Football Committee Chair, Sean O’Hare was part of the two teams honored in a special presentation ceremony at the Wellington Park Hotel, Belfast, for officially setting a Guinness World Record for the longest Gaelic 15-a-side football match in history, 24 hours straight.
The Marathon Match raised an amazing £73,565 for Cancer Focus Northern Ireland and Michaela Foundation.
The event, in partnership with O’Neill’s International Sportswear Ltd, was held on January 7th/8th in the Tyrone GAA Garvaghey Centre. The record setting match saw players kick ball for an amazing 24 hours, 18 minutes and 51 seconds.
At the presentation last weekend, Sean and the players received their Guinness World Record medals and certificates from Tyrone manager Mickey Harte and Roisin Foster, Chief Executive of Cancer Focus NI.
Mrs Foster said: “We are delighted to come together to celebrate this magnificent achievement which will help even more cancer patients and their families thanks to the generosity of those who made donations or were involved in this amazing event.”
Sean said: “Completing this world record challenge was the most difficult thing I have ever done, I don’t think anyone really knew what they were getting themselves in for until about 4am in the morning when the pain and tiredness really kicked in but in the back of our minds, we knew that how we were feeling for those 24 hours was minuscule in comparison to how some of the people we were raising money for were feeling.
“This along with the support of the Warrenpoint Club and family and Friends kept me going through the wee hours where the legs were giving up but the heart was strong. I want to give a huge thanks to the people of Warrenpoint and beyond for their generosity in their donations as without them this wouldn’t have been possible!”
John McAreavey, Chairman of Michaela Foundation, said: “It was really fantastic to see all the players reunited and to relive the momentous occasion back in January, while also celebrating such a historic world record.
“It was clear to see that the bond created over the 24 hours still remains and to reminisce with all the lads was great fun, I am so appreciative of their efforts and I’m glad they got so much in return.”
Kieran Kennedy, Managing Director of O’Neill’s Irish International Sports Company, said: “Michaela Foundation is an inspiration to young people and O’Neill’s were very honoured to continue our sponsorship partnership for the Marathon Match. “The players were superb in raising valuable funds for Cancer Focus NI and the Michaela Foundation and the presentation night was a great opportunity to renew friendships. Congratulations again on the wonderful achievement to all concerned.”
