Mitchelstown ladies strut their stuff
An exciting development in Gaelic Games took place in O’Connell Park, Mitchelstown last Friday evening with an inaugural training session organised by Mitchelstown Ladies Football Club. Aimed at ‘Mothers & Others’, this initiative is non competitive and targets players of mixed abilities, many of whom may be new to the sport.
Conditions were ideal and the women were eased into an introductory session, under head coach, Liam O’Grady. According to event co-ordinator, Ed Horgan, ladies football and camogie continues to grow in the town and this latest venture should broaden the appeal of both codes.
“We had a lot of interest in the proposal and the turnout here this evening is very encouraging. People aren’t being thrown in at the deep end, this is about introducing women to the basics of the game and refreshing the skills of those who may have played some football previously,” he said.
AN ENTHUSIASTIC BUNCH
After some loosening up and some exercises, the women commenced a series of ball handing drills along with some kicking routines. Liam ‘Stan’ O’Grady seemed pleased with his new charges and was impressed by their energy and enthusiasm.
The expectation is, the group will continue to fine tune their skills at these weekly sessions on Friday evenings in O’Connell Park. New recruits are always welcome.
A FACILITY GETTING PLENTY OF USE
For a variety of reasons O’Connell Park, Mitchelstown has been in state of limbo for several years. The good news is that it’s now fully operational as a base for Gaelic football and camogie. All going according to plan, it will be developed and improved in the years ahead. Perfectly located and with ample parking, it’s a venue that’s proving to be a major asset for the promotion of Gaelic Games in Mitchelstown.
RIGHT: Lending their support to the ‘Mothers & Others’ ladies footballers, who had their first training session last Friday, were l-r: Joanne Heafey, Joanne Conway, Deborah O’Mahony-O’Flynn and Julia Childs. (Pic: John
Ahern)