The 2025 Sports Direct Gaelic4Mothers&Others National Festival Day took place in Portmarnock on Saturday, drawing almost 2,000 players from over 90 clubs across the country and beyond for a colourful celebration of fun, friendship, and Ladies Gaelic Football.
From the moment registration opened at 10 am, the Naomh Mearnóg grounds were buzzing with energy.
The mass warm-up on the club’s Astroturf pitch at 11.30 am lived up to its reputation, with hundreds of women moving in unison, laughing and singing their way through the routines.
Soon after, 14 pitches were alive with games, played in the non-competitive, spirit-first ethos that has made Gaelic4Mothers&Others one of the LGFA’s standout initiatives.
The entertainment didn’t disappoint either. Music rang out across the day, a silent disco kept spirits high, and the Sports Direct zone proved a hit. The contest for the “best dressed team” once again brought out the creativity of clubs, with fancy dress adding to the festival atmosphere.
As the gallery of photographs below shows, it was a day filled with smiles, colour, and camaraderie, capturing exactly why the programme has grown from 220 to over 600 clubs in just four years of partnership with Sports Direct.
“What I love about the initiative is that we have women playing football now that actually never played football, but also never played any sport, said Senator Evanne Ní Chuilinn, a player on the St Jude’s team.
“It’s been a safe space to introduce women to sport and physical activity, and socially, it has made it easier for people to meet each other, and a lot more people in the club know each other now.”
“It’s a great way of getting out and having a bit of exercise, and meeting up with people,” added Pam McDermott from Bray Emmetts.
“I’m not from Bray originally so it’s a great way of being part of the community and just getting out every week and meeting up with mothers, and others, and having a great time.”
LGFA President Trina Murray praised both the players and the programme’s sponsor.
“The Sports Direct Gaelic4Mothers&Others National Festival Day has become one of the highlights of our calendar,” she said.
“The mass warm-up was, once again, an experience in itself, and the fun and laughter across all the pitches showed why this initiative continues to grow.”
“The fancy dress, the colour, the energy — it always brings smiles to our faces. I want to acknowledge Sports Direct for their continued support; their passion and proactivity ensure this event goes from strength to strength.”
“The growth of this initiative has been remarkable and Saturday’s festival was a true celebration of that,” added Sharon Lancaster, Marketing Manager at Sports Direct.
“Seeing almost 2,000 women on the pitches, enjoying the games, the music, the friendships really underlines the power of sport as a great equaliser.”
“The stories we hear from participants about building confidence, finding new friendships, and carving out time for themselves were on full display at Naomh Mearnóg. It was a privilege to be part of it.”
Image Credit LGFA and Sportsfile.com
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