Limerick Fire Brigade Scrums Down For World Record Attempt
The Limerick Fire Brigade has assembled an all-star dream team of rugby talent, including Mick Galwey, Anthony Foley and Ger Earls, to appear in a charity rugby match against the Limerick Leprechauns. The game will kick off the National Collection Day in aid of Special Olympics Ireland.
The Fire Brigade All-Stars will take on the Limerick Leprechauns at Garryowen FC’s Dooradoyle ground at 7pm this Thursday evening.
The All-Stars team will also include past legends of the AIB League: Pat ‘Deeda’ Deedigan, Kevin O’Riordan, Johnny ‘Fit Boy’ Staunton and Mark ‘Shrek’ Hayes, who are all now serving in the fire service.
“It’s all in the name of charity for Special Olympics Ireland and the fire service jumped at the chance to help out this fantastic cause,” said the Fire Service Event Co-ordinator, and this exhibition match is free for all to attend.
During the interval, an attempt will be made to set a world record for the largest rugby scrum. Two packs of forwards, including several Munster and Ireland players, will pack down to attempt the record.
The rugby scrum organiser Eugene Falconer has been involved with Special Olympics since 2003 when he was part of the Event Services Management team for the World Games.
Eugene, who has also served as Chief Steward for other Special Olympics world record attempts, said: “We aim to provide sports fans with an exciting event that will whet their appetite for the Special Olympic Ireland Games which are taking place in Limerick this June.”
The Limerick Leprechauns celebrate 25 years this year having raised over a million euro for various charities through their charity rugby matches.
The Leprechauns team includes local rugby legends such as Peter Clohessy, Len Dineen, Gerry McLoughlin and Sonny Kiely and they proudly claim to have never lost a match.
Limerick Leprechauns President Diarmuid Herbert added: “This will be a wonderful family occasion, combining all the best Limerick sporting tradition has to offer.
“We are delighted to help with the fundraising efforts for the Special Olympics Games and would encourage every rugby fan to come and cheer on their favourite teams on Thursday night.”
This event, which will also include a barbecue and entertainment, is the first of several fundraising activities which are taking place in Limerick this week as part of the National Collection Day on Friday, April 23.
2010 is a very significant year for Special Olympics Ireland with the 2010 Ireland Games taking place in Limerick this year.
1,900 athletes from all over Ireland will travel to Limerick from June 9 to 13 to compete in the four-day residential games, accompanied by 650 coaches and 4,000 family members.
The athletes will participate in a range of sports, including aquatics, athletics, badminton, basketball, bocce, football, golf, gymnastics, tennis, pitch and putt and kayaking.
For more information, go to www.specialolympics.ie.