Claddagh Gaels LGFC, Luton

Taoiseach Enda Kenny welcomes the Claddaghs Gaels to Mayo

The Claddagh Gaels, Ladies Gaelic Football Club, travelled 15 hours on coach and ferry from Luton to Castlebar, Co. Mayo only to be greeted into the town by Taosiseach Enda Kenny and Mayor Noreen Heston.

The mini Mayo tour which took place over the first May bank holiday saw 23 players and several supporters make the journey to Ireland in conjunction with the Luton Mayo Association. The red carpet was rolled out on arrival to the Welcome Inn in Castlebar where the team were treated like royalty all weekend.

Local ladies team Carnacon invited The Claddagh Gaels to play in the Aisling McGing tournament where they met a tough senior side, Hollymount who went on to become runners up of the tournament. The score didn't reflect the hard work the Claddaghs put in but the team were happy to come away with a few scores on the board.

A civic reception was held at Lough Lannagh Holiday Village where the Claddaghs and the Luton Mayo Association were able to present gifts to the Mayo dignitaries including Taoiseach Enda Kenny. One of the gifts was as a traditional Luton straw hat presented by the Luton Mayo Association and worn stylishly by Castlebar Mayor, Noreen Heston.

The Claddagh Gaels also had the fantastic opportunity to have a skills training with County Mayo Ladies captain Fiona McHale, with many of the girls pinpointing this as the highlight of their trip. Bill Barrett, the Claddagh Gaels manager from Lahardane, Mayo arranged the session ensuring the team had an equal balance of football and socialising!

Proud sponsor Martin Maloney from Belmullet, Mayo was the driving force behind the trip and secured the majority of the funding to make it all possible. Martin said "The Claddagh Gaels have worked very hard for the last 5 years to become what they are today - a winning, welcoming and an all-round successful club. They deserved this trip away and it gave me a chance to introduce them to the people of my own home county of Mayo."

Donna Smith, Chairperson of the Claddagh Gaels said "The Claddagh Gaels had the trip of a lifetime in Mayo which wouldn't have been possible without the many sponsors and supporters to whom we would like to give huge thanks. The people of Castlebar and Mayo were extremely hospitable and welcoming and we will soon be planning a trip back."


END OF PRESS RELEASE

Word Count: 402

Notes to Editors:
The Claddagh Gaels were established in 2009 and in the last 6 years have progressed from a small club with struggling numbers to a thriving panel of over 35 players from all ages and origins. The team are represented by girls from over 10 different counties in Ireland as well as half the team being born and bred Lutonions. The team have been supported from day one by their sponsor Martin Maloney and are managed by Bill Barrett, both from Co. Mayo in Ireland.

High-Res images available on request.


Claddagh Gaels contact:
Marnie O'Neill
PRO
[email protected]
07740102532

Facebook.com/claddaghgaels.lgfc
Twitter: @CladdaghGaels Tweet

Most Read Stories