It’s only within the last year and a half I’ve started to appreciate more the amazing women who wear the green and red jersey. As fans of Mayo football, we’ve forgotten that in football it’s not all about the hunt for the Sam Maguire Cup. A few years ago if you had asked me to name a single Mayo ladies player I’d be struggling big time, now I’m very happy in my position as Assistant PRO. Equality in football is something we’re still fighting for yet we’re living in the year 2023. It really baffles me how the big names in GAA think it’s fair to schedule men’s and ladies games on the same day and treat ladies footballer like second class citizens.

Getting to know our Mayo ladies more throughout this season, I’ve kicked myself because it took me so long to realise how fantastic they all are. After their defeat to Galway in this years League, I patiently waited outside the dressing rooms in McHale Park in the hopes of getting my jersey signed, I was a bit afraid to ask considering the match didn’t go there way but every player acknowledged me and took time just to say hello. We always talk about we need aspiring young role models for young girls to look up to but how do you expect players to be at your beckon call when respect is the last thing you show them.

We tend to focus on the hunt for Sam Maguire a lot in Mayo but if you ask a GAA fan in Mayo many will be shocked to realise our girls have won more All Irelands then then senior men and for a GAA mad county that’s not how it should be.

Whenever I’ve interacted with any of our girls, whoever it may be has always managed to make my day. Being a woman in sports today has made dreams possible that we’re dreams a few years ago but we are not done yet. Ladies Gaelic Football has been on the rise in the past few years and our fantastic footballers don’t plan on stopping yet.

As they begin their hunt for the Brendan Martin Cup, I’d like to wish the best of luck to the Mayo Senior ladies. Whatever the result may be these ladies are absolute superstars and I’m proud to have each one of them wear the green and red jersey.

As a country we’re not doing enough to show our appreciation for women in GAA and enough is enough. It’s 2023 and we’re still fighting for women to get their deserved recognition in Gaelic games, a course of action has to be taken.

Whilst many many Mayo fans will be in Pearse Stadium this Sunday, don’t be afraid to check in on the ladies as they begin their championship campaign, these superstars need our rallied support in the hunt for equality.

Wishing Michael Moyles and the girls the best of luck as they take on Armagh this Sunday. MAYO 4 BRENDAN 2023 💚❤️