Early January, 50 ladies from Clondalkin and wider beyond gathered on a bright Winter’s morning at Monastery Road, Round Tower GAA Club’s superb Gaelic Games playing facilities. Those gathering ranged in age from late teens – minor level – to those more senior representing the club at adult and Gaelic 4 Mothers level. “It was a great occasion that brought us all together to introduce our Minor players to the club’s adult lady footballers,” Marie Crotty, Round Tower ladies section explains. “Players from all teams mixed and it was really a social gathering and opportunity to introduce our Minors to our adult players. We played a friendly match between us and then travelled back to the club for a social get together. The gathering reflected a camaraderie and friendliness that exists between the lady footballers playing for the club and we want to build upon this.”
At the opposite end of the spectrum, on Saturday 8th March Round Tower Under 13 ladies team made their competitive debut. The talent within the community amongst ladies for Gaelic football was reflected in the comprehensive victory they chalked up in their first game together, as the ladies ran out 12-12 v 2-2 winners v Ballymun Kickhams. “A great start for this new team, who will undoubtedly grow in confidence as the league progresses,” the club’s match report noted enthusiastically.
The ladies teams togging out to represent Round Tower on Gaelic Football pitches are all encompassing. Children can play at Under 8, Under 10 and Under 13 level. Teenagers play at Minor level and there are three adult teams – at Senior and Junior level, and the Gaelic 4 Mothers side.
“Playing Gaelic Games offers a fantastic opportunity to develop your skills and fitness and there is also the excellent social aspect to it,” Marie explains. “The girls and ladies involved form great friendships and there is terrific enjoyment and pride in representing your club and local community against other teams from Dublin. We’d love to welcome more girls and ladies to join us. I’d say to parents it can bring great enjoyment to their kids and playing for a team brings with it great health and social benefits. We’d appeal to parents with children who might be interested in playing or adult ladies themselves to make the effort to join us and I’d be really confident you’ll have no regrets.”
The ladies train and play games at Monastery Road, Round Tower GAA Club’s new state-of-the-art playing facilities that offer an excellent all-weather playing surface. Round Tower has a considerable reputation in developing ladies football talent, with the young talent of Amy Conroy, Sineád Collins, Yazmin O’Neill, and Riona McTavish following in the footsteps of senior footballers Suzanne Murray, Hannah Tyrell and All-Ireland and All-Star winner Maria Kavanagh.
Round Tower ladies football section are encouraging more ladies to become involved and avail of the benefits and enjoyment of playing Gaelic Games. If you are interested you can contact Marie at 087 6774556.
