Website and Jersey Launch

Was it coincidence or perfect planning? Regardless of the answer, the fact that Antrim LGFA held a launch event on International Women's Day was just pure genius. March 8th is a day for celebrating women all over the world, and on this day LGFA players, parents, coaches and sponsors got together in the Balmoral Hotel to see the launch of the new website and the new Minor Playing and Training jerseys.

Laura Bannon, Antrim U16 County Manager and LGFA School Coach of the Year was MC for the evening. Maria Hanna, County Minor Player was the guest speaker for the evening.  Maria talked about the inequality between Men's Gaelic and Ladies Gaelic, how men are the perceived stronger gender. She told a story of how she and her team mates togged out and played a 60 minute game in County Meath during horrendous weather conditions, while a Senior Men's County team walked off a pitch unable to play. Maria went on to advise the County players in attendance that they were the female coaches of the future and how it was their purpose to empower the next generation of young girls to get involved in our game.

Laura introduced the new website, advising of the easy to use features. The website was design by Martin McCarry of MMC Solutions. It will be updated with news articles of club and county games as well as displaying fixtures and results.

Laura went on to talk about the great contribution of the main sponsors, how their financial support provides funding for top level facilities, training equipment and travel costs to name a few. She engaged with the sponsors there on the night. Nick Brennan from Pinpoint advised that he was keen to support and sponsor Antrim LGFA as a way of supporting the local community. David Wright from PIS Ireland seconded that sentiment. Both Pinpoint and PIS Ireland have contributed greatly to Antrim LGFA this year as well as providing funding for new training tops for all ages groups. 

It was then time to unveil the Minor Playing Jersey as sponsored by PIS Ireland. Damien McConville, Minor County Coach, presented David Wright with an Antrim LGFA replica Jersey. A second replica Jersey was raffled off, Ciara McGlinchy was the lucky winner.

Damien, on behalf of all county squads, thanked all the local businesses who have sponsored individual players across all age groups.

Antrim LGFA were very grateful to The Balmoral Hotel, who kindly sponsored last night's launch. The staff and management could not have been more helpful. Unfortunately Kennedy Centre, one of the other main sponsors, was unavailable for the event.

Thank you to everyone involved, from putting the event together, speaking at the event and even attending. The support for Antrim LGFA is amazing. This was the first event held by the organisation, hopefully it will not be the last. The future is bright, the future is saffron and white.

#SaffsTogether