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(From derrygaa.ie)
Ten of Ulster's foremost GAA personalities will be on hand this Saturday as the 'Superstars Challenge' is officially launched at Bellaghy GAA (11am).

Based on the International Superstars idea, the event is an all-around sports competition that pits elite athletes from different sports against one another in a series of athletic events resembling a decathlon.

With the Challenge due to take place on 28th December, all proceeds raised will go to Marie Curie Cancer Care – an organisation playing a vital role in supporting cancer sufferers and their families.

The organisers believe the event – a first for the GAA – will capture the imagination of the general public building up to the unique December show-down.

Former Derry footballer and member of the organising committee, Ronan Rocks, explained what the next few months will involve:

"We will have our launch this weekend but that's only the start.

"The key fundraising campaign centres around ten star GAA players from throughout Ulster participating in a series of events throughout the day. We feel this event will appeal to the wider community. To have ten high profile sporting stars competing against each other in a unique event will obtain the much needed funds as well as generate a vast awareness of the event and associated sponsors throughout."

Already ahead of the game, organisers have set up Twitter (@SuperSCh) and Facebook pages to keep people informed and up to date with latest developments.

Ten local companies have already agreed sponsorship of the participants and it is hoped that the wider public will contribute further to what will be a unique event this December.

The 2013 event will also seek to raise awareness for another worthy cause, as Rocks explains:

"We have also decided that through this campaign we want to continue to raise awareness for the "Opt for Life" campaign and we are delighted to have Joe Brolly, who is a strong campaigner for this worthy cause, within our fundraising committee." explained Rocks.

Further event information and background

Athletes can compete in up to eight of the ten events, with no-one generally allowed to take part in their own sport, although some handicapping rules do apply.

Competitors participate in a range of different sporting events, including a 100m sprint, 800 metres (0.50 mi) run, obstacle course or Steeplechase, weightlifting, football, rowing, tennis, basketball, bicycle racing, shooting and swimming. The sports used have varied over time and between the various international competitions.

Points are awarded for the position in which the competitor places in each event. The competitor with the most points at the end of all the events is declared the champion.

How would you like to see Ulster GAA's Finest compete in such an event???

Could Ryan Bell beat Marty McGrath in a full length of the field sprint???

Could Aaron Kernan do more press ups than Michael McCann???

Could Owen Mulligan bench press more than Kieran Hughes???

Just some of the examples that only a Superstars challenge could bring!

Competitors:

(1) Ryan Bell (Derry) Nicholl Oils
(2) Owen Mulligan (Tyrone) O'Neills
(3) Michael McCann (Antrim) Creagh Concrete
(4) Eamon McGee (Donegal) H & A Mechanical
(5) Darren Hughes (Monaghan) Bannvale Credit Union
(6) Kevin McKernan (Down) Mac Trailers
(7) Marty McGrath (Fermanagh) DPD
( Marty Dunne (Cavan) Kingspan
(9) Aaron Kernan (Armagh) SDC
(10) Fergal Doherty (Bellaghy) Specialist Joinery Fittings

Ten of Ulster's foremost GAA personalities will be on hand this Saturday as the 'Superstars Challenge' is officially launched at Bellaghy GAA (11am).



Based on the International Superstars idea, the event is an all-around sports competition that pits elite athletes from different sports against one another in a series of athletic events resembling a decathlon.

With the Challenge due to take place on 28th December, all proceeds raised will go to Marie Curie Cancer Care – an organisation playing a vital role in supporting cancer sufferers and their families.

The organisers believe the event – a first for the GAA – will capture the imagination of the general public building up to the unique December show-down.

Former Derry footballer and member of the organising committee, Ronan Rocks, explained what the next few months will involve:

"We will have our launch this weekend but that's only the start.

"The key fundraising campaign centres around ten star GAA players from throughout Ulster participating in a series of events throughout the day. We feel this event will appeal to the wider community. To have ten high profile sporting stars competing against each other in a unique event will obtain the much needed funds as well as generate a vast awareness of the event and associated sponsors throughout."

Already ahead of the game, organisers have set up Twitter (@SuperSCh) and Facebook pages to keep people informed and up to date with latest developments.

Ten local companies have already agreed sponsorship of the participants and it is hoped that the wider public will contribute further to what will be a unique event this December.

