20k showed up at Casement for Ulster Vs Donegal.
Fair play to everyone involved.
Big numbers.
Ulster Select beat Donegal in 'Match for Michaela' at Casement Park
An Ulster Select team beat All-Ireland champions Donegal 2-12 to 1-12 in Saturday night's 'Match for Michaela', in memory of Michaela McAreavey.
Martin Pensrose and Darren Hughes scored Ulster's goals in front of a 20,000 crowd at Casement Park.
Teenager Patrick McBrearty netted for Donegal late in the match.
All proceeds are going to the Michaela Foundation, a charity set up in memory of the 27-year-old, who was murdered on honeymoon in Mauritius in January 2011.
First Minister Peter Robinson and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness were among the famous faces in attendance at Casement Park.
Michaela's father Mickey and Joe Kernan managed the Ulster side.
It was Donegal's first appearance since winning the All-Ireland title at Croke Park in September and manager Jim McGuinness named his strongest possible XV.
Club commitments and injuries meant some of his players were unavailable but the starting line-up included nine of those who began the decider against Mayo.
Penrose's goal helped Ulster into a 1-6 to 0-4 lead at half-time and Hughes added the second before McBrearty struck with just seconds remaining.
Michaela's husband John McAreavey explained where the money raised from the game will go.
"As well as contributing to our growth plans for The Michaela Girls Camp into other counties, the proceeds from this major event will go directly into our fund for 'The Michaela Centre' which will be located in Tyrone and act as a hub for all our future activities."
Mickey Harte expressed thanks to the Ulster Council for "affording us this opportunity to remember Michaela in such as a special way".
Michaela Jersey ‘Fastest Selling Ever’
The specially commissioned jersey for the ‘Match for Michaela’ has been a huge success, and is currently the fastest selling GAA jersey of all time.
The jersey was designed by Lairdesign in Omagh and produced exclusively by O’Neills and is available to buy online at www.oneills.com and will also be available on Saturday evening at the Match for Michaela. It’s available in all sizes, including children and adult.
Ulster GAA President Aogán à Fearghail stated, “The unique design of the Match for Michaela jersey is proving to be a huge hit with Gaels right across Ireland, both men and women. It’s the perfect product to show your support for the Michaela Foundation with proceeds going directly to the Foundation.
“We are also very pleased that a limited edition of this jersey will be worn by the Ulster team on Saturday night. The Ulster version will not be available to buy but will be a lovely reminder for the Ulster players of their participation and support for the Match for Michaela.”
John McAreavey, Michaela’s husband, said, “When it came to designing the jersey we wanted something unique and a jersey that was vibrant, youthful and full of energy – just like Michaela. I think Lairdesign and O’Neills have done a great job in designing this jersey which is extremely popular.
“We hope to see as many people wearing the Match for Michaela jersey on Saturday night.”
Pictured wearing the Match for Michaela jersey is Ulster captain Darren Hughes.
Fair play to everyone involved.
Big numbers.
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Ulster Select beat Donegal in 'Match for Michaela' at Casement Park
An Ulster Select team beat All-Ireland champions Donegal 2-12 to 1-12 in Saturday night's 'Match for Michaela', in memory of Michaela McAreavey.
Martin Pensrose and Darren Hughes scored Ulster's goals in front of a 20,000 crowd at Casement Park.
Teenager Patrick McBrearty netted for Donegal late in the match.
All proceeds are going to the Michaela Foundation, a charity set up in memory of the 27-year-old, who was murdered on honeymoon in Mauritius in January 2011.
First Minister Peter Robinson and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness were among the famous faces in attendance at Casement Park.
Michaela's father Mickey and Joe Kernan managed the Ulster side.
It was Donegal's first appearance since winning the All-Ireland title at Croke Park in September and manager Jim McGuinness named his strongest possible XV.
Club commitments and injuries meant some of his players were unavailable but the starting line-up included nine of those who began the decider against Mayo.
Penrose's goal helped Ulster into a 1-6 to 0-4 lead at half-time and Hughes added the second before McBrearty struck with just seconds remaining.
Michaela's husband John McAreavey explained where the money raised from the game will go.
"As well as contributing to our growth plans for The Michaela Girls Camp into other counties, the proceeds from this major event will go directly into our fund for 'The Michaela Centre' which will be located in Tyrone and act as a hub for all our future activities."
Mickey Harte expressed thanks to the Ulster Council for "affording us this opportunity to remember Michaela in such as a special way".
Michaela Jersey ‘Fastest Selling Ever’
The specially commissioned jersey for the ‘Match for Michaela’ has been a huge success, and is currently the fastest selling GAA jersey of all time.
The jersey was designed by Lairdesign in Omagh and produced exclusively by O’Neills and is available to buy online at www.oneills.com and will also be available on Saturday evening at the Match for Michaela. It’s available in all sizes, including children and adult.
Ulster GAA President Aogán à Fearghail stated, “The unique design of the Match for Michaela jersey is proving to be a huge hit with Gaels right across Ireland, both men and women. It’s the perfect product to show your support for the Michaela Foundation with proceeds going directly to the Foundation.
“We are also very pleased that a limited edition of this jersey will be worn by the Ulster team on Saturday night. The Ulster version will not be available to buy but will be a lovely reminder for the Ulster players of their participation and support for the Match for Michaela.”
John McAreavey, Michaela’s husband, said, “When it came to designing the jersey we wanted something unique and a jersey that was vibrant, youthful and full of energy – just like Michaela. I think Lairdesign and O’Neills have done a great job in designing this jersey which is extremely popular.
“We hope to see as many people wearing the Match for Michaela jersey on Saturday night.”
Pictured wearing the Match for Michaela jersey is Ulster captain Darren Hughes.