GAA players with serious amounts of stamina are being sought to take part in a record-breaking 24-hour game.
The ‘Marathon Match’ will be the longest Gaelic football game ever played and will also raise funds for two charities – Cancer Focus NI and the Michaela Foundation.
Due to take place on January 7 and 8 at the GAA’s Garvaghey Centre, near Ballygawley, Co Tyrone, the clash will see the two charities bring teams of 42 players each in order to keep the action up for the full 24 hours.
If they complete the feat the match will be entered into the Guinness Book of Records.
In 2012 Co Wexford club Cloughbawn GAA played a hurling match that lasted 24 hours, 14 minutes and two seconds.
The Michaela Foundation is inspired by the life of murdered Co Tyrone schoolteacher Michaela McAreavey and runs summer camps and other activities for young people.
Her father, Tyrone GAA manager Mickey Harte, said: “I’m honoured to be associated with such an amazing event and can’t wait for the throw-in.
“We’re looking for male players aged 18 years and over, from across Ulster and Ireland, who would like to play a part in this historic game.”
Under Guinness Book of Record rules, each team can use substitutes continuously throughout the match, but participants will still face a gruelling test of endurance in order to complete the challenge.
Michaela's widower John McAreavey, chairman of the Michaela Foundation, thanked sponsors, including sports firm O’Neills, and said: “Now all we need are the players to fill our jerseys, so we’re urging anyone who is interested to get in touch and help us achieve a Guinness World Record.”
Players keen to participate can email fundraising@cancerfocusni.org, or call 028 9066 3281. Applications for the event close on Monday December 14.