The 2013 event will also seek to raise awareness for another worthy cause, as Rocks explains:

"We have also decided that through this campaign we want to continue to raise awareness for the "Opt for Life" campaign and we are delighted to have Joe Brolly, who is a strong campaigner for this worthy cause, within our fundraising committee." explained Rocks.

Further event information and background

Athletes can compete in up to eight of the ten events, with no-one generally allowed to take part in their own sport, although some handicapping rules do apply.

Competitors participate in a range of different sporting events, including a 100m sprint, 800 metres (0.50 mi) run, obstacle course or Steeplechase, weightlifting, football, rowing, tennis, basketball, bicycle racing, shooting and swimming. The sports used have varied over time and between the various international competitions.

Points are awarded for the position in which the competitor places in each event. The competitor with the most points at the end of all the events is declared the champion.

How would you like to see Ulster GAA's Finest compete in such an event???

Could Ryan Bell beat Marty McGrath in a full length of the field sprint???

Could Aaron Kernan do more press ups than Michael McCann???

Could Owen Mulligan bench press more than Kieran Hughes???

Just some of the examples that only a Superstars challenge could bring!

Competitors:

(1) Ryan Bell (Derry) Nicholl Oils
(2) Owen Mulligan (Tyrone) O'Neills
(3) Michael McCann (Antrim) Creagh Concrete
(4) Eamon McGee (Donegal) H & A Mechanical
(5) Darren Hughes (Monaghan) Bannvale Credit Union
(6) Kevin McKernan (Down) Mac Trailers
(7) Marty McGrath (Fermanagh) DPD
( Marty Dunne (Cavan) Kingspan
(9) Aaron Kernan (Armagh) SDC
(10) Fergal Doherty (Bellaghy) Specialist Joinery Fittings

Ten of Ulster's foremost GAA personalities will be on hand this Saturday as the 'Superstars Challenge' is officially launched at Bellaghy GAA (11am).



Based on the International Superstars idea, the event is an all-around sports competition that pits elite athletes from different sports against one another in a series of athletic events resembling a decathlon.

With the Challenge due to take place on 28th December, all proceeds raised will go to Marie Curie Cancer Care – an organisation playing a vital role in supporting cancer sufferers and their families.

The organisers believe the event – a first for the GAA – will capture the imagination of the general public building up to the unique December show-down.

Former Derry footballer and member of the organising committee, Ronan Rocks, explained what the next few months will involve:

"We will have our launch this weekend but that's only the start.

"The key fundraising campaign centres around ten star GAA players from throughout Ulster participating in a series of events throughout the day. We feel this event will appeal to the wider community. To have ten high profile sporting stars competing against each other in a unique event will obtain the much needed funds as well as generate a vast awareness of the event and associated sponsors throughout."

Already ahead of the game, organisers have set up Twitter (@SuperSCh) and Facebook pages to keep people informed and up to date with latest developments.

Ten local companies have already agreed sponsorship of the participants and it is hoped that the wider public will contribute further to what will be a unique event this December.

The 2013 event will also seek to raise awareness for another worthy cause, as Rocks explains:

"We have also decided that through this campaign we want to continue to raise awareness for the "Opt for Life" campaign and we are delighted to have Joe Brolly, who is a strong campaigner for this worthy cause, within our fundraising committee." explained Rocks.

Further event information and background

Athletes can compete in up to eight of the ten events, with no-one generally allowed to take part in their own sport, although some handicapping rules do apply.

Competitors participate in a range of different sporting events, including a 100m sprint, 800 metres (0.50 mi) run, obstacle course or Steeplechase, weightlifting, football, rowing, tennis, basketball, bicycle racing, shooting and swimming. The sports used have varied over time and between the various international competitions.

Points are awarded for the position in which the competitor places in each event. The competitor with the most points at the end of all the events is declared the champion.

How would you like to see Ulster GAA's Finest compete in such an event???

Could Ryan Bell beat Marty McGrath in a full length of the field sprint???

Could Aaron Kernan do more press ups than Michael McCann???

Could Owen Mulligan bench press more than Kieran Hughes???

Just some of the examples that only a Superstars challenge could bring!

