Mayo being the football mad county it is like many I am proud to have such amazing footballers wear the green and red jersey. Whilst we focus on the hunt for Sam Maguire each year it’s only over the past year I’ve started to appreciate more the fantastic ladies we have wearing the green and red jersey.

In the history of ladies Football in Ireland it’s only over the past few years people have started to appreciate ladies footballers in Ireland. In today’s post I will be talking about a young footballer who even though spent time playing football and spent time in the WAFL, came back to play in the jersey she was born to wear, forward Rachel Kearns.

Making her debut for Mayo in 2015 there’s no doubt Rachel has become an inspiration and exceptional advocate for ladies football in Mayo. As well as a career in the green and red, Kearns spent time playing football with Castlebar Celtic and and Galway WFC also lining out for the Republic of Ireland at underage level.

The 2x All Star winner went on to spend some time in the WAFL and Oz got a taste of the exceptional talent Rachel has to offer.

Returning to the Mayo senior ladies in 2023, A new generation of Mayo LGFA supporters got to be introduced to the incredible skills Rachel displays on the football field.

Described as a unique talent both on and off the field, in my opinion you really have to see Rachel play with your own eyes to see the talent for yourself. The many years of experience throughout different sports comes all in one and when Rachel is on the field you can tell she was born to play in the Mayo jersey.

In only recent years ladies footballers have started to get the respect they deserve on the field and it’s safe to say Rachel has become an inspiration for the future of LGFA.

With the collection of experience and new faces on the panel, Kearns leads the forward line with pride and passion each time they enter the field.

After a long awaited return I’m looking forward to seeing what’s in store for Rachel as we continue our League journey. After a great stint in Oz, I look forward to seeing how Rachel will add another chapter to her sporting career. As I’ve said before it may be only recently we’ve started to appreciate our ladies footballers in Ireland, but I’m so proud we get to have exceptional talent wear the green and red jersey. I’ve said many times in my post how proud I am to have incredible footballers represent Mayo both on and off the field and there’s doubt Rachel is on that list. As well as following the road for the Brendan Martin cup, the LGFA helps to inspire the next generation of ladies footballers in Ireland and when looking at what Kearns has achieved in such a short space in her career, as time continues its safe to say she will be known as one of the best to wear the jersey for Mayo LGFA.