Gaelic Football

Ladies Gaelic Football is recognised as the fastest growing sport in Ireland in the new millennium. The number of women playing the sport is at an all time high and coverage by both press and television is unprecedented in the modern age.

The students of Loreto Swords were in the vanguard of this change from spectating to participating. In 1998 the 1st official ladies Gaelic football team boarded a coach to head for Tallaght to compete in the Leinster U.16 ‘C’ league.

Students persistence throughout the previous year led to 2 teachers Michael Behan and Maureen Gallagher agreeing to coach and train the fledgling footballers.

Strong club support from Fingallians and St. Finians, Rivervalley meant that jerseys and pitches were available in the initial stages. Anthony Behan Menswear became our 1st sponsor and green jerseys and yellow cuffs were to be worn proudly as the team marched through Leinster to reach the U.16 ‘C’ final which played in Parnell Park in May 1999.

Despite losing the final, a massive band of school supporters journeyed with the team that day. Seeds were sown and respect was earned for the Gaelic footballers of the school. The journey had begun.

Coaches

Michael Behan 1998 – date
Maureen Gallagher 1998 – 2001
Siobhán Singleton 2001 – 2004
Brónagh Dignam 2005 – to date

Teams fielded

U.14, U.16, U.19

Achievements

Leinster U.16 ‘C’ finalists 1999
Leinster U.19 ‘C’ finalists 2005
Leinster semi-finalists 2007

No senior team was entered in last year’s competition as resources and effort were put into building a solid foundation for the future.

This year we are fielding teams of U.14, U16 and U19 level. 1st and 2nd years have shown a strong interest and training each Wednesday after school attracts between 20 – 30 players.

The teachers, Mr Behan and Ms Dignam, would like to acknowledge the assistance and support of our three 6th years – Emma Curran (Gaelic Captain), Róisín O’Hagan (Secretary & Vice-Captain) and Kelly Morris (Trainer).

This year at U19 senior level we are in a group against Coolmine Community School and Hartstown Community School, (both Blanchardstown) and Skerries community School.
The U16s have entered the ‘C’ competition and will compete against Coolmine and Skerries and also Portmarnock community School.

No group has been arranged for the U14 competition which will take place in January / February.

Now equipped with new jerseys, due to fundraising and thanks to sponsorship from the Parents’ Committee, hopefully the Gaelic football in the school will continue to prosper and flourish. Any success, development and interest in Gaelic in the school would not have been possible without the greatly appreciated hard work, time and effort given by the dedicated Gaelic managers, Mr Michael Behan and Ms Dignam. Thank you for everything.

Loreto ABÚ.