I always say to people “I’m a boring shite when there’s no GAA on” many people laugh but then stop to realise how quiet of a person I really am without the one passion in my life.

This time of the year I struggle with things to do at the weekend or hoping all the players are enjoying their well deserved break and secretly counting down until I’m back in my second home McHale Park.

Growing up a football fanatic many people I’ve came across in my 22 years on this earth, never get use to the fact a woman knows her sport. I spend my hours ranting on about my thoughts on a certain game or counting down my days until I could see my Mayo men again.

I’ll alway remember my 2023 inter county season as one of the best I’ve ever had. Whenever I would be having a rough week day at work or any moment I felt down, knowing I had a Mayo game at the weekend made everything better.

Ever since July became our All Ireland final date I won’t lie I felt like it was the longest wait ever until January came around again.

There will never be another feeling that will replicate the joy of meeting Mayo players after games or getting a new signature or picture.

The whole reason I started writing about our Mayo men was to give back to players they have made such a positive impact in my life,making me the person I am today.

When something you love is gone for a while, you feel the whole that is left while you wait for it to be filled.

Although I can’t say it to loud I’m secretly counting down until I’m under the bright lights in McHale Park in the freezing cold, cheering on the green and red as loud as I can.

Being the loud GAA personality I am it took me ages to accept I’d be a boring shite if I didn’t have GAA in my life.

I spent many years trying to be ‘normal’ for someone my age and did appreciate the unique gift I have when it comes to GAA.

I often say to people I’d hate to go back to the Chloe I was before GAA came into my life and it’s safe to say nearly three years sharing my love for this sport, I’d never go back to how things were before.

Sometimes we often get asked what we’d say to our younger self if we could go back and it’s a question I often think about.

I love to go back and tell younger Chloe this unique aspect of her would bring her some of the greatest joy in her life.

One thing for sure you can take me out of Mayo but you’ll never take Mayo out of me.

Whilst we all get set for the winter ahead I suppose the one thing to come across in this when times are bad it’s good to reflect on the good times.

Although I’m missing inter county football terribly it’s important to look forward to good times.

Although many of you who I come across think I’m quiet now, once I get to see my boys again in green and red I’ll be back to my usual self 💚❤️