ladies Football is now on a great level in terms of respect but going to the blitz was incredible. "I couldn't believe the volume of teams and the work put in to host the event was incredible as well. "I wasn't fully aware of what was involved but it's great to see the amount of people playing Gaelic4Mothers&Others now, and women who had never played football before playing it. "I've been talking to people since starting the ambassadorial role and there's a lady from Knockmore who moved to Bahrain and they have Gaelic4Mothers&Others there, which just goes to show how far reaching it is. INTERVIEW By Jackie Cahill Nothing prepares you for Gaelic4Mothers & Others!