Legends come together to raise awareness and funds for Lyncho's battle with MND

Friday 29th July 2022

Down and Armagh rivalries will be reignited tomorrow at Jack Mackin Park in Newry as some of the finest talents from those counties squeeze into their jersey in support of St John Bosco clubman Marty Lynch.

Marty was the Down captain when the county won Ulster U21 Championship in 1984 and played for the Down senior team with great distinction until 1988, appearing in the 1986 Ulster final against Tyrone.

He also played on the Bosco team which won the 1996 Down Intermediate Championship.

Since his diagnosis for Motor Neurone Disease, Marty has worked to raise awareness of the condition and his club are helping to raise funds to help him and the others with MND.

Tomorrow, teams representing Down, Armagh and Ulster, as well as the four Down GAA clubs in Newry - Bosco, Shamrocks, Ballyholland and Mitchel's - will take part in Legends4Lyncho.

The event involves a penalty shootout competition and crossbar challenge and will feature former Down stars Greg Blaney, Mickey Linden, 1994 All-Ireland captain DJ Kane, Michaela Downey, Gregory McCartan and legendary goalkeeper Neil Collins.

Part of the Orchard challenge will see Joey Cunningham, who was marked by Marty during a Down v Armagh clash in the 1980s, Benny Tierney, Oisin McConville and Stephen McDonnell take to the field with Tyrone's Sean Cavanagh forming part of the Ulster contingent.

Broadcaster Frank Mitchell and Bosco clubman Aidan Shields will be on commentary duties.

The day's events kick off with an U9 tournament between Bosco and Shane O'Neill's, Camlough before the main event at 3.30pm.

There is no admission price, with those attending asked to make a voluntary donation to MND.

The club are also running a raffle to win a frame signed retro Down GAA signed by members of the 1960 All-Ireland winning team.

Tickets can be purchased through the St John Bosco GAC Klubfunder page and the draw will take place on Saturday evening.

You can follow news of the event on Twitter (@Legends4Lyncho) and Facebook at www.facebook.com/legends4lyncho