Nomonde Majola's journey from South Africa to Cavan GAA

Gaelic games have been fundamental in the integration of migrants to what is now a far more multi-cultural society and Nomonde Majola is a shining example of the positivity of that process.

Indeed the 21-year-old South African native has made such a good transition that she is now a year away from being fully qualified as a secondary school teacher, is corner-back on the progressive Cavan camogie team taking on Dublin in the Littlewoods Ireland Camogie League at the National Sports Campus in Abbotstown today, and a very good ladies footballer to boot.

Majola's sunny disposition and outlook have undoubtedly contributed but she acknowledges the help and patience of peers and coaches that have brought her to this point despite being a relatively late starter.

Speaking during the week ahead of Cavan’s final Group 2 tie, with a place in the Division 3 final on 9 April against Wexford already assured, the sticky defender detailed her journey.

"We’re originally from a small town outside Durban called Kranskop. That’s where I grew up," explains Majola.

"My dad got a job in the local factory here in Liffey Meats. So he came over and then Mam came over just to visit him, we weren’t even meant to come over permanently. And then all of a sudden, we were all just moving over to Ireland, into Ballyjamesduff.

"I always get asked that question, 'Of all places, why Ballyjamesduff in Cavan?’ It was very random but sure I was put in the right place, I’m happy enough with it now.

"I think I settled in straight away, just the fact that I was so young. I didn’t really have any second thoughts of it.

"In terms of my older brothers, they were that little bit older, they were 13, 14, 15 coming in. It could have been different for them. They had their