BREAFFY LADIES G.A.A. CLUB
By Olivia Mannion
Breaffy Ladies GAA Club was set up in 1995 having been prompted by the Men's GAA Club. The Club's facilities were put at our disposal and the men agreed to help and assist us in every way.
In our first year we had both an U-14 and an U-16 football team. We hosted a team from Waterford the following year for the Féile Peil na n-Óg, hosting 25 players and mentors for the weekend. The final was played in McHale Park, Castlebar. Many friendships were made and it set the pace for things to come. Our U-14 and U-16 teams take part in the County Leagues throughout the summer.
On the fundraising side we have recently held a raffle for five framed and mounted copies of paintings by J. McKendry. This was a great success. We will shortly be having a Flag Day in Castlebar, but there will be more about this later.
On the day of the ladies All-Ireland we organised an outing to Croke Park. This was well supported and a great success. It gave all our girls a chance to see what can be achieved when the right commitment and organisation are present. We were very proud to be there on the day that the Mayo Senior Ladies Football Team won their first All-Ireland. This was a great achievement for Ladies Football in Mayo. It will boost interest and it will help lift the standards and skill level of Ladies Football in Mayo. We congratulate all concerned in achieving this great success.
The facilities are in place and we have a beautiful pitch, which is always made available to us. Our spirits are high and the girls are improving with every match and hopefully we have a successful year to look forward to in 2000.