A Co Down ladies GAA star has revealed how one of the north's leading soccer clubs has backed her bid to play in an All-Ireland final next month.
Down ladies goalkeeper Amy McGivern is set to line out with her county when they take on Limerick in the junior decider at Croke Park on August 13.
It has now emerged that Ms McGivern's soccer team, Crusaders Strikers FC, which is part of Crusaders FC, has stepped in to help make her dream come true by sponsoring the Co Down woman.
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The Teconnaught GAC woman, who spent four years on a soccer scholarship in the US before returning home in 2019, plays midfield for Crusaders Strikers and is the current club captain.
The north Belfast soccer club stepped in to sponsor their player in the up-coming All-Ireland final after Ms McGivern posted an appeal online.
"Every player had to get a sponsor for a couple of sponsors, whatever they could, just to help with the cost of getting to the final and they are one of my player sponsors," she explained.
"There was a post put on Facebook but I never even got to ask, they came straight to me the following day.
"I didn't even have to ask."
Ms McGivern said she wasn't surprised by her club's generosity.
"I probably wasn't surprised because I know they are a good club and they always support me in what I do," she said.
Ms McGivern said she has played with Crusaders at junior and senior level for around 15 years and is due to line out in a cup final for the club on Monday evening.
The Drumaness woman said she is grateful for the support.
"Obviously it's good for the club that they are supporting another sport and supporting me," she said.
"They have helped me all the years but for them to come to me with that sponsorship is massive and I definitely appreciate it."
Crusaders Strikers player and committee member Heather Mearns said the club was happy to sponsor Ms McGivern.
"I believe because they are obviously travelling to Dublin and staying in a hotel they were looking the players sponsored to help with costs.
"Obviously we are very proud of Amy so we sponsored to help with the costs."
Mike Barnett, Down LGFA (Ladies Gaelic Football Association) chairman, said all support is welcome.
"We are very appreciative of everybody who supports Down LGFA, both throughout the year and in the build up to the All-Ireland final," he said.
"With all that is involved in running a county team, such support is vital."
