Northern Ireland

Tyrone great Peter Canavan backs anti-goldmine match

Tyrone legend Peter Canavan has sent a message of support to those organising an anti-goldmine football match in Greencastle on Saturday
Tyrone legend Peter Canavan has sent a message of support to those organising an anti-goldmine football match in Greencastle on Saturday Tyrone legend Peter Canavan has sent a message of support to those organising an anti-goldmine football match in Greencastle on Saturday

TYRONE GAA great Peter Canavan has offered his support for a fundraising match to raise awareness about a controversial gold mine in the Sperrin Mountains.

The 'Clash of the Champions’ between members of the Tyrone 2003 All-Ireland winning team and St Patrick’s GAC, Greencastle, which won the All-Ireland junior club championship in 2007, takes place tomorrow.

Organisers last night said the Sam Maguire Cup is also expected to be on display.

Former Tyrone stars including Owen Mulligan, Kevin Hughes and Conor Gormley are due to take to the field.

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.

Although Mr Canavan is unable to attend the game because of work commitments, a message from him will be carried in the match programme.

Tyrone manager Mickey Harte, whose team is taking part in the Ulster final on Sunday, also sent a message of support while former star Frank McGuigan also offered his best wishes.

Save Our Sperrins spokesman Cormac McAleer urged people to attend the game.

Messages of solidarity have also been sent by Friends of the Earth and the Stop the Drill campaign.

Cyanide is used to separate gold from ore although 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.

The game will take place in Greencastle at 7pm tomorrow.