RTE Pundit makes plea to Offaly clubs
December 13, 2013
Offaly's Michael Duignan
Duignan, whose quirky insights to hurling have made him a TV favourite is looking for the financial support from clubs to aid Ballinamere's trip to Birmingham this weekend to take on Fullen Gaels in the All-Ireland club junior hurling championship quarterfinal.
The Offaly side lifted the Leinster title after defeating Kilkenny side Lisdowney in the provincial decider and now they must travel across the channel for the quarterfinal.
The trip will come as a big expense for the club and Duignan sent out an open letter to the clubs of the county asking for their help. The letter was published in the Offaly Independent.
It reads as follows:
Clubs of Offaly
As you know Ballinamere recently won the Offaly Intermediate hurling title for the first time in 60 years. They then followed up last Sunday by winning the Leinster Junior hurling final, defeating Kilkenny's Lisdowney by a point in a great final.
The next match is in Birmingham on Sunday 15th December as the lads tackle Fullen Gaels in the All Ireland Quarter Final.
This successful year has put a huge strain on the club finances and the trip to England next week is adding to this.
In this regard the club have asked a small fund raising committee to raise some money ahead of this trip. We know that all clubs are under pressure but we would greatly appreciate any help the clubs of Offaly could give us.
We are trying to find a sponsor for each player to the tune of €100 per player. It would be great if each club in Offaly could sponsor a player to help us continue the clubs quest for All Ireland glory.
If your club wish to contribute please send cheques (payable to Ballinamere GAA) to me at Unit 13, Axis Business Park, Tullamore, Co Offaly. You might let me know by return if you are in a position to support.
Many thanks in advance for any help you may be able to give.
Yours in hurling,
Michael Duignan
(Ballinamere/Durrow Chairman, Fundraising Chairman of Ballinamere GAA) Tweet
