Kerry to take on Kildare in GAA charity challenge
January 18, 2013
At the launch of the Alan Kerins Projects Charity GAA Match, from left, Siobhan Doyle, Mick O'Dwyer, Ciaran Whelan, Glenn Ryan and Gill Conway.
- GAA legend Mick O'Dwyer and Glenn Ryan will manage the Kerry and Kildare sides in a bid to raise €100,000 for charity.
- Well-known names in Irish sport will tog out for charity, including Ray Houghton, Joe Brolly, Tony Ward, Ronnie Whelan, Brent Pope and Ciaran Whelan.
- Official match day commentary from Micheál O' Muircheartaigh and refereeing by Pat McEnaney
The Alan Kerins Projects GAA charity challenge, which will take place in Croke Park on 14 February, was launched today (Thursday) by the President of the GAA, Liam O'Neill, and sporting heroes Mick O'Dwyer and Glenn Ryan.
The annual charity match, sponsored by Liberty Insurance and Corrib Oil, aims to raise funds to support the Alan Kerins community and youth leadership development projects in Kaoma & Mongu in Zambia.
The Alan Kerins Projects work in partnership with local organisations to identify the most efficient and effective means to address youth disadvantage through education, sport, music and agriculture programmes.
According to Alan Kerins, former inter-county Galway footballer, the project has delivered immeasurable benefits for local communities in Zambia in the past 12 months.
'When you see what this money does and the difference it makes to people's lives, the impetus to raise more and give more intensifies.
'The 2010 event was a great success and proved fun for all involved. We are hoping to replicate this, making it bigger and better this year.'
The match is the third of its kind in recent years. Two years ago, rugby and soccer greats Tony Ward and Ray Houghton joined the GAA side to play in Croke Park for the first time in their sporting careers. Pat Spillane put aside his love for Kerry by wearing the Dublin colours alongside the Brogan brothers and Pat Gilroy, while Hector lifted the trophy for Galway following a one point win.
This year's event will see Glenn Ryan manage a Kildare selection with selectors Charlie McCreevy and Larry Tompkins. Mick O'Dwyer will look after the Kerry side with selectors Arthur French and Declan O'Loughlin.
Supporters and celebrities alike can fundraise for their place on a team.
If you would like to play and be part of the big day raising much needed funds for the Alan Kerins Projects please email [email protected] or ring Kathryn on 087 6362591. Tweet
