Women of Cork embrace Gaelic games initiative

Women across Cork have lent their support to the G4M&O initiative with 60 teams now established across the city and county. SALLY COLLINS asks women in Cork what attracted them to join.

On any given evening in Cork, standing on the side of the local GAA pitch, you will find a plethora of mothers supporting their children as they attend hurling or football training.

Countless precious hours are spent by mams dressing, dropping off, watching, and collecting children from training and matches for all sports.

In recent years, increasing numbers of mothers have decided to get on the pitch themselves, sometimes while their children are training nearby.

The Gaelic for Mothers and Others (G4M&O) initiative has been running since 2008 and has grown rapidly in many GAA clubs across the country.

Women over 25, who aren’t currently on a GAA team, are invited to attend training in this non-competitive form of Gaelic football.

Attendees don’t even have to have prior experience playing the sport. It’s all about showing up, having some fun, and dedicating some time to yourself.

The teams often play blitzes against other clubs, both nationally and internationally.

The initiative has seen the creation of social spaces for mothers and women across Cork communities.

It also provides women from non-sporting backgrounds with the opportunity to start playing ladies’ football in a fun environment.

Orla Scannell organises the G4M&O team in Passage West, known as the Passage Pythons.

The team has around 20 members, the majority of whom have never played Gaelic football before.

Members’ ages range from mid-20s to early 50s.

Orla and the team enjoy the feel-good atmosphere at their Tuesday evening training sessions.

“It’s just for a bit of craic and there’s no pressure… we just support each other and have fun.”

One could suggest the success of the G4M&O lies in the diligent support of the initiative from women across the country.

According to Orla, the time spent organising and attending training is worth it for personal fulfilment.

“I met some of my best friends there… it’s great to be doing something for us. We’re bringing the kids to training every week, so it’s good for them to actually see us on the pitch as well.”

There are other benefits too.

The Passage Pythons held a blitz in aid of Cork’s 96FM Radiothon recently.

“G4M&O is all about women supporting women and we hope to raise much-needed funds for this fantastic cause.”

At Keelnameela Ladies Football Club in West Cork, Rosaleen O’Brien leads the G4M&O team, who play under the name of Meela Moos.

Since starting the team in 2021, Rosaleen can see the positive impact on both her personal and professional life.

“It’s a great way to gain confidence. It’s great for your mental health, for a good laugh, and you are learning the skill of football as well.”

Rosaleen was inspired to start the team when her daughter began attending football training.

“I had given football up at 16. I said it one day at training, joking, and they were all saying ‘yeah right, I’ve never played!”

Forty women attended the first night of training there, and the team has been running ever since.

Rosaleen said G4M&O has also given her the confidence to return to work after a career break.

The team offers an opportunity for fun, away from the stresses of everyday life.

“We’re all part of a group… it feels like you’re back in school again. You can laugh at yourself for missing the ball or whatever it is. I always say it’s free therapy. You can come to training after the worst day ever, and we’re just laughing for the hour, and all your troubles go.”

The Meela Moos, along with the Midleton Wagpies and Ballyhea G4M&O are organising a Festival of Football as a fundraiser for Cork Mental Health Foundation.

The event takes place in Supervalu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Saturday, July 26, and will feature music, entertainment, and a social barbecue, all to raise valuable funds for a worthy cause.

Aileen O’ Flynn started the G4M&O team at Ballincollig LGFA in 2022.

The idea behind setting up the initiative came from wanting a space for women to socialise and meet other women.

“There’s a huge amount of new people moved into town of all different nationalities… we just thought it would be a good way for women to meet and make friends.”

They received a great response to an appeal for members on social media.

“We put up a post asking any women who wanted to come down, if they were new to the area, no experience needed.

“It’s been an absolutely fantastic journey. We have people from all nationalities, we have grandmothers, we have girls in their 20s, people who have played before, people who have never played before.”

You can come to training after the worst day ever, and we’re just laughing for the hour, and all your troubles go.