A double heady for Teddy at the Páirc
A very special double header will be played on Leeside next month in memory of a double winning GAA legend who passed away earlier this year.
Both Galway and Meath will take on Cork at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on 9 December in commemoration of Teddy McCarthy, the only player to win Senior All Ireland titles in both hurling and football in the same year as part of the double winning Cork teams in 1990.
Teddy’s untimely passing brought the GAA world to a standstill, as fans and players across the country remembered a true icon of the game. The supremely talented midfielder died suddenly in June. He was 57.
His memory will now be celebrated in the most fitting manner with the visit of old rivals, the Meath footballers and Galway hurlers to the Páirc.
The fixtures against John Cleary's and Pat Ryan's senior Cork sides will throw-in at 3pm and 5pm, respectively. Specially commissioned memorial trophies will be presented to the winners of each game.
Marc Sheehan, Chairperson of Cork GAA said: “Teddy’s passing reminded us of how lucky we were to have one of the greatest players of the game to walk amongst us. His contribution to club and county was remarkable, and there is no doubt that Teddy had a role to play in his beloved Sarsfields winning not one, but two county championships this year.
“We are grateful to Meath and Galway for agreeing to these fixtures and look forward to a great day out at the Páirc on 9 December,” he added.
The day will begin with a function for Teddy's colleagues from the 1990 teams, who will also be introduced to the crowd at half-time in the respective games. Mini-games will include Glanmire Ladies Football and Sarsfields and Passage underage teams as well as the North Mon first years.
Also on the day, a series of interviews will take place with some of Teddy's former colleagues and opponents at a special event in the Seandún room.
Match tickets are cost €20 for adults and €17 for OAPs and students and are available to purchase at ticketmaster.com. All u16s are free. All proceeds go to the Teddy McCarthy Memorial Fund.
A GoFundMe page has also been set up where the public can donate at 'Teddy McCarthy Memorial Fund'.