A trip of a lifetime for Lavey G4M&O team

For the Lavey Gaelic4Mothers&Others team, their recent trip to New York City was truly the “trip of a lifetime”. While the five-day adventure was officially for the G4M&O blitz at Rockland GAA, the football itself was only part of the story. What mattered most were the friendships strengthened, the laughter shared, and the unforgettable experiences along the way, describes Sinead Cusack, one of the 22 players from Lavey who went over.

“It was an absolute honour to represent our club and county in New York City and on international level,” she says. Together with 10 supporters, they set off from the Lavey Inn on the Wednesday morning at 5am, with a bus kindly sponsored by Martin and Matt Kane. Spirits were high from the start, and the excitement only grew as they arrived in the city that never sleeps. Staying in Manhattan, the group took in the sights - watching the sunrise from the Brooklyn Bridge, meeting the other participants for a 5k walk/run through Central Park, and catching a breathtaking sunset at the Vanderbilt rooftop.

Every moment was one to savour. “Normally these women are coaching, packing children’s bags, driving them to matches, so it was heartwarming to see that these volunteers and mothers got to experience something extraordinary like this. A dream come true,” raves Sinead.

More than 600 participants from 27 Irish counties and the New York area came together at Rockland GAA on the Sunday for a day filled with music and non-competitive football in fancy dress. Lavey’s team, dressed as cows reflecting their club colours, embodied the spirit of fun that defines the Gaelic4Mothers&Others initiative. After the blitz they took to the stage for a lively rendition of The Rattlin’ Bog - and made friends from across Ireland and beyond.

“We came home with no voice and sore bodies from the singing, laughing and dancing,” Sinead laughs – most grateful to all their sponsors, families, and supporters for making such an extraordinary experience possible.