Cork GAA and Marymount Hospice are calling on people GO RED for Cork on the 16th September

Cork GAA and Marymount Hospice are calling on people GO RED for Cork on the 16th September to mark the 30th anniversary of Cork winning the GAA double in 1990. As well as drive awareness of an outstanding athletic achievement for the county, the initiative, a brainchild of James O’ Connor, along with current Cork GAA hurler Conor Cahalane whose father Niall was on the winning 1990 football team, aims to raise much needed charitable funds for Marymount Hospice.

To get involved the people of Cork are asked to Go Red on the 16th September – either through wearing your jersey, red clothing or accessories or red up your remote office, home or car – and then donate to the campaign through the online campaign link – www.idonate.ie/goredforCork or by texting Marymount to 50300to donate €4.

Speaking at the launch which coincides with the Hurling anniversary win on 2nd September, Conor Cahalane said he was motivated to both mark the significant anniversary and also support Marymount Hospice. “We had supported Marymount earlier in the year through the hugely successful Cork Hurlers Solo run campaign so I knew that Marymount were really suffering due to Covid-19 cancellations so I wanted to do something to help. I also wanted to help push the significant achievement of the Cork GAA players of 1990 including my own father. Winning the double is something very special that doesn’t happen very often and we need to celebrate it.”

Kevin O’Donovan, Cork County Board CEO, said he was delighted to give a socially distanced welcome to the 1990 players from both teams to Páirc Uí Caoimh to help launch the campaign.

“Cork GAA is delighted to get behind this great campaign. 1990 was an iconic year for Cork GAA and still stands as an unmatched high-water mark in Gaelic Games nationally. We would like to call on all Rebels to Go Red for Cork on September 16th to mark the 30th anniversary and donate online at: www.idonate.ie/goredforcork. We think it will bring some much-needed joy and a bit of nostalgia as we look forward to the return of our county teams over the coming weeks.”

Some 75% of the proceeds of the campaign will go to Marymount Hospice, with 25% going to Cork GAA. Due to Covid-19 Marymount has had to cancel all of its busy schedule of fundraising events for 2020, which marks its 150th year.

Speaking at the launch, Head of Fundraising and Communications Paula McGovern said:

“Marymount is delighted to be part of this significant achievement for Cork GAA. The 30th anniversary of winning the double is something that needs to be celebrated and we hope we will bring some lightness to what has been and continues to be a tough year for many. While we cannot run any of our standard events this year this is a great way for people to bring some colour into their day, mark their county’s achievements and donate to Marymount all the while. We would like to call on schools, businesses and individuals get on board remotely. And don’t forget to share your Go Red images on the day.”

To get involved in the campaign and help turn Cork red on the 16th September:

• Wear red on the day of the 16th September – this can be your jersey, your red accessories or decorating your virtual office. We want to Turn Cork Red!
• And DONATE – you can donate through this link and encourage your friends and family to do the same. 75% of all donations go to Marymount Hospice which has been seriously impacted through covid-19 and 25% goes to Cork GAA.
• Get your school, community group or office and workplace involved – use your team zoom meeting as an opportunity to share out the ‘Go Red’ message
• Share your photos using #GoRedforCork and tag @Marymount and @officialcorkGAA in your posts
• If you were one of the lucky ones who attended the 1990 finals post up your memories and memorabilia to social media or send into fundraising@Marymount.ie