THE first LGBTQ Inclusive GAA club in Northern Ireland has gained more than 50 members just weeks after it was set up.
Aeracha Uladh was set up in late April by Martin Murray, a drag artist who performs under the name Danu Variant.
"We have 53 people at the minute," he said.
"We have around 20 to 25 regularly showing up to training sessions.
"We've gone up to two training sessions a week now.
"It's now Saturdays and Tuesdays.
"I'm very happy with it."
The club trains at Cardinal O'Donnell's GAC on Whiterock Road in west Belfast.
"They also put up a Pride flag to welcome us," he said.
"We have different coaches from different teams to come down and help us on Saturdays.
"The Tuesdays are more of a social kick-about."
Mr Murray said the majority of members had never played Gaelic games before.
The club now has a formal committee and aims to play some friendly matches, including against East Belfast GAA.
Mr Murray said the club is keen to attract more female members.
"We'd like to reach 15 members just so we can have a constant team," he said.
Mr Murray helped organise the north's first LGBTQ sports day at the Ulster University campus in Jordanstown on Saturday.
"In terms of Ireland, we came up with an idea to do one in each province," he said.
"There was an open day in Cork a few months ago but this was the first event we've organised where there are sports activities."
Mr Murray said the day allowed people to try out sports including Gaelic football, soccer, rugby, polercise, skateboarding and longboarding.
"Originally it was supposed to be a recruitment day for the GAA, football and rugby teams but I got chatting to other organisations and they were happy to jump in," he said.
For further information on Aeracha Uladh, visit the club's Instagram via instagram.com/aeracha_uladh_gac.
