Getting into Gaelic Football (from the bottom up)

flogen

Hi all,

I'm just turning 21 and am currenly living in England. While here a mate and I decided to join the local Gaelic Football team that we stumbled across while in an Irish bar (watching one of the soccer matches).
Now, I've never played before, ever, and the idea of starting at my age was a bit worrying because I knew I'd be getting in with a group of life-long players. Starting in a team in the UK wasn't as worrying, because I didn't think it would be as tough. As it turns out they've all played for years, many are from Ireland and joined the team when they moved over, like we did.
The thing is, I've enjoyed it so far and would love to keep it up when I come back to Dublin, but at this stage I'm still not that good. I can generally keep up, and my fitness is improving but my skills are pretty lack lustre and need a lot of work. I hope by the time I come home for good next year I'll be adaquate in that respect, but I never see myself being any more than good enough to play in an average game (I started late, and have never been very sporty).
So what I want to ask is how easy will it be to find a team that I can fit into. I'm not looking for one where everyone is lazy and crap, but one that I won't be slowing down, and that people won't expect me to be an A-list player? I just want a team that will keep me fit, improve me at a decent level and push me just enough.

Blackjack

Not posting to give advise on where to find a team, as I don't honestly know.
However if you enjoy the game, join the club most local to where you live. You'll benefit from the social aspect if nothing else, so whether you make the "first team" or not, you'll still get something from it.

Good luck, hope you make the team. If not, hope you enjoy it anyway.

Culchie

Fair play to you.

Most Dublin clubs have several teams ... Senior, Junior, Intermediate ...A,B,C,D teams etc....

Basically you will find a team that suits your level, and you'll be as welcome into that team the same way as you would be if you were an inter county star.

Nice Story ....good luck with it !

CCOVICH

Try www.hill16.ie, a good site for a listing of Dublin clubs. Most have websites and will have details of training etc. Pick a club with junior team, and one that you can get to the grounds without too much hassle. I think there are far more teams on the northside. I would recommend Scoil Ui Chonaill in Clontarf, a very welcoming club.

mchurl

fair play to you mate and whatever club you decide to join they will accomadate you as best they can

blackbelt

I second what CCOVICH said.

I recently got back to playing gaelic football over two months ago by coming down to Scoil Ui Chonaill.They are very welcoming,friendly and an all round sound bunch of people to hang around with.Best thing I ever did.