GAA fans gear up to support Michaela Foundation

The specially commissioned jersey designed for next Saturday’s charity match, in memory of the Tyrone woman who died tragically last year, has been a hit with fans.

ULSTER GAA OFFICIALS have revealed that the specially commissioned jersey for the ‘Match for Michaela’ is currently the fastest selling GAA jersey of all time.

A limited edition of the jersey, which was designed by Lairdesign in Omagh and produced exclusively by O’Neills, will be worn by the Ulster team which will face off against All-Ireland champions Donegal in next Saturday night’s charity match in Casement Park at 7.30pm

The game is being organised to raise money for the Michaela Foundation which has been established following the tragic death of Michaela McAreavey, the daughter of Tyrone manager Mickey Harte, who was murdered on her honeymoon in Mauritius in January 2011.

Michaela’s husband John McAreavey praised the design of the jersey which is available to buy online at www.oneills.com and will also be available on Saturday evening.

“When it came to designing the jersey we wanted something unique and a jersey that was vibrant, youthful and full of energy – just like Michaela. I think Lairdesign and O’Neills have done a great job in designing this jersey which is extremely popular.”

Ulster GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghail stated, “The unique design of the Match for Michaela jersey is proving to be a huge hit with Gaels right across Ireland, both men and women.

“We are also very pleased that a limited edition of this jersey will be worn by the Ulster team on Saturday night. The Ulster version will not be available to buy but will be a lovely reminder for the Ulster players of their participation and support for the Match for Michaela.”

Admission is £10/€10 for adults and £5/€5 for children for Saturday’s game with payment accepted at turnstiles on the night. All proceeds go to The Michaela Foundation which this year established a Student Award Scheme where three Fresher students in Irish, Religious Education and General discipline were awarded with £1,000 each to assist with their university fees.

A Michaela Girls Summer Camp was also held last July in Tyrone while it is also planned to build a ‘Michaela Centre’ in Glencull in Tyrone.

The Ulster team for the game will feature GAA stars like Tyrone’s Sean Cavanagh, Monaghan’s Darren Hughes and Down’s Dan Gordon while Donegal’s side is packed with their All-Ireland winning heroes.

ULSTER: Brendan McVeigh (Down); Ryan McCloskey (Fermanagh), Dan Gordon (Down), Chrissy McKaigue (Derry); Ciaran McKeever (Armagh), Darren Hughes (Monaghan, Captain), James Loughrey (Antrim); Sean Cavanagh (Tyrone), David Gibney (Cavan); Colm Cavanagh (Tyrone), Mark Poland (Down), Joe McMahon (Tyrone); Martin Penrose (Tyrone), Michael McCann (Antrim), Conor McManus (Monaghan).
Subs: Niall Morgan (Tyrone), Conor Gormley (Tyrone), Vinny Corey (Monaghan), Brendan Donaghy (Armagh), Ambrose Rogers (Down), Gearoid McKiernan (Cavan), Brendan Coulter (Down)

DONEGAL: Paul Durcan; Paddy McGrath, Eamonn McGee, Thomas McKinley; Frank McGlynn, Karl Lacey, Declan Walsh; Christy Toye, Neil Gallagher; Daniel McLaughlin, Adrian Hanlon, Ryan Bradley; Patrick Mc Brearty, Michael Murphy, David Walsh.
Subs: Michael Boyle, Antoine McFadden, Mark McHugh, Peter Withrow, Martin McElhinney, Stephen Griffin, Barry Dunnion, Martin O’Reilly, Gary McFadden, Peter McGee