NEW bride Eimear Gibbons has recently entered wedlock but her commitment to the Gaeil Fhánada senior ladies remains as strong as ever.
Eimear got married to Padraig Clinton at Beech Hill Country House in Derry on July 2.
It can be a hectic time trying to get everything organised in the lead-up and then the festivities themselves are highly enjoyable but energy-zapping.
Gibbons would have been forgiven for taking a short break from football but she was back at it three days after the wedding as she lined out against Termon in the All-County League.
It didn’t go Fanad’s way on the day but Eimear gave her all as usual and was happy to line out beside her friends and clubmates.
“I didn’t play the week before the wedding because I was scared of getting injured but it was always the plan to play a few days after.
“We got married on the Thursday and I knew I would be grand by the Sunday morning and it’s only down the road from the house in Portsalon.
“We had a day two and then took Saturday to try and recover.
“The girls were wondering if I would make it or not and that Sunday morning there was come contemplation on the tiredness!
“But we’re kind of struggling a bit for numbers so I headed on down to the pitch.
“When you’re playing one of the top teams in Donegal, you need everybody to show up in some way.
“They are some team and we knew it wasn’t going to be an easy game so it was just a matter of showing up really and trying to help and see what we could do.”
Gaeil Fhánada take on Naomh Columba this weekend and then the focus moves to the Senior Championship.
After years of near misses, Fanad finally managed to win the Intermediate crown they craved last season.
That has opened the door to playing senior championship and they will rub shoulders with reigning champions Glenfin, Termon, St Eunan’s and St Naul’s.
“It’s our first year up now in the Senior Championship and we’re in a lovely group there!
“We have been playing those teams in Division 1 of the league for a few years now but the Championship will obviously be a big step up but the girls are definitely up for it.
“You have well-established teams like Termon and Glenfin but we will see how we go.
“We have a lot of young players playing for us this season. Some of the older girls have moved away.
“There’s still a good push on. Shane Keaveney is still our manager and Martin Robinson is helping out this year as well.
“Paddy Carr is still there in the background too and Siobhan Coyle so it’s a good management and we’re happy to have it for different opinions and advice.”
Eimear has been enjoying the good weather at home this week while she will head away shortly with her husband for a break but she won’t miss any football.
“We’re heading away now for a wee break at the end of next week.
“It won’t impact on football as the championship isn’t on for another few weeks.
“We will head away for a mini-moon and then go away at Christmas time for a proper honeymoon.”