Brian Cody and Mick O'Dwyer took to the football pitch on Bank Holiday Monday at Portlaoise in aid of the cancer units in St. Luke's and St. James's hospitals.

They managed teams for the Professor Hollywood Memorial Cup were all the players have received treatment for cancer. It was a hard fought match that ended up in a draw with Cody's team (St. Luke's) scoring 1-15 and O'Dwyers team (St. James's) scoring 3-9.

The players ranged from those who have played for their county for example Joe Deane (Cork), Marty McGrath (Fermanagh), John McGrath (Wicklow), Derek Shevlin (Louth), Ronan Hamill (Antrim), Jason Hughes (Monaghan) and those that have played at club level. Many of the players were anxious to get involved as they wanted to show people that your health and fitness can be restored after treatment.

John McGrath (Wicklow), who was captain of the St. James's team stated: "It was great to play under Mick O'Dwyer again. Mick was the manager of Wicklow when I was first diagnosed with Leukaemia, so it was extra special for me to play today. I wanted to get involved in this match as I was treated in St. James's hospital and I also wanted to show people that there can be life after cancer. Everyone playing on that pitch today has had their own battle with cancer and they have come through it to play sport again."

Speaking about the match Cody said "It's great to see so many GAA players talk about their personal experience of cancer. They are helping to inspire others by example and to show that there can be life after cancer. I enjoyed the challenge of managing a GAA football team for a change and it was brilliant to see those players back playing the sport they love."

Mick O'Dwyer stated that "These players have shown so much determination, focus and strength to recover from this disease. This match is important as it not only raises money for the cancer units but it highlights an important issue of what happens after the cancer is gone. These guys can get their lives back and be out playing on the pitch again."

Donations can still be made on the website www.charitygaamatch.com or they can donate €4 by texting MATCH to 50300.

GAA President Liam O'Neill presented the Professor Hollywood Memorial Cup to the teams. The Artane Band, Celine Byrne, The Sam Maguire Cup, The Liam McCarthy Cup, Tomas Mulcahy and Sean Boylan were also there on the day. Tweet

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