This story is a standing tribute that will hopefully provide other youngsters the impetus to achieve their sporting dreams and continue playing Gaelic Football, Camogie & Hurling into their adult years. To obtain success, a person must put in the effort. The young lady talked about in this story is a living example of what persistence and preparation can do.

The modern day version of the New York Minor began in 1970, so I am told. For the sake of not getting into the overall history of this association: I will touch on one aspect that is relevant to this story. The crowning achievement of any organization is to see the fruits of its labor eventually shine and hopefully surpass all its expectations. Since 1970 there have been a number of NY bred underage players, who went on to represent our county (New York) at the senior level on the Ladies or Men's county teams. Also, a few players who moved back to Ireland have excelled at the under age, University and inter county level of football. I know of one player, Tim Horan, who did win an All Ireland medal at the Secondary Schools level. There may be more that I am not aware of; and I apologize if they were omitted. However, and there is a chance I may be wrong on this presumption, I do not think any of the NY bred players have won an adult All Ireland Championship medal. On Sunday, September 25th, the annals of GAA sport may be altered; as Courtney Traynor, a member of the Rockland GAA Club, will have an opportunity to amend the record books and be a part of GAA history.

Courtney is a member of the New York Ladies Football Team and they will compete against the women from County Wicklow for the All Ireland Ladies Junior Football Final. This game will be played at the GAA's headquarters in Croke Park, Dublin.

Courtney was chosen to play on the New York team in the recent quarter final against Carlow. In that game she started at right half forward and played well. Her efforts in the quarterfinal match guaranteed her the #10 jersey again in the semi final against Wexford.

New York defeated Wexford in that penultimate decider and on September 25th , Courtney will trot out onto the Croke Park playing field with the hopes of winning and along with her team mates, bringing the Junior All Ireland title back to New York.

When Courtney was 11 years old she had a yearning to begin playing Gaelic football. Since there was no girl's under 12 team at that time, she gained experience by playing on the Rockland under-12 boy's team. At age 12 she was picked for the New York Feile under-14 girl's team and represented New York in the Feile competition for three years running. When Courtney reached 15 she received a New York All Star Award; winning the award for her displays at corner forward. And she also represented her county while playing for the New York Under-17 girl's team during competitions in Ireland .This young footballer's skills have been developed over a long period of time. Her desire to play at a higher level is obvious, and she works hard to attain and advance both the skills and fitness level needed to play with the best. She hones her skills on the training fields with both her Rockland club mates and New York Ladies team mates, Courtney does not miss any training sessions, knowing that the training ground is where an athlete grows and refines their abilities.

Courtney's parents Ann & Philip, who hail from Kerry & Monaghan respectfully; are hoping that the Kerry talent & Monaghan hunger they passed on to their daughter ;can come into play on September 25th.

We extend our best wishes to Courtney, her New York team mates and the management panel. Thank you all for your hard work and have a safe and successful trip. New York Abu!!! Tweet

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