TYRONE GAA footballing legends are to take part in a fundraising game to raise awareness about a controversial gold mine in the Sperrin Mountains.
Organisers say the majority of the historic 2003 All Ireland winning panel have agreed to take part in ‘The Clash of the Champions’ match in Greencastle later this month.
They are due to take on members of the St Patrick’s GAC, Greencastle, team that won the All Ireland junior championship in 2007.
The match has been organised by the Save Our Sperrins group which is opposed to plans by Dalradian Gold to use cyanide at a proposed processing plant and mine in the heart of the district.
Cyanide is typically used to separate gold from ore but opponents say accidents have the potential to cause enormous damage to wildlife if the chemical enters waterways.
Dalradian has previously insisted the use of cyanide is highly regulated and the proposed plant will minimise impacts on the environment and wildlife.
However residents in the wider area, which is near Omagh, have voiced concerns about the proposals.
Some of the biggest names in Tyrone and Ulster GAA are due to take part in the game including Eoin Mulligan, former Tyrone Captain Brian Dooher and Stephen O’Neill.
Three-time All Ireland winner Conor Gormley, who has confirmed he will also tog out, last night said “It’s great so many of the boys are willing to help out the Greencastle club”.
The Carrickmore man, who has coached at the area’s primary school, said there is concern locally about the potential impact of pollution, particularly on children.
He also said there is concern about the proximity of the proposed mining operation to the area’s Gaelic grounds.
“Being so close to the football field, it could have a massive effect on Greencastle teams" he said adding they were "passionate about their football."
Save Our Sperrins spokesman Cormac McAleer also welcomed the high profile support.
Mr McAleer said any cash raised from the game would be spent on the campaign including paying for experts and any potential legal challenges.
It is understood former Tyrone player Peter Canavan will not be able to attend the game due to prior work commitments, but is expected to write a message in the match programme.
Organisers say Tyrone manager Mickey Harte is supportive of the game but may not be able to attend if his team reaches the Ulster final, which is due to be held the following day.
In the past members of the club voted to snub a special ‘Tyrone Fund’ set up by the Canadian mining firm which provides money to local community organisations.
Earlier this year the Tyrone Ladies Gaelic Football Association said it would decline any offer of cash from the fund after details of the cyanide plan emerged.
‘The Clash of the Champions’ game will be played in Greencastle on Saturday, July 16, at 7pm.