Competitors:

(1) Ryan Bell (Derry) Nicholl Oils
(2) Owen Mulligan (Tyrone) O'Neills
(3) Michael McCann (Antrim) Creagh Concrete
(4) Eamon McGee (Donegal) H & A Mechanical
(5) Darren Hughes (Monaghan) Bannvale Credit Union
(6) Kevin McKernan (Down) Mac Trailers
(7) Marty McGrath (Fermanagh) DPD
( Marty Dunne (Cavan) Kingspan
(9) Aaron Kernan (Armagh) SDC
(10) Fergal Doherty (Bellaghy) Specialist Joinery Fittings

Ten of Ulster's foremost GAA personalities will be on hand this Saturday as the 'Superstars Challenge' is officially launched at Bellaghy GAA (11am).



Based on the International Superstars idea, the event is an all-around sports competition that pits elite athletes from different sports against one another in a series of athletic events resembling a decathlon.

With the Challenge due to take place on 28th December, all proceeds raised will go to Marie Curie Cancer Care – an organisation playing a vital role in supporting cancer sufferers and their families.

The organisers believe the event – a first for the GAA – will capture the imagination of the general public building up to the unique December show-down.

Former Derry footballer and member of the organising committee, Ronan Rocks, explained what the next few months will involve:

"We will have our launch this weekend but that's only the start.

"The key fundraising campaign centres around ten star GAA players from throughout Ulster participating in a series of events throughout the day. We feel this event will appeal to the wider community. To have ten high profile sporting stars competing against each other in a unique event will obtain the much needed funds as well as generate a vast awareness of the event and associated sponsors throughout."

Already ahead of the game, organisers have set up Twitter (@SuperSCh) and Facebook pages to keep people informed and up to date with latest developments.

Ten local companies have already agreed sponsorship of the participants and it is hoped that the wider public will contribute further to what will be a unique event this December.

The 2013 event will also seek to raise awareness for another worthy cause, as Rocks explains:

"We have also decided that through this campaign we want to continue to raise awareness for the "Opt for Life" campaign and we are delighted to have Joe Brolly, who is a strong campaigner for this worthy cause, within our fundraising committee." explained Rocks.

Further event information and background

Athletes can compete in up to eight of the ten events, with no-one generally allowed to take part in their own sport, although some handicapping rules do apply.

Competitors participate in a range of different sporting events, including a 100m sprint, 800 metres (0.50 mi) run, obstacle course or Steeplechase, weightlifting, football, rowing, tennis, basketball, bicycle racing, shooting and swimming. The sports used have varied over time and between the various international competitions.

Points are awarded for the position in which the competitor places in each event. The competitor with the most points at the end of all the events is declared the champion.

How would you like to see Ulster GAA's Finest compete in such an event???

Could Ryan Bell beat Marty McGrath in a full length of the field sprint???

Could Aaron Kernan do more press ups than Michael McCann???

Could Owen Mulligan bench press more than Kieran Hughes???

Just some of the examples that only a Superstars challenge could bring!

Competitors:

(1) Ryan Bell (Derry) Nicholl Oils
(2) Owen Mulligan (Tyrone) O'Neills
(3) Michael McCann (Antrim) Creagh Concrete
(4) Eamon McGee (Donegal) H & A Mechanical
(5) Darren Hughes (Monaghan) Bannvale Credit Union
(6) Kevin McKernan (Down) Mac Trailers
(7) Marty McGrath (Fermanagh) DPD
( Marty Dunne (Cavan) Kingspan
(9) Aaron Kernan (Armagh) SDC
(10) Fergal Doherty (Bellaghy) Specialist Joinery Fittings

Ten of Ulster's foremost GAA personalities will be on hand this Saturday as the 'Superstars Challenge' is officially launched at Bellaghy GAA (11am).



Based on the International Superstars idea, the event is an all-around sports competition that pits elite athletes from different sports against one another in a series of athletic events resembling a decathlon.

With the Challenge due to take place on 28th December, all proceeds raised will go to Marie Curie Cancer Care – an organisation playing a vital role in supporting cancer sufferers and their families.

The organisers believe the event – a first for the GAA – will capture the imagination of the general public building up to the unique December show-down.

Former Derry footballer and member of the organising committee, Ronan Rocks, explained what the next few months will involve:

"We will have our launch this weekend but that's only the start.

