Gaels help football MLA in his penalty fundraiser

Gaels help football MLA in his penalty fundraiser

1 August 2012

SOUTH Down Assemblyman Chris Hazzard was among a number of enthusiastic Gaels who gathered at Kilcoo GAC last Saturday morning.

They were there to greet Tyrone MLA Barry McElduff who arrived in Co. Down as part of the so-called “32-32-32” initiative in aid of the Simon Community.

Barry was travelling through each of Ireland’s 32 counties taking a penalty at every GAA ground as part of the fundraiser in aid of the Simon Community which supports people who, for a variety of reasons, find themselves living on the streets.

Mr. Hazzard said it’s “heart-warming” to see so many people engage in the initiative and explained every GAA club in Ireland is being asked to make a small donation of €32 to the Simon Community.

“This fundraiser will help an organisation that is doing incredible work assisting those who have fallen on hard times get their lives back on track,” he continued.

“Not only content in travelling through all 32 counties, the contingent also slept out on the streets in an act of commendable solidarity with Ireland’s homeless community.”

Mr. Hazzard said while this may only be a simple gesture, the “symbolism is massive” and has no doubt that the generosity of thousands around Ireland will provide the Simon Community with much-needed resources.