Aodh Ruadh U-12 girls’ big day in Croke Park on Sunday

On Sunday morning next the Aodh Ruadh U-12 girls and their coaches will have an early start as they travel to Croke Park to take part in the 50th anniversary of the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, who are hosting their finals on the day.

The Aodh Ruadh club were one of six clubs selected throughout Ireland to be part of the big day, thanks to winning a social media competition. The entry was put together by Maura Gallagher and coach Elaine Rafferty-Garvey and now 12 of the Aodh Ruadh panel will get to play their game during half-time in one of the three finals taking place.

With just 12 players and two coaches allowed to participate, it created a dilemma for the Aodh Ruadh U-12 panel of 39 and six coaches.

One of those coaches, Donal Gallagher, explained how they arrived at the final 12. “It was great to be selected but it did create a big problem, but we have done our best, with the final 12 selected on the spin of a wheel. Of the panel of 39, next weekend being a Bank Holiday weekend, we first had to find out who was available.

“That narrowed it down to 23 and from there the final 12 were randomly selected. Up to 10 of the others, however, are travelling to the game to cheer on the rest of the group.

“We have six coaches involved, Eamonn O'Donnell, Caroline McGrath (McLoone), myself, John Britton, Pauric Hegarty and Elaine Rafferty-Garvey,” said Donal, who added that Eamonn and Caroline were selected to be the two coaches on the Croke Park pitch because they have been involved since the very beginning with the group.

“Myself and Elaine will be there in the stands as well on Sunday,” said Donal.

“It’s a massive day for the girls and also for the club and we have to thank Maura Gallagher and Elaine Rafferty-Garvey for putting the entry together that led to the club being selected for this great honour.

“They are a great group of girls and have been fun to work with over the years. It’s not just the 12 girls that will play on the day, it’s about the entire group and a great honour for all involved,” said Donal.

The 12 girls who  will play on Sunday are: Mia Duffy, Tiah Kane, Emily Gallagher, Muireann Gallagher, Ava Garvey, Ava McCaffrey, Kayla McDermott, Halle McGowan, Nicole McGrath, Katie McLoughlin, Saoirse O'Donnell, Emily Ryan.