"The key fundraising campaign centres around ten star GAA players from throughout Ulster participating in a series of events throughout the day. We feel this event will appeal to the wider community. To have ten high profile sporting stars competing against each other in a unique event will obtain the much needed funds as well as generate a vast awareness of the event and associated sponsors throughout."

Already ahead of the game, organisers have set up Twitter (@SuperSCh) and Facebook pages to keep people informed and up to date with latest developments.

Ten local companies have already agreed sponsorship of the participants and it is hoped that the wider public will contribute further to what will be a unique event this December.

The 2013 event will also seek to raise awareness for another worthy cause, as Rocks explains:

"We have also decided that through this campaign we want to continue to raise awareness for the "Opt for Life" campaign and we are delighted to have Joe Brolly, who is a strong campaigner for this worthy cause, within our fundraising committee." explained Rocks.

Further event information and background

Athletes can compete in up to eight of the ten events, with no-one generally allowed to take part in their own sport, although some handicapping rules do apply.

Competitors participate in a range of different sporting events, including a 100m sprint, 800 metres (0.50 mi) run, obstacle course or Steeplechase, weightlifting, football, rowing, tennis, basketball, bicycle racing, shooting and swimming. The sports used have varied over time and between the various international competitions.

Points are awarded for the position in which the competitor places in each event. The competitor with the most points at the end of all the events is declared the champion.

How would you like to see Ulster GAA's Finest compete in such an event???

Could Ryan Bell beat Marty McGrath in a full length of the field sprint???

Could Aaron Kernan do more press ups than Michael McCann???

Could Owen Mulligan bench press more than Kieran Hughes???

Just some of the examples that only a Superstars challenge could bring!

Competitors:

(1) Ryan Bell (Derry) Nicholl Oils
(2) Owen Mulligan (Tyrone) O'Neills
(3) Michael McCann (Antrim) Creagh Concrete
(4) Eamon McGee (Donegal) H & A Mechanical
(5) Darren Hughes (Monaghan) Bannvale Credit Union
(6) Kevin McKernan (Down) Mac Trailers
(7) Marty McGrath (Fermanagh) DPD
( Marty Dunne (Cavan) Kingspan
(9) Aaron Kernan (Armagh) SDC
(10) Fergal Doherty (Bellaghy) Specialist Joinery Fittings

Ten of Ulster's foremost GAA personalities will be on hand this Saturday as the 'Superstars Challenge' is officially launched at Bellaghy GAA (11am).



Based on the International Superstars idea, the event is an all-around sports competition that pits elite athletes from different sports against one another in a series of athletic events resembling a decathlon.

With the Challenge due to take place on 28th December, all proceeds raised will go to Marie Curie Cancer Care – an organisation playing a vital role in supporting cancer sufferers and their families.

The organisers believe the event – a first for the GAA – will capture the imagination of the general public building up to the unique December show-down.

Former Derry footballer and member of the organising committee, Ronan Rocks, explained what the next few months will involve:

"We will have our launch this weekend but that's only the start.

"The key fundraising campaign centres around ten star GAA players from throughout Ulster participating in a series of events throughout the day. We feel this event will appeal to the wider community. To have ten high profile sporting stars competing against each other in a unique event will obtain the much needed funds as well as generate a vast awareness of the event and associated sponsors throughout."

Already ahead of the game, organisers have set up Twitter (@SuperSCh) and Facebook pages to keep people informed and up to date with latest developments.

Ten local companies have already agreed sponsorship of the participants and it is hoped that the wider public will contribute further to what will be a unique event this December.

The 2013 event will also seek to raise awareness for another worthy cause, as Rocks explains:

"We have also decided that through this campaign we want to continue to raise awareness for the "Opt for Life" campaign and we are delighted to have Joe Brolly, who is a strong campaigner for this worthy cause, within our fundraising committee." explained Rocks.

Further event information and background

Athletes can compete in up to eight of the ten events, with no-one generally allowed to take part in their own sport, although some handicapping rules do apply.

Competitors participate in a range of different sporting events, including a 100m sprint, 800 metres (0.50 mi) run, obstacle course or Steeplechase, weightlifting, football, rowing, tennis, basketball, bicycle racing, shooting and swimming. The sports used have varied over time and between the various international competitions.

