NA GAEIL players past and present came together in what was a novel idea to raise money for the U14 side, before they play in the central regional final against Dingle on August 18.
Denise Burns and Fiona Goggin came up with the idea to host a charity football match between a team of past players called the All Stars and the current Na Gaeil junior side.
“It was a bit tough trying to organise it, I won’t lie to you,” joked Denise.
“Some of the players were a bit cagey about playing because of their ages, so instead of the older players going up against the juniors we mixed the sides up a bit to make it fairer,” Denise said.
“It was be a great laugh and we got a qualified referee so there was be no dirty digs!” said Denise.
“We decided to go the whole hog and have the national anthem before the match, also the U6’s played at half time,” said Denise.
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There was also a minute silence for Colm Cooper’s mother who passed away recently. There is also a Na Gaeil link there as Colm Cooper’s nephew plays with the U8s.
“It’s an absolutely fantastic idea, I haven’t put on a pair of football boots in 25 years,” said Roger Harty, who was between the sticks for the Na Gaeil junior side.
“I’m delighted to be here to help the U14 team and I hope I don’t pull a hamstring!” said Roger.
Youngsters at the fundraising match for the Na Gaeil U14’s between the Na Gaeil Junior team and the ‘All Stars’. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Spectators at the fundraising match between Na Gaeil Juniors and the All Stars. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
The Na Gaeil Junior team that faced the ‘All Stars’ in a fundraising match for the Na Gaeil U14 team. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
The ‘All Stars’ team that faced the Na Gaeil Junior team in a fundraising match for the Na Gaeil U14 team. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
At the fundraising match for the Na Gaeil U14’s between the Na Gaeil Junior team and the ‘All Stars’ were, from left: Christina Foley, Christine Leahy, Hazel Donegan and Emma Lowham. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
At the fundraising match for the Na Gaeil U14’s between the Na Gaeil Junior team and the ‘All Stars’ were, from left: Lee O’Byrne, Jack Maher, David Tangney and Fergal Barry. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
At the fundraising match for the Na Gaeil U14’s between the Na Gaeil Junior team and the ‘All Stars’ were, from left: Abbey Casey, Jadyn Lucey and Mary O’Connell, Clodagh O’Connor Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
At the fundraising match for the Na Gaeil U14’s between the Na Gaeil Junior team and the ‘All Stars’ were, from left: Brid Murphy, Jacinta Burke and Catherine O’Connor. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Youngsters at the fundraising match for the Na Gaeil U14’s between the Na Gaeil Junior team and the ‘All Stars’. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
At the fundraising match for the Na Gaeil U14’s between the Na Gaeil Junior team and the ‘All Stars’ were, from left: Maeve Murphy, Mary O’Connor, Cait Looney, Teresa Kelliher and Maeve Barry. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Some of the players at the fundraising match for the Na Gaeil U14’s between the Na Gaeil Junior team and the ‘All Stars’ were, from left: Mike Rodgers, Aidan Carmody, Mark Burke, Billy O’Brien and Roger Harty. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
At the fundraising match for the Na Gaeil U14’s between the Na Gaeil Junior team and the ‘All Stars’ were, from left: Ann Marie Rodgers, Anne O’Loughlin, Jessica O’Loughlin and Luke O’Loughlin Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
At the fundraising match for the Na Gaeil U14’s between the Na Gaeil Junior team and the ‘All Stars’ were, from left: Barry Sugrue, Cathy Duggan, Mary Sheehy, Fiona Goggin, Denise Burns and Sharon Roche.
