'All abilities more than welcome' - LGBTQ+ Gaelic association issues open call for beginners

Ireland's largest LGBTQ+ Gaelic association has announced a series of beginner sessions for people looking to get involved. 

Na Gaeil Aeracha (NGA) - founded in 2020 to provide "a safe space for those looking to regain a love for our national sport" - is encouraging anyone interested in representing their Mens+ and Womens+ teams in Gaelic football, hurling and (soon) camogie to try out. 

Based in Dublin, they train in Phoenix Park, Iveagh Sports Ground Drimnagh, and Marino Institute of Education. 

The call for beginners comes following what NGA calls "a historic year" which saw Mens+ reach a championship hurling semi-final, and Womens+ securing silver in a sheild final. 

Mens+ coach, Stephen Browne, called the achievement "extraordinary". 

Stephen said, "After a strong first year, we are excited to puc-off the 2024 season with what we hope to be an even bigger year for the team. All abilities are more than welcome! There's nothing better than a healthy clash of the ash with Na Gaeil Aeracha." 

Womens+ coach, Caitriona Murphy, said, "Na Gaeil Aeracha welcomes loads of new players to our club every year, and as a coach, I love to see the players develop personally and as Gaelic footballers. Joining the team is a great way to become friends with people in our community, learn a new skill, or get back into playing Gaelic football.

"The taster sessions will be a great opportunity for everyone to try out the team for size and see if it's for them before the 2024 season kicks off." 

Training for Womens+ football and camogie will reportedly take place each Monday in January, starting the 15th in the Iveagh Sports Ground, with Mens+ hurling taking place on Saturday January 6th at 10.30am in Phoenix Park. 

The Mens+ football training schedule will be announced in the coming weeks. 

Womens+ Secretary, Sebai Marsh, is encouraging everyone interested in trying out to do so, stating, "Rediscovering myself amongst amazing people in a sport I felt once lost to me has been such an incredible experience, and I would encourage everyone interested to try it out. 

"It could be the best decision of your life."