Leitrim G4MO team near finish line in cycle to America fundraiser
North Leitrim women cycle the distance to New York to raise funds for Gaelic football trip to Rockland GAA this October.
The Glencar Manorhamilton Gaelic for Mothers and Others team will complete the final stage of their nearly 5,000km fundraising cycle on 31st May in Manorhamilton, raising funds for their upcoming trip to New York this October.
The North Leitrim women are the only team from the county selected to take part in the annual Festival of Football at Rockland GAA, New York.
The final leg of their collective journey will take place at Osta Café in Manorhamilton, and the team is inviting the local community to come along and cheer them over the finish line.
Over the past two weeks, around 20 players, their families, and management have taken to their bikes, collectively cycling the full 4,941km — the distance from Boggaun (Manorhamilton) to Rockland GAA in New York.
“It will be brilliant. It’s not often that you get to go abroad to play football,” said Susan Clancy, who has been with the team for the past year.
Using Fitbits and Strava to track their mileage, the team has raised €1,600 so far through their GoFundMe campaign, aiming for a target of €3,000 to fund the trip.
“I don’t think we realise how much support is there for us,” Susan added. This will be the first time the team has travelled abroad together, and she says there’s a great buzz in the group.
She also spoke about the importance of Gaelic for Mothers and Others (G4MO) in the area. “I used to play football when I was younger. I think I stopped when I was about 17, and I always said I’d love to go back. I never did because there was too much pressure. Gaelic for Mothers and Others is brilliant.”
Susan encourages other women to join the team: “It'd be lovely to see more women join. It's only an hour a week, and it’s great to get that hour to yourself, have a bit of craic, and play a bit of football.”
The team hopes to cross the fundraising finish line with as much success as they’ve shown on the saddle. Locals can support them by donating online or showing up on 31st May to cheer them on.