Naomh Mearnóg is set for a takeover this Saturday, as thousands descend for a spectacular day of Sports Direct Gaelic4Mothers&Others football.

Clubs from every corner of the country will make their way to Portmarnock for what has become one of the standout dates on the Ladies Gaelic Football Association calendar - a celebration of the LGFA's hugely popular initiative, proudly backed by Sports Direct.

The growth of the programme in partnership with Sports Direct tells its own story: participating clubs have surged from 220 to over 650 in just five years, with representation now stretching across every county and into the LGFA’s International units.

Tomorrow, it’s estimated that 2000 women are set to descend on Naomh Mearnóg for the National Festival Day, with 98 Gaelic4Mothers&Others clubs registered to soak up the unique festival day atmosphere – a chance to come together and play in a fun, non-competitive setting.

Sports Direct Gaelic4Mothers&Others ambassadors have been building excitement in the lead-up with a series of social media previews.

Registration gets underway from 10am on Saturday, building towards the eagerly-anticipated mass warm-up at 11.40am on the Naomh Mearnóg Astroturf. Games throw in from 12.10pm, with live music taking over once the final whistles blow.

Participants can also look forward to the Sports Direct zone, packed with attractions on the day including Crack the Code, Disco Dome and Hang Tough - and with the event fully subscribed once again, demand for this year's festival has been as strong as ever.

The Sports Direct Gaelic4Mothers&Others programme remains a brilliantly simple idea: introducing women to Ladies Gaelic Football in an environment built around fun, inclusivity and connection.

Speaking on behalf of the LGFA, President Trina Murray commented: 

“The Sports Direct Gaelic4Mothers&Others National Festival Day has become an unmissable date on our calendar, and 2026 promises to be our biggest one yet.

"There's nothing quite like the mass warm-up to get the day going - it's an experience in itself, and from there it's non-stop fun and laughter from start to finish.

"As always, we can't wait to see what the teams turn out in. The fancy dress is always a highlight and it never fails to put a smile on our faces.

"I want to thank our programme sponsors, Sports Direct, for their continued commitment. Year after year they help this event, and the wider programme, grow in scale and stature.

"Sports Direct have been fantastic partners to work with - their energy and genuine passion for Gaelic4Mothers&Others really shines through.

"To everyone joining us at Naomh Mearnóg this Saturday, get ready for a day you'll be talking about for years to come.”

Ciara Murray, Head of Marketing, Sports Direct Ireland, added: 

“We’re delighted to be part of the Gaelic4Mothers&Others National Festival, which is a fantastic celebration of everything that makes Gaelic4Mothers&Others so special — being active, having fun and coming together in a non-competitive and social environment.

“At Sports Direct, we use the power of sport to Champion the Legend in Everyone, and Gaelic4Mothers&Others is a brilliant example of that in action. The programme creates opportunities for women to get involved, challenge themselves, build confidence and, most importantly, enjoy being part of something. We’re proud to support the LGFA and the women who are at the heart of the community.

“The National Festival promises to be a brilliant day of energy, positivity and fun, and we’re excited to bring some special Sports Direct activations to the event.”

The list of clubs attending the 2026 Festival Day is as follows:

Con Magees Glenravel Antrim

Cumann an Phiarsaigh Antrim

St Pauls Lurgan Armagh

Clan Na Gael Armagh

Armagh Harps Armagh

Tara Britain

Ballon Carlow

Éire Óg Carlow

Butlersbridge Cavan

Templeport Cavan

Drumlane Cavan

Kinsale Jennies Cork

St Colms Ballinascreen Derry

Limavady Wolfhounds Derry

Pettigo Donegal

Naomh Bríd Donegal

Tullylish Down

Glenn John martins Down

Mayobridge Down

St Michael's Magheralin Down

Bredagh Down

St John Bosco Down

O'Dwyers Dublin

St. Sylvester’s Dublin

St Brigids Dublin

Ballinteer St Johns Dublin

Na Fianna Dublin

St Oliver Plunketts Eoghan Ruadh Dublin

Ballyboden St. Enda's Dublin

Na Dubh Ghall Dublin

Ballyboughal Dublin

Raheny GAA Dublin

Naomh Mearnog Dublin

Newtownbutler First

Fermanaghs Fermanagh

Teemore shamrocks Fermanagh

Oranmore Maree Galway

Salthill knocknacarra Galway

Claregalway Galway

Moyvane / Knockanure Kerry

Kill Kildare

Monasterevan Kildare

Sallins Kildare

Confey Kildare

Caragh Kildare

Naas Kildare

Celbridge- Sports Direct Kildare

Three Castles Kilkenny

Ballyhale Shamrocks Kilkenny

Portlaoise Laois

St.Conleths Laois

The Heath Laois

Bornacoola Leitrim

Melvin Gaels Leitrim

Askeaton Ballysteen Kilcornan Limerick

St Brigids Gaels Ardagh Longford

Legan Longford

Ardee St Mary's Louth

Naomh Fionnbarra & St.Annes Louth

Naomh Mairtin Louth

Mattock Rangers Louth

Castlebar Mitchels Mayo

Kiltane Mayo

Longwood Meath

Simonstown Gaels Meath

Dunshaughlin and Royal Gaels Meath

Seneschalstown Meath

Aughnamullen Monaghan

Corduff Monaghan

Donaghmoyne Monaghan

Scotstown Monaghan

Clonbullogue Offaly

Ballinamere Durrow Offaly

Padraig Pearses Roscommon

St Croans Roscommon

St Barry's Roscommon

Drumcliff Rossespoint Sligo

Arravale Rovers Tipperary

Moycarkey Borris Tipperary

Moyne Templetuohy Tipperary

Dromore St Dympnas Tyrone

Glenelly St Joseph's Tyrone

Na Deise Waterford

Brickey Rangers Waterford

Athlone Westmeath

Milltown Ladies Westmeath

Ballycomoyle Westmeath

St.Lomans Westmeath

Glynn Barntown Wexford

St Fintans Wexford

St. Patrick's Wexford

Valleymount Wicklow

Bray Emmets Wicklow

Newtown Wicklow

ABOUT SPORTS DIRECT

Sports Direct is Europe’s biggest retailer of sports and fitness footwear, clothing, and equipment. A brand driven by purpose; our mission is to use the powers of sports to champion the legend in everybody. Whatever your sport, whatever your style, and whatever your ambition, we offer the quality and choice to make anyone feel like a winner.

Whether it’s Gaelic Games, soccer, running, training, boxing, walking, dance, cycling or swimming, we aim to serve, support, and inspire with products that bring out the best in everyone. What started as a high-street store has evolved into the ultimate destination for sport and fitness, serving millions of customers every week across 24 countries. 

For more information, visit Sports Direct at www.SportsDirect.com 

Find out more about Sports Direct Gaelic4Mothers&Others at https://bit.ly/4g5fhLu