Points are awarded for the position in which the competitor places in each event. The competitor with the most points at the end of all the events is declared the champion.

How would you like to see Ulster GAA's Finest compete in such an event???

Could Ryan Bell beat Marty McGrath in a full length of the field sprint???

Could Aaron Kernan do more press ups than Michael McCann???

Could Owen Mulligan bench press more than Kieran Hughes???

Just some of the examples that only a Superstars challenge could bring!

Competitors:

(1) Ryan Bell (Derry) Nicholl Oils
(2) Owen Mulligan (Tyrone) O'Neills
(3) Michael McCann (Antrim) Creagh Concrete
(4) Eamon McGee (Donegal) H & A Mechanical
(5) Darren Hughes (Monaghan) Bannvale Credit Union
(6) Kevin McKernan (Down) Mac Trailers
(7) Marty McGrath (Fermanagh) DPD
( Marty Dunne (Cavan) Kingspan
(9) Aaron Kernan (Armagh) SDC
(10) Fergal Doherty (Bellaghy) Specialist Joinery Fittings

Hope he mods don't mind, only want this to sit for a few days, think it would be of interest.

The County Derry Post's Derry club season preview magazine, The Road to Celtic Park, hits the shops this Friday morning, April 12. We felt out 48 page efforts of the last two years just wasn't going to cut it so we went all out and made it a 68 page glossy magazine. The format is all changed, though the hugely popular club by club previews and predictions remain.

But we've also really gone to town with a series of feature interviews. I went down to Ballinascreen a few weeks back to speak to John Francis Bradley and his mother Marie about how his recovery is going. He's mad looking to get back to the football. There's a 4-page feature on that.

Conan Doherty had the pleasure of spending 20 minutes on the phone to Joe Brolly. It's the best read in the supplement.

There's a massive feature on club football in 1993, another on whether smaller clubs feel they will need to amalgamate in future, and a look at whether the proposed restructure of the leagues will be good or bad for junior and intermediate clubs.

On top of that, there are interviews with a host of players gearing up for the new season. Ruairi Boylan, Paul Cartin and Gary Doyle share their hopes for the season. Michael Warnock looks forward to another busy season as a footballer with Glen and a hurler with Derry and Swatragh.

His football manager, Enda Gormley, prepares to try and guide Glen back to senior football and shares his opinion that some of the old brigade need to take the rosé tinted glasses off and see that modern football is a superior game.

Paddy Henry talks of the pitfalls of life in Belfast, while Lissan's Oran Donnelly speaks to us from the other side of the world about how he misses it all. Faughanvale's Irish League star Joe Gray gives a brilliantly honest account of his own career, while Moneymore's Paudie O'Neill modestly tells us he was never good enough to play county football. I'd certainly argue the point.

That's on top of even more in-depth club by club previews, with a look at the strengths and weaknesses of each team, a deeper look at the men in charge, as well as key men and ones to watch.

It's out in shops on Friday morning and there are a limited number of copies so you'll have to be quick to pick one up. At £2 we reckon it's a steal. Any feedback is welcomed as ever, positive or negative!

Thanks for your continued support.

Cahair O'Kane
Sports Editor
County Derry Post

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001251599170
A date has been set for the Derry CRY / Cancer Club Challenge.  It will be held in Bellaghy on Saturday 21 May 2011.  Join the facebook group to keep up to date with further developments.

Cahair O'Kane
Organising Committee

PSNI are investigating after it emerged that the data of 501,786 GAA members may have been breached following "unauthorised access to the GAA's membership database." Servasport Ltd, which manages the GAA's database, issues an unreserved apology to the GAA and its members.
The database contains names and addresses of 501,786 members.
In relation to these members the database holds:
288,511 dates of birth
107,212 mobile numbers
63,695 landline numbers
30,171 email addresses
In the case of 544 members, the database contains a reference to a medical condition and the GAA is writing directly to each of these members setting out the information recorded about them.

Is this restricted to the 40 GAA clubs in Derry?

Absolutely not, it's just that the primary aim is to get every one of the 40 clubs in Derry involved.  Anyone who wants to take part is more than welcome.  Send me an email to sport@derrypost.com if you need any more info.

