Communities and clubs across the country are demonstrating their support for Ukraine with Duhallow GAA Division in North West Cork going a step further on raising money via a specially commissioned jersey.

The shirt, launched with the support of former Kerry Football legend and fashion designer Paul Galvin is inspired by a jersey of blue with a yellow sash worn by Kiskeam during the 1940s.

One of the key people behind the initiative is John O’Connor, highlighting the importance on helping Ukraine refugees escaping a war torn country. “Paul Galvin was thrilled to get involved, he decided to call the jersey Dynamo Duhallow, taking the border outline of Duhallow and interlinked it with the border outline of Ukraine uniting the people of Duhallow with Ukraine”, said John F.

Neighbouring GAA clubs Kiskeam and Boherbue embarked on a fund raiser to fund the initial costs of manufacturing an order of 400 jerseys so that all money raised from sales would go directly to the cause. The Duhallow Divisional Junior Board followed up to lend their support to the venture on promoting the fundraiser amongst all its affiliated clubs.

Designer Paul Galvin acknowledged the support across the wider Duhallow GAA community. “The Duhallow division are putting aside local club rivalries, wearing these jerseys in solidarity with Ukrainians suffering the pain of war” he said.

The fundraiser is supported by the GPA. Galvin, in the company of joint Cork Football captain Seán Meehan, launched the jersey that is available from clubs across Duhallow.

Divisional Junior Board Chairman Steven Lynch spoke of an opportunity for Duhallow clubs, supporters and friends to offer Ukraine people real support at a time when they need it. “Red Cross teams on the ground in Ukraine and East Europe deserve support, working to repair vital infrastructure, support health facilities, and help families with life-saving food and hygiene items”, he said.

Further donations towards assisting the completion in the initial outlay of the jerseys are welcome. Details can be obtained from Steven Lynch, 087-2795558; Billy Dennehy 087-9315272, Eileen Casey 087-9800102, Liam O’Gorman 087-9799506, Marie Carroll 085-8828556 or John F O’Connor 087-2073415.

The jersey is now available through the Duhallow Divisional Board, all Duhallow GAA clubs and The Central Sports Store, Kanturk.

At the launch of the Dynamo Duhallow jersey supporting Ukraine refugees designer Paul Galvin presented a geansaí to Cork joint-captain Seán Meehan in the presence of Joe Kearns, treasurer, Duhallow GAA Board; Gerry Meehan, Billy Dennehy, chairman, Kiskeam GAA; Tony McAulliffe, vice-chairman Duhallow, and Liam Buckley, secretary Duhallow. Picture: John Tarrant