Discovering the world of Mayo GAA
A MAYO WOMAN'S DIARY: BARBARA DALY
THOUGH I have lived in Mayo for over two decades now, I am originally from Louth.
The GAA was not a part of our lives at home or in my village. My father and brothers only ever watched and talked soccer.
I came to Mayo and over the years witnessed the fervour of support for club and county. It’s hard not to get caught up in it on big match days.
I enjoy watching football but I have always been a bit skeptical of the GAA as an organisation.
Maybe it was it’s size, its monopoly on sports played in Ireland or just cynicism on my part.
In Louisburgh we have no soccer club, no rugby, no swimming pool, just the local GAA club.
It was inevitable that when he was old enough, Callum would be joining, and so he did this year.
On a Saturday morning he along with what seems like every other child in the area takes part in football ‘training’.
He is five years old and he can barely catch a ball but he is loving it. He waits all week for it and endlessly practices kicking the ball in the back garden.
The volunteers who run the training are so good at what they do. They are enthusiastic, kind, well-trained individuals giving up their Saturday morning to bring joy to so many children.
Last Sunday there was a cake sale in the town hall to raise money to buy equipment for the children’s teams.
I found myself at 7 a.m. that morning baking trays of scones and buns. The hall was packed yet they had so many baked goods that they ended up offering them for free.
The organisers were overwhelmed with the support from the community. The MC for the event spoke of club and community and how great a force for good that combination is.
This is the GAA I am getting to know and so far it is all positive.
I am beginning to understand that sense of belonging and purpose it gives to young people and their families.
I am beginning to appreciate the tireless work of volunteers, and the enjoyment, discipline and skills they give to our children.
Callum may eventually decide that football is not for him and so be it, but for the near future I have a feeling that it will be a big part of his life.