And they’re off to an incredible start.
Cork made history this winter for being the first county in Munster to launch an inclusive LGBTQ+ Gaelic Football club.
Launched in November by Aaron Kelly, the aim of the new club is to introduce Gaelic Football to Cork’s LGBTQ+ community in a friendly and social manner. Aptly named ‘Laochra Aeracha’ which loosely translates to ‘Gay Warriors/Heroes’, the club is open to everybody, and no previous experience is required.
With a thriving LGBTQ+ community in Cork, Laochra Aeracha took inspiration from other successful LGBTQ+ sports clubs in the city (Cork Racketeers, Cork Hellhounds, Cork Rebels FC, and Cork Frontrunners & Briskwalkers), who have all seen tremendous success to date.
Speaking to Craving Cork about the new venture, founder Aaron Kelly mentions:
“The club is still in the early stages but has already seen over 45 members attend training since November. It’s a safe and fun environment for LGBTQ+ people to train, and the aim is to hopefully compete in low grade for championships within Cork.
“Joining Laochra Aeracha is a great opportunity to meet new people, make new friends and learn a new sport in a fun and accepting environment. Their ethos is first and foremost about inclusivity, welcoming anyone and everyone from any race, gender, and sexuality to come along and join the family. New members are always welcome, and any help or support that may be offered would be greatly appreciated.”
Also speaking to Craving Cork about the club, Public Affairs Officer and Social Media Administrator Dean Kinsella mentions:
“Cork already has a very active and diverse LGBTQ+ sporting community with several other clubs already in place for many years now, which include rugby, soccer, badminton and running to name a few. One gap that had yet to be filled was GAA sports. We were already very aware of the Na Gael Aeracha LGBTQ+ GAA club in Dublin, which was founded several years ago and is hugely popular and has since seen huge uptake in membership since its initiation.
“I was of course delighted when Aaron mentioned that he would be very keen in setting something up in Cork in October. Due to our connections with other local LGBTQ+ clubs, we managed to get a group together and start trialling a few weekly training sessions to gauge interest.
Joining Laochra Aeracha is a great opportunity to meet new people, make new friends and learn a new sport in a fun and accepting environment. Their ethos is first and foremost about inclusivity, welcoming anyone and everyone from any race, gender, and sexuality to come along and join the family.
The club trains every Wednesday from 18:30 – 19:30 in the Glen Resource Centre. If you’re interested in joining, simply drop them a message on Instagram or text/WhatsApp Aaron on 085-8340492.