Michelle Dowd has been living in New York for 13 years. The 36-year-old from Co Kilkenny has been playing with Kerry Donegal for 12 years where she has done her turn as secretary, vice chair, and various other roles.
Michelle initially moved to Queens and has spent the last five years at the Vice Chairperson of the New York Ladies. Her club in Ireland was Railyard Gaelic Football Club in Moneenroe, Co Kilkenny .
1. Tell us about yourself and how you got involved in your GAA club.
Even though I'm from Co Kilkenny, New York is my home club. I got into football through my dad who was heavily involved. When I moved to America , I got involved with Kerry and Donegal through a school friend who lived here.
2. What do you do and what do you enjoy about the role?
I'm the Vice Chairperson for New York Ladies. I enjoy seeing the clubs and games grow. We have doubled the teams over the years and created a Junior and Junior B Division. We have also developed an amazing underage set up.
3. How has being involved in your GAA club helped you when moving to a different country?
It's helped me so much. It's hard to put a number on it. I moved here with a group from college but the football is your family and a home away from home. We all help each other no matter what county or club we are from.
4. What sort of challenges come with the role?
Making decisions that affect your friends . You have to do what's fair and right, though. There are big challenges around getting referees - it's probably one of the biggest hurdles we have at the moment.
Years ago I would say there were a lot more challenges in general, though, especially with pitches .
5. What are the differences between GAA clubs here and in Ireland?
While there is rivalry here between clubs and it can be a lot, you tend to see a lot more of the clubs mixing here outside of the games which you don't really see at home.
6. What else in the area reminds you of home/Ireland?
The shops and the pubs .
7. How important do you think GAA clubs are for people moving from Ireland?
Extremely important. They are even important to people who don't want to play the actual game . There are roles in clubs for everyone and anyone. Clubs need all sorts of people for them to keep going.
Sport is a great reminder of home but it's also a great network and community. Everyone looks after everyone. Being so far away from home , we need that.
8. What would you say to people thinking about getting involved in the GAA in the US?
Do it. Don't overthink it. It will help with settling yourself into life in the US and give you the support you need all year round, not just during the season . Always help the next person coming out as well. That was you at one time.
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