Abbeyside Gaelic for Mothers and Others set to represent Waterford in the Big Apple

Excitement is building as Abbeyside Gaelic for Mothers and Others (G4MO) prepare to represent both Abbeyside and Waterford at the upcoming New York Ladies Festival of Football.

As the only club from Waterford selected for this prestigious event, the team is ready to showcase not only their passion for Gaelic football but also the spirit of their community on an international stage.

The festival takes place at Rockland GAA Club, New York, this coming Saturday, October 12.

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The selection of the club follows another proud achievement for Abbeyside G4MO, as they were chosen to play in the Exhibition Game at the All-Ireland Senior Ladies Football final at Croke Park in August 2023.

Since it was established in April 2023, Abbeyside G4MO has become a cornerstone of the local community, bringing together women of all ages and backgrounds. The group has fostered lifelong friendships, integrated newcomers into the area, and introduced many to Gaelic football for the first time.

For some, joining Abbeyside G4MO has rekindled their love for the sport; for others, it’s a completely new venture. Beyond the pitch, many of these women are active volunteers with underage teams, setting a strong example for their children and living by the motto, “can’t see it, can’t be it.”

Gillian Duggan, who helped establish Abbeyside G4MO, commented: “The value of Gaelic for Mothers and Others in our community cannot be overstated; it has created a welcoming environment where women can connect, support one another, learn a new skill and get active. For many, Gaelic football has become an integral part of their lives, even for those who had never played before. We are not only embracing the sport ourselves but also encouraging our children to get involved, nurturing the love for GAA that will inspire future generations.”

The New York Ladies Festival of Football will bring together 35 Irish-based clubs and five teams from North America and Canada. With over 700 players and up to 300 supporters expected to attend, the festival is set to be a massive showcase for Gaelic for Mothers and Others and will receive extensive media coverage from Irish-based outlets in New York, including The Irish Echo, Irish Central, The Irish Star, and The Irish Examiner.

The event will also see a significant social media push, with updates from players, clubs, and the LGFA, with Sports Direct as the official sponsor of G4MO.

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For Abbeyside G4MO, this week's trip to New York is the culmination of months of hard work and commitment. As a group of working mothers, saving for this trip has been a labour of love, and there is deep gratitude to the sponsors and friends of Abbeyside G4MO, who have generously lightened the load by covering registration fees, gear, buses, and insurance.

Sponsors include local businesses The Railway Cottage, Aspire Physiotherapy, Dún Artisan Bakery, Paul O'Connor Cars and The Hot Pod. To show appreciation to all sponsors, each business logo will be proudly displayed on the team banner in Rockland GAA.

Follow the journey on social media by tagging @abbeysideg4mo and using the hashtag #AbbeysideStateside.