Cork mammies heading to Boston for major GAA festival

Cork mammies heading to Boston for major GAA festival Hup na Mná View Image The Collig Cailínís A group of Ballincollig women are getting ready to swap Cork for Boston - as they prepare to represent their community at a major Gaelic football festival in the US. ‌ The Ballincollig LGFA Gaelic4Mothers&Others team, affectionately known as the Collig Cailínís, will travel to Boston in October to compete in the Boston G4M&O Blitz. ‌ The team began in January 2021 as a way for women to get outdoors, exercise and socialise after lockdown restrictions but what started with a small group has grown into an important part of the Ballincollig community. ‌ And the squad is now preparing for one of its biggest adventures yet. Team member Cara Williams said the group is made up of women from a wide range of ages, abilities and backgrounds. 'The squad represents ultimate inclusivity, featuring women of all ages, fitness levels, and backgrounds,' she said. The team includes players who have moved to Ballincollig from across Cork, other parts of Ireland and overseas, as well as former inter-county players and women who had never played organised sport before joining. ‌ Over the past few years, the Collig Cailínís have also hosted two national G4M&O Féiles, welcoming teams from across the country. Now they are bringing that same community spirit to Boston. For the team, the trip is about much more than football. The G4M&O group has become heavily involved in volunteering, fundraising and supporting other teams within Ballincollig LGFA. Cara said the team also wants to show younger girls in the community that sport is something they can enjoy at any age. ‌ 'We want to show our daughters and the younger girls coming through the club that there doesn't have to be an age limit on sport,' she said. 'You don't have to be the best player, and you don't have to have played before. You just have to come down, give it a go, and be part of the community.' The team recently held a sold-out fundraising fashion show at The Wilton Bar & Restaurant on Friday, September 4, to help cover the costs of travelling to the US. Article continues below Guests were treated to a prosecco reception before local businesses, boutiques, guest speakers and surprise runway models took to the catwalk. The event also raised money for The Marvel Club, a local organisation supporting people with intellectual disabilities through friendship, activities and inclusion. Local businesses also got behind the fundraiser, with Laser Medical becoming a major sponsor and covering the cost of the team's official Boston away kit, as well as donating a major raffle prize.