Mairéad Ward

Originally published: Town Tattler, Vol 6 Issue 1

This month, we catch up with Mairéad Ward, our new LGFA section secretary.

Where did you grow up and who makes up your family?

I grew up in Birdhill where my dad is from. My mother is from a proud County Limerick family. I have one younger brother Shane, the golden boy!

What was life like growing up in Tipperary – was GAA ever far from the conversation?

Growing up in Tipperary was great. My school in Ballina had a great history of GAA, football, hurling and handball. Tipperary were going from strength to strength when I was growing up so hurling was always on the telly at home.

When did the GAA first creep into your life?

Growing up in Tipperary was great. My school in Ballina had a great history of GAA, football, hurling and handball. Tipperary were going from strength to strength when I was growing up so hurling was always on the telly at home.

Do you remember your very first training session or match?

First training sessions were in school where we had GAA coaches coming in. Our teacher Mrs Sheehy was a huge advocate for GAA and had us out at every opportunity.

Your first club was Ballina – what words best sum up your time there?

Ballina club ran a summer camp long before Cúl Camps every year and although it was a boys club, every girl in my class went so I would say it was always welcoming and inclusive.

Any memories from those early days that still make you smile?

Memories of getting fully kitted out in new gear in Sportsmans Dream in Nenagh for summer camp. I always loved an excuse to get new clothes!

What brought you to Portlaoise and how long have you been calling it home?

What brought me to Portlaoise? Wexford hurling wasn't cutting it for me anymore so I threw a dart at the map and Trevor caught it! I've been calling it home for eight years now.

What was the biggest difference you noticed moving from Tipp/Wexford to Laois?

I lived in Wexford for eleven years and the biggest difference I notice is the vast mix of people that you find in Laois. There are so many people not from Laois living here and natives are used to welcoming us "blow ins". Also the train service is better!

How did you get roped into helping out with Portlaoise LGFA?

My daughter Erin was an energetic four year old. So, when I heard about Nursery I was there with bells on. It was the best €2 I spent every Friday and I saw the great work Diarmuid Lalor and Joe Phelan, among others, were doing with the boys and girls. I offered my help to Joe when the boys and girls were splitting for U8 and I've never looked back or had time to since.

Did you ever think you'd end up as club secretary?

I probably didn't think I would be secretary but my mother wasn't surprised to hear it. A secretary herself of Ballina Juvenile set up for many years when my brother was playing, she laughed that I would be better able than her for fighting at the county board meetings!

How have you found the role so far – be honest!

The role so far has been ok. I'm just anxious that I might miss something on the emails but I'm enjoying getting to know more great people along the way. I have all the teams submitted for this year so there will be football played if nothing else.

What's the best thing about being involved in the club?

Being involved with the club is all about community and friendships for me. As a newbie to the town, there has been no better way to meet great and like-minded people. To see the friends that my daughter has made has made everything worthwhile for me. Being a part of Mná Aclaí has become one of my favourite places to hang out. It has brought the women of the club together and it has just been so uplifting to see.

What do you like most about the One Club model in Portlaoise?

One Club for me is about valuing every player in the club and giving equal opportunity to both male and female players as well as giving equal respect to GAA, LGFA and Camogie. I think that the club are doing a great job of upholding the One Club values.

How important is that sense of everyone pulling together?

Many hands make light work and if everyone pulls together the only way is up.

What's the biggest challenge of the role (apart from WhatsApp groups)?

The biggest challenge of the role is trying to ensure that all volunteers are being valued for their time. Everyone involved is giving up precious time and we are all doing our best. We all need to remember that throughout the year.

There's huge excitement around the upcoming club development – what does it mean for the future?

The upcoming club development is very exciting for Portlaoise Club. I feel so privileged that my daughter will have such an amazing facility to call her home club, but I can't think about it without my heart breaking for the family at the centre of all of this. I wish to thank them sincerely for giving the children and players of Portlaoise this amazing facility to call home.

How positive is it to see continued growth in ladies football in the club?

The numbers that are coming through from the underage group speak for themselves. That combined with our One Club model ensures a bright future for ladies football in our club. Our Senior ladies team are also the centre of this growth. Having role models for our younger players is an amazing asset in our club.

How involved is your family in Portlaoise GAA?

Other than coming to a few of Erin's matches you won't find them in Rathleague, maybe when the stand is erected!

Trevor was a good footballer for Portlaoise – what's it like now being part of the club together?

Trevor was a good footballer but now he can't go to a Fír Aclaí session without coming home with a new injury. It's lovely to go to matches together and have common interests. I even let him come to the All Ireland with me to support Tipp.

What are your hopes for Portlaoise LGFA in the coming years?

I truly think football is in great hands with the coaches we have available to us and the positive attitude from parents and players. I hope that this continues and that every player, no matter the ability, has a team and a place to make progress suited to them in the club. My wish for Portlaoise LGFA players is that every one of them gets to play in O'Moore Park at the very least.

If you had a magic wand, what's one thing you'd love to see happen in the club?

I think we have received our magic wand with our new facility. It's all we are missing!