The weekly ‘Ciorcal Comhrá’ in Loughgeorge was treated to a visit by very special guests last Friday morning when members of the Claregalway GAA Ladies’ Senior Football team called in for a chat ahead of their trip to Donegal for Comórtas Peile na Gaeltachta at the weekend.

Claregalway travelled to Cill Chartha in a bid to defend the title they won in style in the Co. Meath Gaeltacht in 2025 and lost out narrowly to Co. Donegal side An Tearmannn in the final on Bank Holiday Monday.

A magnificent goal by corner forward Ciara NI Ghairbheith in the 63rd minute sealed the deal for An Tearmann to win the Cómortas Sinsear na mBan final in a hard-fought affair by 1-10 to 0-10 in a game which was “beo” (live) on TG4.

While the Claregalway girls were disappointed to lose their All-Ireland Gaeltacht title, they had a wonderful weekend in the Donegal Gaeltacht and it was fantastic to see Gaeltacht an Eachréidh represented by the Claregalway women at the competition again this year.

Cait Ní Shleibhín was the top scorer for the Galway girls, who failed to build up a lead when they had the backing of the strong wind on the first half. An Tearmann always seemed to have a bit in reserve throughout a tense and close final.

An Tearmann played into a stiff wind but were quickly off the mark through a pointed free from Nic Lochlainn and never allowed Claregalway to build up a head of steam.

On Friday, our Irish Language Planning Officer, Ciaran Tierney, presented team captain Ciara Ni Chearnaigh and members of the panel and backroom team with a set of special Gaeltacht an Eachreidh / Clareglaway GAA t-shirts to mark the occasion.

Two of the players and Gerry Moran joined the ‘Ciorcal Comhrá’ for an hour after the presentation and spoke about the team’s preparations and the hard work they put in as senior footballers.

Ciaran also presented the girls with a set of useful Gaeilic football phrases (see below) ‘as Gaeilge’ which Gerry promised they would be studying closely on the bus journey to Cill Chartha.

While not all of the girls are fluent Gaeilgeoirs, members of the panel spoke brilliantly ‘as Gaeilge’ live on TV when they won the competition last year.

The competition is also a great reminder that Claregalway is located in a Gaeltacht area and has had links with Gaeltacht communities up and down the country for generations.

The weekly‘Ciorcal Comhrá’ in Loughgeorge will continue on Friday mornings (10.30 to 11.30am) until the end of June and all are welcome.

If you are free on Friday mornings, it is a fantastic way to brush up on  your “cúpla focal” and to meet new friends.

You don’t have to be fluent to take part.