GMA bounced back well against Glenurquhart after a narrow defeat to Lochaber. How important was that win for the team’s confidence?

Despite going into every game with the ambition and mindset to win, the structure of this league makes for narrow wins and defeats therefore winning against Glenurquhart has put a spring in our step, especially not conceding.

You’ve got Skye at home this Sunday – what kind of challenge are you expecting from them?

Skye are classy, they always have been. Their style of shinty is impressive and their hitting is always fierce, accurate and clinical. Last season both home and away games against them were close and we are looking forward to playing them this weekend. It’s always competitive and I’m hoping with the clocks going forward, the less time for 40 winks in bed means they won’t have as much energy 👀…

As a player, how do you feel your own game has developed over the past season with GMA?

Starting with GMA last season was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Playing in Ireland in 2023 and speaking to Laura McCafferty at the airport on the way home (with no sleep from the celebrations the night before 👀 ) is ultimately what steered me towards stepping up to the National after a long time not playing. Alaina MacLennan is the person who inspired me to start playing Shinty again when I was on my postgraduate at Strathclyde University in 2022 then there after Eilidh Barclay who I played alongside at Uddingston in 2023. Without Laura and the two girls I don’t know if I would have considered shinty again for a while. When I played in the East vs West game in 2023 I really felt the love for the sport returning and that’s when I knew it was time to play again. It was such a memorable game especially playing back home in Oban with my family and friends supporting. I just felt it was my time to return and I’ve not looked back now. Wing centre is a tough shift at times especially when you realise your opponent is a good 10 years younger! That’s how it should be though. The youth are performing and improving at such a high and progressive rate. It’s good for my own development that the women’s game is improving so much, it keeps me on my toes. Quite literally!

You’re also a teacher at Glasgow Gaelic School – how is shinty in the school helping to strengthen the club?

Despite moving from Oban a long time ago, I now feel a sense of community playing for GMA especially with the links to my role as a PE teacher at the Àrd Sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu (ÀSGG). With the help from Roddy Young, we are hosting a National girls cup on the 29th of May at Yoker, with a development trophy and overall cup winner up for grabs. This will see GMA as a club support the event too and it’s anticipated to be an annual occurrence. Four girls from ÀSGG are now regularly playing with the second team at GMA and truthfully, they’re the ones who inspire me now. Alexia, Rose, Màiri Sìne and Aurora. It’s a privilege to be a role model to young boys and girls alike because we must reflect what we desire and mirror what we admire.

Looking ahead, what are the team’s ambitions for the rest of the season?

Well girls, if you’re not here to win the Valerie Fraser, what are you here for!? The ambition is to be in the Valerie Fraser Final. We are the only team from the South in this league and I hope reaching that stage in the cup exemplifies the growth and passion of Shinty in the central belt. I do not underestimate how arduous this dream is and what it takes to achieve this goal. But GMA are here and we are hungry. Katie Drain makes her return to GMA ladies and judging by her goal against Lochaber, the time out has done nothing to hinder her clinical eye for goal and touches that would put Pirlo so shame! There’s something in the air this season, I feel it. We are no longer just a “strong defence” and it’s unprecedented that we have 27 girls available for this weekend’s game against Skye. GMA ladies have depth and desire in 2025 and we are coming for ya! Relentless, I’m telling ya!

Also, Special mention to Andrew Morrison of GMA who has sponsored both the first and second team strips for the ladies this season through his company Ardor Trading. It’s added a sense of professionalism and value to our girls and we thank you very much for your generosity.