DROMINTEE clubman Aidan O’Rourke says they have been overwhelmed by the amount of support the club has had from the GAA and beyond in putting together the finishing touches to the ‘All in for Ann’ charity bash this Saturday.
An Ulster ladies' select will take on the Rest of Ireland in Dromintee (7pm) on Saturday before patrons enjoy a night full of entertainment, auctions and top prizes in a marquee beside the pitch to celebrate the life of Dromintee club member Ann Daly, who died from cancer last year.
Ann met former Armagh ladies' manager and Dromintee native James Daly in New York in the mid-90s before marrying and moving back to the south Armagh parish. Ann became engrossed in every aspect of the club and parish right up until her death last July.
“Ann was a real lady,” said O’Rourke.
“She was was involved in everything at the club and is sadly missed by all who knew her. James wanted to do something for the various cancer charities and the fundraising drive has just got bigger and bigger.
“The help we’ve received from the club, parish and beyond has been overwhelming. Everyone wanted to help in some way. Saturday is the culmination of a series of events. We had coffee mornings, big breakfasts, we had a group that cycled from Malin Head to Mizen Head last weekend. It’s just been crazy.
“All the top players in Ireland wanted to play in this match, so it promises to be a night to remember.”
Brian O’Driscoll and Ronan O’Gara have donated autographed and personalised match boots for auction on Saturday, with RTÉ presenter Marty Morrissey hosting the charity bash that follows the match.
All proceeds will go to Cancer Focus NI, Breast Cancer Awareness and The Little Princess Foundation. Everyone is welcome. An in-depth interview with James Daly will appear in The Irish News later this week.
