DONEGAL’S FOOTBALLERS WILL face the first test of their All-Ireland reign when they take part in a major fundraiser in memory of Michaela McAreavey next month.
Jim McGuinness’s men go up against a selection of Ulster stars as the main attraction of the “Match for Michaela – A Festival with Football,” details of which were announced by Ulster GAA on Monday.
The event, which will be compered by RTÉ DJ Hector Ó hEochagáin and feature music including X Factor finalist Janet Devlin, takes place in Belfast’s Casement Park on Saturday 3 November.
The daughter of Tyrone football manager Mickey Harte and husband of Down inter-county player John McAreavey, Michaela’s murder while on honeymoon in Mauritus in January 2011 left the GAA community in shock.
All funds raised will go to the Michaela Foundation, set up last summer to celebrate the 27-year-old’s life and inspire her values in young people.
Harte, who will help Armagh manager Joe Kernan take charge of Ulster for the challenge match, thanked all who have given their time to create the event.
“As well as remembering Michaela in a unique way this is a night of celebration of the many good things of life that she loved,” Harte said.
Ulster GAA President Aogan O Fearghail added: “Michaela McAreavey was first and foremost a Gael – she loved Gaelic Games and loved the Irish language and culture.
“We have all been enriched to have her part of our Association and our community and this event, we hope, will remember the life, heart and soul of a beautiful young woman who lost her life too soon.
“I urge people from across Ireland, whether you’re interested in Gaelic Games or not, to come out to support this worthy cause and to celebrate Michaela’s memory with her husband John and the entire Harte family.”
Tickets cost £10/€10 for adults and £5/€5 for children and are available from www.tickets.ie, from County Boards and GAA clubs and from participating Supervalu and Centra stores nationwide.
