Northern Ireland

Down GAA star Ryan McAleenan to shave head for charity

Down star Ryan McAleenan hopes to raise cash by shaving his head for charity. Picture by Hugh Russell
Down star Ryan McAleenan hopes to raise cash by shaving his head for charity. Picture by Hugh Russell Down star Ryan McAleenan hopes to raise cash by shaving his head for charity. Picture by Hugh Russell

DOWN GAA star Ryan McAleenan is set to swap his boots for the barber's blade in a bid to raise vital cash for charity.

The Warrenpoint man is one of several senior down players raising cash for Newry based Southern Area Hospice Services, which offers care and support to patients with life limiting illnesses.

He has been joined in the #Hairless for the Hospice fundraising drive by fellow county men Caolan Mooney and Kevin McKernan, who has already cropped his top for the charity cause.

READ MORE: NI hospice charities get £6.75m support packageOpens in new window ]

The #Hairless for the Hospice fundraising drive was the brainchild of Newry businessman Gary Boyd, of Louis Boyd's Menswear, who came up with the idea as part of the businesses 60th birthday celebrations.

Mr Boyd has himself raised more than £4,500 after shaving his head.

Several other individuals and groups, including Newry City AFC, are also involved in fundraising.

Mickey Linden in the Down jersey he wore in the 1996 Ulster final
Mickey Linden in the Down jersey he wore in the 1996 Ulster final Mickey Linden in the Down jersey he wore in the 1996 Ulster final

Already the combined fundraising effort has topped more than £20,600.

Mr McAleenan's effort has received a boost after Down legend and double All-Ireland winner Mickey Linden donated the jersey he wore in the 1996 Ulster final, which the men from the Mourne county lost to Tyrone.

Former Ireland rugby captain Rory Best has also donated one of his signed Ireland tops to the charity drive while a signed Everton shirt from Seamus Coleman will also be up for grabs at auction.

A host of high profile sporting stars, including former Man Utd and Ireland defender Paul McGrath, Mickey Linden, ex-Down player Gregory McCartan, Rory Best and Tyrone's Mattie Donnelly have made videos supporting his efforts.

Former Man Utd and Ireland soccer star Paul McGrath
Former Man Utd and Ireland soccer star Paul McGrath Former Man Utd and Ireland soccer star Paul McGrath

Mr McAleenan last night said that while some of the jerseys will be auctioned off up to 50 other items, including GAA county jerseys, will be raffled among those who have made donations on Friday.

Some of those who have contributed gear include Cavan's Killian Clake.

People who are nominated to take part can 'pass the buck' by putting forward someone else and donating a minimum of £20.

Mr McAleenan last night he said he was happy to play his part for charity.

“I was tempted to shave my hair before this happened,” he said.

“Kevin (McKernan) rang me and asked would I do it and I said 'it's for a good cause'."

“In the first couple of days I thought 'what could I do here to keep the momentum going?'”

Newry businessman Gary Boyd
Newry businessman Gary Boyd Newry businessman Gary Boyd

The big hearted GAA man said he had no trouble gathering up items for auction.

“I have a lot of gear in the house that I never wear,” he said.

“There are other boys in the county team in the same boat and they said 'no bother'."

Ryan is expected to have his date with the clippers tomorrow and plans to hold the raffle on Friday.

To make a donation please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ryanshairlessforthehospice