Issue link: http://digitaleditions.uberflip.com/i/1518204
www.ladiesgaelic.ie | SPRING 2024 | 57 Q: A: also in the process of organising a Dillon Quirke heart screening day for our 12-17 year old boys and girls, there is always something to be involved in going forward. On reflection, what was your Sports Direct Gaelic4Mothers&Others highlight of 2023? My Gaelic4Mothers&Others highlight of 2023 would have to be the club blitz we organised for October, we had 10 clubs take part from Tipperary, Limerick and Clare, and the most rewarding part for me was that everyone contributed to some part of the day. Once we set the wheels in motion that we were organising it there were lots of individuals who put their hands up to do something and I think it was their way of saying thank you for allowing them benefit so massively for being part of the group and club, so collectively then we organised a wonderful day that allowed everyone feel part of it. We had girls who last year couldn't play but came along to support, girls who were pregnant or just after having a baby again offer their help and also then the regulars who played their hearts out on the grass to showcase all that is brilliant about the programme. Calor Gas sponsored our event and Alexandra Dental in Limerick offered a fantastic voucher plus we raised money and awareness for the Irish Heart Foundation. We ran a supervised football inspired colouring competition for the kids and had face painters and tattoo (washable) artists present. The weather even played ball and the sun shone all day. Each team took part in the fancy dress and the energy in the field that day was phenomenal. We thanked each team for bringing their energy and we had lots of people pop along to support. So many women said after oh we would love to be a part of this. We had a Sportsfile photographer kindly give his time and expertise and we were left with the most wonderful photos and memories of the day. I think the day epitomised just how wonderful the initiative is and how there is a role for everyone to contribute and that together we can do anything. I had a photo from the day that I just love. It shows a busy mum in between games feeding her baby. Ashling is a new member last year having had three gorgeous boys consecutively and returning to football has been a lifeline for her having moved to a new area from where she grew up and played football. She has now made so many new friends and leading the way for her boys to play sport too if they choose to, a story of one of many. In your weekly involvement in the G4M&O programme. what is the most rewarding aspect for you? The most rewarding thing for me is so simple but just seeing women turn up walking into the pitch and chatting to each other. I know how difficult it can be just to get out the door and sometimes all a woman will have to do to enable her such as childcare, housework, employment, night routines bedtime etc. No one knows what someone might be going through in their private lives and that hour might be their only time away for their bodies and brains. It's a precious hour so we always say this is your hour make the most of it. I believe our time is our most valuable asset or gift we can give ourselves and others, we can't buy time so spend it wisely. Would you advise other G4M&O participants to branch out to other areas of the club and what should their first steps be? Yes absolutely, not everyone will want to branch out and that's ok too but for those who would like to be more involved speak to your Gaelic4Mothers&Others coordinator. They will usually have an idea of areas of the club that needs more volunteers. The LGFA is fantastic at coaching and guiding and there is so much support out there to help individuals become better so that they can help their clubs and communities. I would say focus on what you enjoy most and then see can you incorporate that into the club. I am always really busy doing things and people say Treasa how? why? and the honest answer is because anything I am doing is because I enjoy it. I give but I also receive back in so many forms of friendships, connections, learning, developing and support from others. By getting more involved in your club you too will give lots of time and energy, but you and your family will also benefit from the wonderful community that is the LGFA and GAA. Q: Q: A: A: G4M&O