From The Downs to the Big Apple: G4M&O head for New York

The Downs LGFA Gaelic for Mothers and Others (G4M&O) team are trading Westmeath for Manhattan this October, when they travel to New York City to represent their club and county at an international blitz.

The LGFA G4M&O focuses on introducing women to football in a non-competitive, social setting, and for The Downs team, their weekly sessions are both reliable fitness workout and part of their community network.

The October blitz brings teams from across Ireland and the United States together to play in Rockland.

True to the G4M&O ethos, no scores are kept during the matches and no trophies are on the line. The focus is entirely on participation, mixing with other clubs, and the unique experience of playing Gaelic football on an international stage.

Getting the panel to New York required significant local backing. Community support and fundraising efforts such as the family fun quiz night in The Downs GAA Clubhouse and their popular County Jersey Raffle helped make the transatlantic trip a reality.

“The excitement has been building for months,” Elaine team representative said. “This trip celebrates exactly what the Mothers and Others initiative is about – getting active, building friendships, and taking time for ourselves. The local support has been brilliant, and we are absolutely ready to represent The Downs.”

With the itinerary finalised and the October departure date fast approaching, the team are wrapping up their final training sessions before packing their boots for the US.

“We are very grateful and appreciative for the support shown to us over the last few months and to the local business who helped in our fundraising efforts we are enormously grateful,” said Elaine.