Game for Anto...

23 October 2014

Dublin v Irish News Ulster All-Stars at Kingspan Stadium (home of Ulster Rugby)

GAA and Rugby come together to tackle Motor Neurone Disease (MND)

Kingspan Stadium to host historic #GameForAnto

Antrim gaels, an historic GAA match will take place at the home of Ulster Rugby on November 15, aimed at raising awareness of Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

Antrim and Ulster GAA along with Ulster Rugby have combined efforts in honour of our former Antrim senior football captain Anto Finnegan, who was diagnosed with MND in 2012. Anto played Antrim for 11 years and was Captain on two occasions, most notably in 1999/2000 when we won our first football All-Ireland (B Championship) and defeated Down in the championship, a first win in 18 years.

Anto, revealed in August 2013 that he was suffering from MND, a degenerative neurological disorder, an announcement that was followed by a groundswell of public support.

#GameForAnto will see 2013 All-Ireland champions Dublin face the Irish News Ulster All-Star team - managed by current Ulster boss Joe Kernan and former Donegal manager Brian McEniff - gather in support.

We will also have a number of current Antrim players taking to the field with the Irish News all-stars.

As a referee within Antrim I watched Anto dedicate himself to his club and county, both of which he represented with distinction.

It is now our time as Antrim Gaels to repay Anto for his unwavering loyalty to Antrim, by ensuring that Kingspan Stadium is sold out on the night.

I would encourage all club members to wear their club colours, which will only add to the occasion.

Tickets for the #GameForAnto are available to purchase online via www.Ticketmaster.ie

Tickets range from £10 (adult) and £5 (child). To purchase tickets please follow this link: http://www.ticketmaster.ie/event/38004D339A120F5B

if you want to make a group booking for your club please visit www.determnd.com

You can view the Irish News coverage of the launch here