Cahair

[Former Derry star asking for marathon effort]

Former Derry star asking for marathon effort

By Cahair O'Kane
sport@derrypost.com   

ARE you prepared to make a marathon effort for club, county, CRY and cancer awareness?
That is the question being posed by former Derry star Ronan Rocks as he calls on the Derry public to come together and help raise money for two major charities, which is to be called The Derry CRY/Cancer Club Challenge.
The challenge that is being put to each of the 40 GAA clubs in Derry is to enlist at least five individuals to complete a marathon in Bellaghy this summer in the hope of helping raise over £40,000.
The specially designed course will take runners right around Bellaghy on a 15 kilometre run, starting at the club and going around the outskirts of Bellaghy, Ballynease and Ballyscullion before finishing back at the gates of Pairc Séan dé Brún.
Whatever money is raised will be split between CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) and Marie Curie Cancer Care, two charities which are very close to Rocks' heart.
The former Derry forward was diagnosed with Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma in April 2004.  Having just helped his home club Loup win their first ever Ulster title, he had to temporarily hang up the boots to undergo chemotherapy treatment for the disease and missed out on Derry's run to the All-Ireland semi-final in 2004.
However, by the middle of 2005, he had made a full recovery and was back playing in the green and white of Loup, helping them reach another county final that year against his now club, Bellaghy Wolfe Tones.
Tragically though 1 week before the 2005 county final his sister in law Marcella died of a sudden cardiac illness, ARVC (Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy).  She was aged just 24.
One of the charities money will be raised for, Cardiac Risk in the Young, better known as CRY, is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year.
In the decade and a half since the charity was formed, they have raised money to assist in the battle against sudden cardiac deaths among young people.
CRY, among other things, have played a huge role in the push for young athletes to be screened for heart conditions, and are continually doing research into conditions as they affect athletes and the general population under 35.
There are well over 1,500 senior club footballers, hurlers and camogie in Derry at this present minute.  Statistics show that one in three people will contract cancer at some stage in their lives.  So of those 1,500 active men and women, 500 will need the help that the likes of Marie Curie provide at some stage.  The other 1,000 will more than likely have to deal with the effects of watching someone suffer with the disease.
That is why Ronan Rocks and his backroom team of three men, namely Bellaghy stalwart Colm 'Nipper' McElwee, current Wolfe Tones' senior footballer Conan Brown, and yours truly, now hope to raise money to split between the two afore mentioned charities.
But they can't do it themselves.
The wheels are in motion.  The plan now is to recruit volunteers who are willing to put themselves through their paces.  The initial aim is for five men or women from each club in Derry to put themselves forward.
The idea has been in the public domain for scarcely a week and there has been huge interest already.  A handful of clubs have already signed up, including a few from beyond the Oak Leaf boundaries.
The challenge is set.  Do it for whatever reason you want.  Do it to represent your club, do it for the self satisfaction, do it because you love running.  But most of all, do it for these charities.
Ronan Rocks didn't think when he picked up an Ulster club medal in 2003 that, four months later, he would be diagnosed with cancer while in his mid 20s.
The money raised for Marie Curie will help fight the battle against cancer.  The money raised for CRY will help pay for screening young athletes.
You never know when it will be you.  Make the difference now.
Anyone wishing to participate, be you involved with a GAA club or not, can contact Ronan on 07875400839 or via email at ronan@moltools.co.uk, or Cahair at sport@derrypost.com.

Boys this sending off after one yellow card craic was tried in the league back in 2003 and was a farce then. It's particularly sore on corner-backs, on quite a few occasions I saw defenders coming on after the original man was yellow-carded, then the replacement who wasn't up to the pace of the game yet mistimed his first challenge and was off in a matter of minutes. I love watching football and don't see what's wrong with it, if the current rules were properly applied then there would be few problems.
Also, has anybody considered what effect these rules will have if they are evntually applied to club football. I've seen manys a junior league game or reserve match where a team maybe only has one or two subs, if boys are going to be seeing the line left right and centre then it's going to get farcical. Still it might mean this particular overweight man in his mid-thirties might see some game time for the reserves this year

Lads, any chance of some directions to Ballycran, coming from Dungiven to the hurling match tonight but haven't a notion how to get there and the interweb machine isn't exactly full of references to Ballycran    thanks