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www.ladiesgaelic.ie | SPRING 2024 | 55 Name: SÃofra O'Shea What is the most enjoyable aspect of playing Ladies Gaelic Football for you? One of the most enjoyable aspects of playing Ladies Football is the bond we have as a team and getting to train week in week out with the best group of girls. There's great comradery between us and we have great craic off the field while also training hard on the pitch. Naturally, winning is a very enjoyable part of Ladies Football and the celebrations that follow after winning a competition makes it all worthwhile. Do you have any traditions, superstitions or routines that you observe before, during or after training or a match? I always listen to music for the last half an hour before arriving at the venue for a match. I like to listen to upbeat music to hype me up. I try to get good recovery in after every session to be prepared for the next one. As part of the Gaelic4Girls programme the theme of peer, parental, and role model support and influence are hugely important. Who has had the biggest positive influence on your time playing Ladies Football and how have they had a positive influence? My parents and coaches have had the biggest positive influence on my playing career to date. My parents always gave me huge encouragement and drove me the length and breadth of the county and country for trainings and games. They are still massive supporters and follow us around the country, attending every game. All the coaches that I have had since underage have all helped to develop me as a player, while making it an enjoyable experience throughout my time playing football. They have shaped me into the player I am today. What aspect of the Gaelic4Girls Programme has made the greatest impression on you? The aspect of this programme that has made the greatest impression on me is seeing how much enjoyment that the girls can get out of football in a fun environment, making new friends, while also vastly improving their skills. Each player leaves as a better individual and team player. What Advice would you give to girls who have a Gaelic4Girls participating club in their area? I would encourage all girls who have a Gaeilc4Girls participating club in their area to sign up and get involved. It's a great opportunity to get out and get active while making lots of new friends and improving your skills in a supportive and non-competitive environment. What motivated you to become an ambassador for the Gaelic4Girls Programme? I was motivated to get involved and become in an ambassador for this fantastic programme because I want to help promote and encourage the next generation of young girls to get involved in Ladies Football. I want to motivate these girls to develop their talents while enjoying the sport. I also participated in the Gaelic4Girls Programme as a player when I was young and had a very enjoyable experience. Gaelic4Girls will bring new groups of friends together through Ladies Football. What was your experience like when joining a new group or team? I always found joining a new team to be an exciting opportunity but a daunting one too. It's an excellent opportunity to meet new people and to learn from others. You can create lifelong friendships with other girls from various backgrounds through team sports. Some of my best friends have been made through competing with and against other girls on the football pitch, friendships that wouldn't have been made if it wasn't for football! GAELIC4GIRLS What's the best advice you would give to any player that plays Ladies Gaelic Football? The advice I would give to players playing Ladies Football is to enjoy all that comes with playing a team sport, on and off the field. Be a supportive teammate, train hard, and give it your all in every game, but make sure you are enjoying it. With the intercounty championship just around the corner, what are you most excited about for the coming months? I'm very excited about the upcoming championship. The standard keeps improving every year and it is so competitive between all the top teams. I'm looking forward to seeing the new heights that are reached by each team this year and hopefully having a successful season both personally and collectively with the Kerry Ladies. Name: Leah Caffrey What is the most enjoyable aspect of playing Ladies Gaelic Football for you? I love playing Gaelic Football because I love exercising and meeting up with my friends. Do you have any traditions, superstitions or routines that you observe before, during or after training or a match? I usually walk my dog and grab a coffee on the morning of a match. As part of the Gaelic4Girls programme the theme of peer, parental, and role model support and influence are hugely important. Who has had the biggest positive influence on your time playing Ladies Football and how have they had a positive influence? My parents have always had a positive influence on me playing Gaelic football. They drove me to all my matches and training sessions as a kid and always encouraged me to give 100%. What aspect of the Gaelic4Girls Programme has made the greatest impression on you? I think the programme gives young girls a great opportunity to try a new sport, meet some new friends and have fun! What advice would you give to girls who have a Gaelic4Girls participating club in their area? I'd strongly advise girls to call into their local participating club and sign up for the programme. It is only 10 weeks long and allows young girls to try a new sport! What motivated you to become an ambassador for the Gaelic4Girls Programme? I think the Gaelic4Girls programme is a great opportunity for girls to try a new sport and meet new friends in their area. Gaelic4Girls will bring new groups of friends together through Ladies Football. What was your experience like when joining a new group or team?! When I first joined the Gaelic football team in my club, Na Fianna, I was 9 years old. I made friends on my first day that I'm still friends with today! What's the best advice you would give to any player that plays Ladies Gaelic Football? Have fun and keep working on your skills! With the intercounty Championship Just around the corner, what are you most excited about for the coming months? I'm really looking forward to getting fit for the championship and enjoying the next few months of football.