ALAN KERINS PROJECTS raises over €100,000 from big day out in Croker
Galway Wins on the Day
Alan Kerins Projects had a hugely successful fundraising event in Croke Park on Thursday last October 27th with over €100,000 being raised for the work of the charity in Western Province, Zambia.
The charity organised a Gaelic Football match for supporters to play in Croke Park. GAA legends, current players, celebrities and many people who fundraised to play in the event donned the colours of Galway and Dublin in what turned out to be a very tight and enjoyable game. For many this was their first ever time gracing the hallowed turf of Croke Park, our national sporting treasure. Many were fulfilling a lifetime dream to play a game alongside their sporting heroes and icons in such a prestigious and special venue. The participants were treated to an experience mirrored on an All-Ireland Final day. The pre match meal was kindly sponsored by the Burlington and the teams proceeded to Croke Park via police escort through the city. A very surreal experience as we were mistaken for one of the presidential candidates by many. The teams were provided with personalised team kits and full match day programme with Pat McEnaney officiating. The Galway selection held on by one point in the end, and our own adopted Galway Man, Hector proudly lifted the cup. Former Irish rugby legend Tony Ward commented that after 57 years of waiting he finally got to chance to play in Croke Park and although he only got a few touches of the ball, it was magical. Soccer great and national icon Ray Houghton spoke about his delight and thrill at playing in Croke Park and how he was amazed at the sheer size of the venue. Pat Spillane put aside the famous Dublin Kerry rivalry to wear the sky blue alongside the Brogans, and fellow legend Barney Rock, whilst Bernard Dunne and Ken Doherty were floating on air to play for their own native Dublin in CROKER!!!! John O’Mahony and Pat Gilroy marshalled the sides well with O’Mahony winning out in the end. The players and celebs alike were treated to a great night’s entertainment with Alan Shortt, Des Bishop and Barry Murphy providing side splitting laughter and they really went down well with the crowd. Alan Kerins addressed the attendance and received a standing ovation from his peers and celebs after speaking passionately and showing a very moving video montage of the work his organisation is carrying out in Zambia.
Alan Kerins Projects would sincerely like to thank Croke Park and especially Christy Cooney, President of the GAA and Peter McKenna, Stadium and Commercial director at Croke Park for facilitating the use of the stadium in such a positive way, and for allowing so many fulfil their dreams. The organising committee Chairman Michael Culhane complimented the Sponsors, Eugene Dalton of Corrib Oil and Lorcan Harding of Zurich for their generosity and friendship especially in these difficult economic times. Alan Kerins complimented the huge effort by all on the organising committee, (Michael Culhane, Mark Gibbs, Pat Brennan, Paul Byres, Julie Moane, Kathryn Megahey, John O’Brien and Brian Hyland) for their Trojan work in making sure the day was so memorable for everyone. It really was a special and unforgettable day, benefitting the poorest people in the world.
For further information please contact: info@alankerins.ie
A Big Thank You
