Country urged to get behind ladies' teams before final

Supporters of the ladies' football teams from Meath and Dublin have urged the country to get behind both sides as the sport continues to grow in popularity across the country.

Both counties face off in the finals of the Ladies' GAA football championship on Sunday.

At Dublin Captain Carla Rowe's local club in Naul, young supporters have been decorating the village with bunting and posters to mark the achievement.

"There's massive excitement here at Clann Mhuire. We’re all excited to go and watch the Dubs on Sunday’’ said Noeleen Malone, chairperson of the club.

Ms Rowe started in the juvenile ranks at the club and has worked her way up to the senior ladies' squad.

'"Carla is a great ambassador for the club and is an inspiration for all the girls.

"It's a community effort for the whole village and the whole village really come out and support Carla every time she plays’’ said Ms Malone.

Footballer Niamh Keane says the recognition and growing support for the ladies' game is long overdue.

"I think the likes of Carla has really brought the sport along. They're flat out training seven days a week, between recovery sessions, gym sessions and pitch sessions."

"So it's the exact same schedule as men's [teams] We're hoping for big numbers on Sunday so get out and support the girls," she said.

Aoibheann Malone plays for Clann Mhuire girls under-16 team and is closely following the progress of the senior ladies' team in the hope of emulating the players success some day.

''It's a good experience and shows just how much you need to give to a senior team," she said.

‘’I think [the ladies' game] is just as important as the men’s game and I think everyone should get out and support them."

"They're just a great bunch of people and they’re doing such great things for young people and young girls and for getting them playing and having people to look up to,’’ Aoibheann said.

Niamh Keane says the recognition and growing support for the ladies' game is long overdue

'There's more girls joining clubs now'

Across the border in Co Meath players from Donaghmore Ashbourne GAA club are equally as passionate and optimistic about the chances of their team.

‘’I think they have a good chance’’ Ava Duignan, an under-12 player said.

"There’s more girls joining clubs now,’’ she added.

She said that the sport is attracting fans of all ages.

Anna Russell, another under-12 player at the club said: ‘’I would love to make it to Croke park one day because it would be such an honour to play there and such an amazing experience as well."

She said that she also looks up to the Meath captain, Aoibhín Cleary.

‘’There's no such thing as a sport that's just for boys and girls, really a girl can do anything and a boy can do exactly the same," she said.

Aoibhín said it takes the same commitment for all players.

Paula Majircik, an under-16 player at Donaghmore GAA club said the game is changing for the better for female players.

‘’We even get to wear shorts now and we get to choose how we play and what we wear.’’ Paula said.

Looking ahead to the final, the young players said the final is ‘’going to be crazy, its going to be amazing.’’

Whatever the outcome on Sunday, supporters from both counties say the ultimate winner will be the sport itself.

As Meath and Dublin bid for the Brendan Martin cup, GAA officials say the public support for both teams is long overdue.

The recognition is testament to the dedication and commitment on behalf of the players and has sparked immense pride in their local communities.

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