Gaelic Players Meet with the True Champions of Courage
The Gaelic Players Association (GPA) and Childhood Cancer Foundation (CCF) met with Children who are the true #Championsofcourage at St. John’s Ward, Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin. Inter-county players from across the country continued to support CCF and raise awareness of childhood cancer, over the course of the GAA Championship this summer players carried specially commissioned Beads of Courage® as a symbol of their admiration for the strength and courage shown by children with cancer.
As the official charity partner of the GPA, the players’ body helps to support the promotional activity of Childhood Cancer Foundation and over 40 inter-county players carried Beads of Courage® pinned to their gear bags throughout the All-Ireland football and hurling championships.
Inter-county stars Eoghan O’Gara (Dublin), Colm Begley (Laois), Ger Smith (Louth) and Tadhg O’Rourke (Roscommon), along with Roscommon senior football manager Kevin McStay and members of the Foundation, were today joined by children and staff at St John’s Haematology/Oncology Ward, Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin (OLCHC) to hand over their Beads of Courage®.
Speaking at today’s event Laois footballer Colm Begley said: “As a player, it’s an honour to be involved with Childhood Cancer Foundation, which does incredible work for children battling with cancer. It is often said that GAA players give strength and encouragement to people in communities around the country but being here today makes you appreciate that these children are the real heroes. Their courage is inspiring and I’m proud to carry my Beads of Courage® in honour of their bravery.”
Dermot Earley, Chief Executive of the GPA, added: “We’re delighted to continue lending our support to this wonderful initiative and the GPA’s partnership with Childhood Cancer Foundation is something we are very proud of. Having regularly spoken to players throughout the summer, I know that this is a cause which means a lot to them and we have been bowled over by their conviction to do something practical and positive to help these children during difficult times.”
Rachel Kenna, Director of Nursing at OLCHC, said: “These specially commissioned Beads of Courage ® from inter-county hurlers and footballers will provide encouragement for children as they cope with their illness. On behalf of all the patients and families we thank Childhood Cancer Foundation and all the inter-county GAA players for their ongoing commitment to OLCHC.”
Laura Cullinan of Childhood Cancer Foundation added: “We were delighted to collaborate with Beads of Courage®, Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin and the GPA on this awareness campaign.
We know that the children will treasure these beads from their sporting heroes, which will continue to raise their spirits and encourage them throughout their treatment.”
The latest Beads of Courage advertisement for the Childhood Cancer Foundation, which featured at half time during the 2017 All-Ireland hurling and football finals can be found below: