The rivalry between Dublin and Meath has produced some of Gaelic football’s most memorable occasions, and next Wednesday evening at Parnell Park it will be rekindled with a different prize in mind.
Staycity Presents: Throw in for FOCUS will bring together past and present stars from both counties on November 11, raising funds for Focus Ireland and its work supporting children and families experiencing homelessness.
The line-up will certainly appeal to supporters with long memories of the Dublin–Meath rivalry, and to those of more recent vintage.
Bernard Brogan, Ger Brennan and Dean Rock are among the former Dublin stars returning to the blue jersey, alongside current players Greg McEneaney, Theo Clancy and Niall Ó Callaghan. Niamh Hetherton, Rachel Hartnett, Sinéad Wylde and Caoimhe O’Connor will also feature, while Meath will call on Joe Sheridan, Peadar Byrne, Eoghan Frayne, Natalie Davitt and Ger Doherty.
There is a natural attraction in seeing familiar names back in county colours, particularly when those colours carry decades of sporting history. The involvement of players from across generations and from both men’s and women’s football should add to the occasion.
Behind the sporting spectacle is a serious purpose.
Focus Ireland’s No Child Without a Home campaign is highlighting the plight of more than 5,600 children currently living in temporary accommodation across Ireland. The charity is calling for urgent action to end child homelessness, while continuing to provide practical support to families facing extraordinary uncertainty.
Just €25 can help provide warm, nutritious meals for families in emergency accommodation, while €70 can fund a week of one-to-one support for a child experiencing homelessness.
“No child should be without a home. Yet right now, thousands of children in Ireland are trapped in temporary accommodation, living with worry, uncertainty and fear,” said Focus Ireland CEO Pat Dennigan.
“Homelessness steals childhoods – it disrupts friendships and schooling, harms mental health and can damage a child’s future.”
“We’re hugely grateful to Staycity for partnering with us on Throw in for FOCUS, and to the Dublin and Meath players giving their time for such a special night. Every ticket sold is a way to play your part in ending child homelessness.”
Staycity’s involvement is grounded in the company’s Dublin origins and reflects a broader approach to building relationships through sport and community engagement.
As the hospitality business has expanded beyond Ireland, its connection to the city where it began remains an important part of its identity. Bringing Dublin GAA and Focus Ireland together creates an opportunity to translate those relationships into direct community benefit.
“We started in Dublin, and however far we grow, this is home,” said Staycity Group CEO Tom Walsh.
“Focus Ireland does vital work every day supporting individuals and families experiencing homelessness, and we’re honoured to stand with them.”
“That’s why Throw In for FOCUS means so much to us. It brings together two partners we’re proud of, Dublin GAA and Focus Ireland, to raise funds and awareness for a cause that matters to all of us.”
The familiarity of the Dublin and Meath rivalry helps create an event that can reach people who might not otherwise engage with a fundraising campaign, while the involvement of players who have provided so many memorable moments creates an additional connection with supporters.
“I had some of the best days of my life in a Dublin jersey,” said Bernard Brogan. “And so much of that was down to the communities who backed us every step of the way,” he said.
“This is our chance to back them. Every child deserves the security of a home – somewhere to do their homework and just be a kid – and I’m proud to join Staycity Aparthotels in supporting Focus Ireland’s work to make that happen.”
The event builds on the emotional connection between county teams and their communities, making good use of the considerable goodwill that continues to surround former players long after their competitive careers have ended.
There will undoubtedly be some familiar competitive instincts on display when Dublin and Meath meet again under the Parnell Park lights, but the ambition is to ensure that the biggest result of the evening is measured in funds raised and support delivered.
Staycity Presents: Throw in for FOCUS takes place at Parnell Park on Wednesday, November 11, with the event beginning at 7 pm and throw-in at 7.30 pm.
Tickets are available at throwinforfocus.ie.
Staycity and Dublin GAA are full members of the Sport for Business community of sporting, business, and state organisations.
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Image Credit: Staycity
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