Tipperary GAA stars launch campaign to plant one million trees in Africa

A number of Tipperary’s leading inter county GAA stars are just back from Kenya, where they joined a 40 strong Gaelic Games group who launched a campaign to plant a million trees to raise awareness of global warming and combat the effects of climate change in Africa.

Hurlers Barry Heffernan and Conor McCarthy from Nenagh Éire Óg were joined by ladies footballers Cliona O’Dwyer and Laura Morrissey on the trip, during which they launched a million trees campaign, and also took part in a series of showcase Gaelic Games matches with local sports stars.

The event was part of the ‘Plant the Planet’ games founded by former Galway inter-county player Alan Kerins and organised by Irish development charity Self Help Africa, in collaboration with Alan’s Warriors for Humanity and the GPA.

Participating players from 14 counties took part in the Kenya trip, and collectively raised over €450,000 to support Self Help Africa’s tree planting efforts in Africa.

During their visit the GAA players staged a number of showpiece hurling and Gaelic football exhibitions, and also took part in a competitive match with Kenyan league soccer team, AFC Leopards.

The group were guests at a reception hosted by the Irish Ambassador, Caitríona Ingoldsby, visited agricultural projects being implemented by Self Help Africa in Kenya, and also took part in training sessions at the elite athletics camp established and run by Cork-born missionary priest and ‘Godfather of Kenyan running’, Brother Colm O’Connell.

“Sport has the power to bring people from different cultures together, and this trip was an example of what can be achieved when people come together with the same goal,” said Alan Kerins.

“We are indebted to the players who travelled, to the friends, families, communities who supported their fundraising efforts, and to the GPA for joining us in this effort to both raise awareness and combat the effects that climate change is having in Africa.

“Taking part in the Plant the Planet trip to Kenya was an incredible experience. We had a great trip from beginning to end, and it will live long in the memory. I’m delighted to have been able to support this great cause, and am grateful to those who supported me and help to make the trip to Africa possible for me,” Cliona O’Dwyer said.