Upcoming Events
News from Mekele: Great excitement in town as thousands of people turned out on the streets to welcome our group. The sports programme is proving to be a great success and the Karsa game on Saturday is expected to attract 10 thousand spectators! Heavens! Some went on their sponsored trek which was more rock climbing than walking and since they are at altitude, was more down than up!
Our first group of volunteers departed from Dublin Airport on Sunday afternoon on their journey to Addis Ababa. They brought bags of hurleys, sliothars, footballs and jerseys for distribution to the boys and girls in Mekele. Luckily we were not limited to 1 piece of luggage weighing 15kgs per person! Thank you for all the donations of equipment, it all will be gratefully appreciated.
Irish people working in Ethiopia have heard of our arrival and want to meet up and have a game of hurley or football! Internet access is difficult to find so we are not expecting any detailed updates, text messages, while expensive, are coming through intermittently. One received this morning says the group are on the pitch and getting on very well. Mary Kennedy, who is filming for RTE's Nationwide, is getting lots of footage and interviews. We will add more news as it filters through.
We were hard pressed to know who to support in the All Ireland Football Final since we have so much support from Kerry greats over the years. Eoghan 'Bomber' Liston, Jack O'Shea and Sean Kelly have all travelled to Africa with us and have been there for us, raising funds ever since. But last christmas, Eoghan O'Gara, stepped up to the mark for us and raced against Brave Inca in the Christmas meeting at Leopardstown so we would like to congratulate him on winning a thrilling match in Croke Park and hard luck to Kerry but sure ye have to share these things!
Our friends in Carrickmore, Co Tyrone recently held a 'Fly In' at their local Flying School. A tremendous amount of effort, energy and time went into organising this event and we are really grateful. Dan and Rose McCarten arranged for pilots to lend their time and planes (of all shapes and sizes) to take passengers for a spin around the countryside. They got a fabulous day and great fun was had by all. All funds raised support Playing for Life projects.
A big thank you to all involved and especially to Dan and Rose and Arthur McAllum.
Tracy.
Our old friends at Lake Region Medical in New Ross recently held their annual draw in aid of local charities and Playing for Life.
The lucky winner of the new Peugeot 107 or €10,000 was Paula Murphy from New Ross, Co. Wexford.
In the picture: ( R to L) Lake Region Vice President John Harris, Paula Murphy & committee members Nicola Merrigan & Noel Hennessey
Each year, Lake Region Medical raise funds to send 4 staff members to Africa with Playing for Life and we appreciate all their hard work in raising this considerable amount of money on our behalf and for the invaluable assistance provided by the team whilst in Africa.
Thank you!
Tracy
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