Westmeath club to hold fun day in support of Gaza

Mullingar Shamrocks GAA, led by a sub-committee of concerned members, have come together to organise a Family Fun Day on Saturday, September 13 to raise funds for the benefit of the suffering people of Gaza.

Explaning why the event has been organised, the club said the people of Gaza are dealing with "environmental destruction, displacement, famine, limited access to emergency healthcare and constant fear of bombardment and death".

All proceeds will go directly to the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) who are working on the ground in Gaza in the most dangerous, inhumane and unimaginable circumstances.

The fun day will begin at 1.30pm at the Mullingar Shamrocks club grounds in Springfield with a Solidarity Walk around the club’s pitch in support of the people of Gaza, and to raise awareness of the tragic situation of the innocent men, women and children of Palestine.

"The statistics are truly shocking: 63,000 Palestinians killed since October 2023, almost 2,000 Palestinians have been killed attempting to obtain food, 500,000 are suffering ‘catastrophic starvation’ according to the UN and 44,000 Palestinian children have been orphaned since October 2023," said a spokesperson for Mullingar Shamrocks.

The main event consists of a family fitness test where six exciting test stations will challenge a family of three members (over 12) for their speed, agility and stamina. This event is open to all and is not just confined to Mullingar Shamrocks members.

A range of other attractions have been organised for the day including fun challenges for the U-12s on the astro turf, live music, individual skill zone competitions (long puck, long kick etc). Home baked goodies and cakes will be on sale, and there will be a coffee truck and an ice cream van.

The objective of the exercise is to have fun but the primary purpose is to raise funds for Gaza, raise awareness and provide an opportunity for children to help children.

For this purpose a GoFundMe page has been set up to allow all concerned individuals, businesses establishments, clubs and institutions to make a contribution to this cause. Details are available on all Mullingar Shamrocks social media pages and on the club website (www.mullingarshamrocksgaa.com).

To compete in any event, please make a donation on the GoFundMe page and contact 087 9771147 to let the club know you and your family are competing and to obtain your family registration number. Donate to participate is important but equally so individuals and organisations can just donate. Should you require further information, please contact secretary.mullingarshamrocks.westmeath@gaa.ie