GAA players set to don special jersey

A once off fundraising event will take place in Páirc Uí Chaoimh this weekend for a charity helping people with cancer.

Cork GAA and Cork ARC Cancer Support House’s fundraising event will take place on Sunday 26 February during the Allianz National League double header match line-up of Cork and Westmeath in hurling and Cork against Limerick in football.

Hosted on the Premium Level of Páirc Uí Chaoimh, fundraising ticket holders will enjoy premium level assigned seating for both matches, lunch and a complimentary drink.

With the support of Sports Direct, players will be wearing a special one-off jersey that hosts the Cork ARC Cancer Support House logo in pride of place, in the hopes of spreading the charity’s core message to GAA fans: “No matter what stage of the cancer journey you are on, our message is simple… you are not alone.”

The fundraiser has been organised by Cork GAA senior teams and managers, many of whom have direct experience of the support offered by Cork ARC Cancer Support House to cancer patients and their families.

Former Cork Minor Manager, who is now involved with the back room team and Cork Senior Football Liaison Officer, Brian Herlihy, shared his own experience with the charity at the announcement of the fundraising event: “I was fortunate to walk into Cork ARC three years ago after I had completed eight months of treatment for cancer. The Cork ARC team were instrumental in enabling my wife and I to navigate through the various challenges cancer and the treatment brought and assisted me in regaining a sense of purpose and hope in my life.”

He added: “Unfortunately we are all aware of people who are experiencing significant health challenges at present, and hopefully this unique event may assist in improving awareness of the services provided by Cork ARC.

“The GAA community consistently goes above and beyond in supporting such causes and I am privileged to be on both sides of this connection between Cork GAA and Cork ARC Cancer Support House.”

Cork GAA Chairperson, Marc Sheehan, said: “We are delighted to support Cork ARC Cancer Support House. It’s a proud day for Cork GAA as we have the chance to give back to a charity that has been such a great help to so many of our members, providing them with emotional, physical and psychological support during their cancer journey.”

See Universe.com/events for tickets.