CLG Oileáin Árann Abú
Bringing Together 3 Islands

Living on an offshore island with a population of 180 people has its challenges. But overcoming these challenges brings a deep level of pride and joy - achieving against the odds. The fact an Aran Islands GAA Club exists in the first place is already an achievement... the total population among the three Aran Islands is only around 1,300 people. There is a mile of sea between each island and 13 miles of sea to reach the mainland where most of the matches take place. The diaspora for the adult teams are spread all over the country. Training together is near impossible, having enough players available for matches is often challenging. The commitment is huge. From the players, their families and particularly the voluntary coaches and club helpers.

As the Gaelic Football Season draws to a close, we look back on an exciting year for the Aran Islands GAA Club - CLG Oileáin Árann. Inis Meáin Knitting Company have been sponsoring the Inis Meáin jerseys for the annual Inter-Island Competition for many years, and we were delighted to sponsor jerseys for the first ever Aran Island's girls underage team last year and again this year with Under 12 and Under 15 teams pictured here in Inis Meáin-sponsored jerseys. The lead shot is the Aran Island girl's team from the primary schools on the three islands, winning a Connemara Blitz against mainland schools in June - the same girls that only came together for the first time last year at Under 12 level.

In May, teams from all the islands in Ireland came together in Inis Oirr for the annual Inter-Island Gaelic Football Competition. So then it was each Aran Island for itself, with Inis Meáin women's team proudly going furthest losing out to the eventual winners, Inis Boffin in the semi-final. There wasn't quite enough girls to field an Under 16 league team this year but an Under 15 team took part in a blitz and challenge matches. The Men's team got to the quarter-final of the Intermediate League - a huge achievement to be consistently playing at that level as expounded on here. There was plenty of underage boys activity too and a burgeoning Women's team that will be strengthened by the year with this wonderful bunch of young girls coming up.

CLG Oileáin Árann has enriched islander's lives so much since its founding in 1996, including our own with the next generation of de Blacams playing on these underage teams. Friends are made across the islands, children playing football together and parents meeting at matches. And so the rich culture of language, sport and community strengthens, from the communities on each Aran Island to a collective Aran Island's community.

We are proud to continue our support of CLG Oileáin Árann and look forward to more exciting years ahead. 
Míle buíochas do gach duine sa chlub.
Oileáin Árann Abú!