Antrim GAA legend Neil McManus urges support for 'Hurling for Gaza' fundraising game

A host of GAA stars will come together on Saturday in Corrigan Park for a ‘Hurling for Gaza’ fundraiser organised by Gaels Against Genocide.

New Antrim hurling boss Davy Fitzgerald will be on the sideline along with his fellow Clare native Louis Mulqueen as an Ulster Hurling select take on a Rest of Ireland team.

A host of current and former county stars including Podge Collins, Aidan McCarthy (both Clare), Lee Chin, Conor McDonald (both Wexford), Danny Sutcliffe (Dublin) and Gerard Walsh (Antrim) will take part in the game which aims to raise funds for the Gaza Paediatric Care Initiative.

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Antrim hurling legend Neil McManus was due to feature in the game, but a clash of fixtures means he’ll be in Armagh as Cushendall take on Slaughtneil in Saturday night’s Ulster Club SHC semi-final.

However, he has urged people to show their support for Saturday’s match in West Belfast.

“On Saturday afternoon there’s going to be a really important game in Corrigan Park, organised by Gaels Against Genocide, for an incredible cause –paediatric care for children coming over from Palestine,” said McManus.

“I’d encourage everybody and anybody who can make their way to Corrigan Park to do so to show their support and to contribute in any way they can.

“Unfortunately what’s unfolding in Gaza is probably the worse of humanity, certainly the darkest time for the globe since I’ve been alive.

“I’d be very proud at how the GAA community has responded and how they have shown the best of humanity. I mentioned it in my speech in Ballycastle when we won (the Antrim SHC final against Dunloy). This isn’t political – this is simply moral.”

McManus, who will be part of Davy Fitzgerald’s management team with the Antrim hurlers for 2025, added: “It’s simply heartbreaking to see what’s going on in Gaza.

“I’m lucky enough to have a young daughter and you think about the scenes surrounding the children who are stuck in Gaza while they’re being continually bombarded.

“It is utterly unthinkable for us sitting here in Ireland to see those things unfolding.

“The lack of care the most powerful institutions and governments have towards the people in Palestine is, quite frankly, unbelievable.”

Admission to Saturday’s game at Corrigan Park is £10 and tickets are available via Eventbrite.

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