G4M Blitz

In a scene reminiscent of the movie "Field of Dreams" where Kevin Costner hears voices telling him to build a baseball diamond, JohnJoe Young stood in the paddock a few weeks ago and told his G4M ladies that we were going to hold a blitz.
"We're wha?" we chirped in unison.
Having taken part in the national blitz in in Naomh Mearnog in Oct, he felt we were well up for it.  Our journey to this stage has been colourful and at the very least, entertaining.  Our initial debut was in Croke Park as half time entertainment during the replays.  Best not to dwell on that one ... As it was a little one sided, the kindest thing to say was that the sense of occasion got to us.  The Naomh  Mearnog blitz proved better with us at least getting some scores on the board. Would JohnJoe give up? No chance.  Perserverence came through in the end.  We togged out in our finery last sunday (still covered in flour from the marathon baking sessions to provide cakes etc for the day).  Off with us to the paddock for a warm up.  There we were, like prize fillies warming up in a parade ring...(makes a change from being nags I can hear some of the men saying!!) 
Ours was the first match against Foxrock/Cabinteely.  We took to the main pitch like a pride of Lioness's on the hunt for our first win.  Once again, the game was very much one sided...in our favour!  We hand passed, ran solo's and tackled with gusto until we came out on top.  All the while the voice of a Kerry man rang out, "Who are ye?" 
The day continued with further games against Saint Peregrines, Roundtower and Thomas Davies.  All the other teams had played plenty of blitzs and friendly matches.  They all agreed that the G4M hosts in Kilmacud Crokes put on a great spread.  Every lady we spoke to said they were going back to their clubs to start the ball rolling for a return leg on their own turf!

As this blitz was non competitive in terms of score keeping, we felt we had to mark the occasion in some other fashion.  Therefore we had a perpetual sheild awarded for "most entertaining team" which was awarded to Round Towers for carol singing during their pre-match warm ups.  Where were Kilmacud G4M ladies while this was going on I hear you ask?  We were up in room 5 horsing into John Joe's apple tarts (which he claims he made himself but we know the truth!)

Huge thanks to Catherine Bedford, Yvonne Burke and their helpers in the kitchen as well as Michael who produced the yummy hot post match food.  To Aileen Murphy (aka Cinderella) who helped out all over the place.  Ray Casey for his words of wisdom and encouragement.  Thanks also to Donal Gallagher and Willie Roache who co-ordinated the reps and pitches and tried not to laugh too much!  Special mention to David Duane (nursery Dad) who got a crash course in how to be an umpire and gave a dig out on the day.  An overall from all the G4M ladies to anyone and everyone who helped out last Sunday.  Forgive me if I have left anyone out. 

The supporters on the day included lots of children who play in the club from Nursery upwards (see separate email with picture).  It was fantastic to hear a seven year old daughter on the side line advising her mother how she should play the ball! 
Special mention to Orla Reck who was unfortunately injured (thankfully not too seriously) on the day. 

The blitz and G4M in general wouldn't happen at all were it not for its tireless promotion by one man, JohnJoe Young.  His efforts have taken a group of puffing, panting mammies and turned us into a team...(with a lot less puffing and panting).

As for the next game...we say "Bring it on!"