GAA: Oakleafers throw their support behind bid to help the homeless

DERRY GAA players from all four codes will be among over 400 current and former inter-county players taking part in a sleep out this Saturday in Belfast, to raise funds and awareness for the homeless crisis.

The sleep out will take place from 6pm to 6am in 12 cities, mainly in Ireland but the campaign will stretch to New York and Boston.

Dual player Chrissy McKaigue will be taking part, as well Niall Keenan, Terence O’Brien, Ben McKinless and current Derry selector Killian Conlan.

Liam Óg Hinphey, a member of Derry’s Nicky Rackard winning team has signed up.  Among others committed to the cause are camogie players Aoife Ní Chaiside, Karen Kielt and Eimear McGuigan.

Over 400 current and former players have united under a new player-led group - ‘Gaelic Voices for Change’.

The group, which is supported by the GPA and WGPA, feel strongly that the GAA is based on community values and that they want to use their voice to support the most vulnerable in society.

They have identified the housing and homeless crisis as a priority area to focus on but are also keen to look at areas such as mental health, gambling and racism.

The group have already raised over €100,000 for homeless charities north and south.  Donations can be made online at www.gaelicvoicesforchange.com.