Loughnavalley GFC's Dads & Lads group, with some of their younger supporters. Back row. left to right: Harry Hughes , Bill Keegan, Derek Walsh, John Quinn , Ollie Hughes , Pat Nally, Tom Walsh, John Kelly, and Paul Gunning.Front row: Rory Quinn, Justin Gunning, Mick Kiernan, Christy Keenan, James Rogers , Shane McLoughlin and Johnny Hughes.

Loughnavalley Dads & Lads GAA looking for new players

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Loughnavalley Dads and Lads Gaelic football are looking for lads 40 ‘ish’ and over, to come join them on Sundays at 12pm for a fun game of Gaelic football.

Set up in 2019 by Loughnavalley chairman at the time Christy Keenan, Dads & Lads attracts former players looking to reclaim their glory days as well as those who never played the game before.

“We have the same rules as your traditional Gaelic football” says Christy, “with the only difference that it is fast walking rather than running and we shoot points only. This is ideal for lads over 40 who still want to play football but who also need to be able to get up for work the next day.

“Its fantastic fun and great for lads who might not be 100 per cent fit but still want to play. We have lads aged between 35 and 76 playing here. We play a game amongst ourselves for an hour or so but are always looking for other clubs to play”.

Long time player Johnny Hughes says: “It’s not just about football. It’s about getting out of the house, getting out of your head, and having the craic with good lads”.

Loughnavalley are always looking for new members and encourage anyone from near or far to dust off their boots and come down some Sunday at noon and find out what it’s all about.

“The craic is fantastic, and you always feel great afterwards,” says player Mick Kiernan. “Everyone likes to win so the games are always competitive. Afterwards, win, lose, or draw, we are treated to a cup of tea, a few biscuits, and an auld chat.”

Dads and Lads continues to grow as clubs around the country begin to facilitate this brilliant idea developed by the GAA Healthy Club. The GAA Health Club National programme aims to deliver health and wellbeing benefits to people across the country through their local GAA club.

Anyone interested in joining Loughnavalley Dads & Lads can contact Christy on 087 7684742. The GAA (GAA for Dads & Lads) also has information for any club looking to start their own game in their area. There is no charge to come and play. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

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