Big Apple beckons as Railyard get set for a festival of football

Members of a Kilkenny GAA club are preparing for an unforgettable journey across the Atlantic.

The Railyard Gaelic 4 Mothers & Others football team, part of the Railyard Ladies Football Club in Moneenroe, will be taking part in the prestigious Festival of Football in New York. Thirty-three members of the club will jet off to the States for the international event, which starts on October 11.

The Festival of Football is a celebration of community, sport, and Irish heritage, bringing together 24 Irish-based clubs and six New York-based clubs. The event will see over 700 ladies take to the field, with a further 200 to 300 supporters expected to cheer them on across the weekend.

For the Railyard ladies, this invitation is not just about football - it’s a chance to represent their community, showcase the spirit of Kilkenny and be part of a once-in-a-lifetime sporting occasion on a global stage.

The team has been busy preparing both on and off the field. The event will also give the group a chance to connect with the Irish community in New York and celebrate the friendships and culture that make football so special.

While in New York, the Festival of Football has a fantastic line-up of events planned for all involved. Highlights include a welcome party, a 5km fun run/walk in Central Park to take in the sights, and a fun-filled day of football at Rocklands GAA grounds.

Before returning home, the Railyard ladies will also have time to experience some of New York’s top attractions, making the trip an unforgettable mix of sport, culture, and sightseeing.

To help make the trip possible, the club organised a series of successful fundraisers over the past few months, including a clothes collection and a G4M&O blitz where the Railyard invited a number of clubs from neighbouring parishes to compete in fun and friendly games. This was followed by a ball run, where 900-plus plastic balls were released down a local road to determine a number of winners.

Each event was a huge success thanks to the generosity and support of the local community, with players, families, and neighbours all getting involved. The club thanked everyone who donated, participated, or gave their time to ensure their fundraising drive was such a success.

The club also acknowledged the support of many local businesses in Moneenroe, Castlecomer, Kilkenny and beyond who sponsored the journey.

Their contributions have played a huge part in making this dream trip a reality, and Railyard G4M&O are deeply grateful for the continued support of the local businesses, a true reflection of the pride and encouragement behind the team.

Thanks went to Marble City Travel, SRS, Kilkenny Block Company, Gallmed, Tara Mor, McSorley’s Old Ale House, Cadkel Engineering and OB Sports for their backing.

Their contributions, along with the encouragement of the wider community, has given the Railyard ladies a fantastic boost as they prepare for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Special thanks went to the Railyard Ladies Football club and Railyard GFC for their continued support.