‘Run for Anto’ success highlights real face of Ulster GAA, says Kelly

ONE of Ulster’s leading officials today pinpoints the recent successful ‘Run for Anto’ as the “real face of Ulster GAA” as administrators continue to battle against a rising tide of violence.

Antrim PRO Sean Kelly, who has been the driving force behind the ‘Run for Anto’ which raised £10,800 to help former Saffrons’ skipper Anto Finnegan in a concerted fundraising drive for his deterMND charity, believes that the recent upsurge in serious incidents at games is detracting from the good work being undertaken at grassroots level.

Anto has been afflicted by Motor Neurone Disease for several years but remains an iconic figure in the drive to raise funds to assist in research into the debilitating disease.

“I think people should look at what Anto has gone through and is going through, and yet he is still very committed to this fundraising cause,” Kelly made sure to point out.

“We all know that Gaelic Games are contact sports, and that now and again things will happen which are unsavoury, but when you look at Anto it puts everything into perspective.

“The recent Run for Anto was a huge success. We had Dublin manager Jim Gavin and his assistant Jason Sherlock at Falls Park for the event, and I can tell you they were bowled over by the turn-out. I think this showed the real face of Ulster GAA.

“There were over 1,000 participants in the event and this truly reflected the caring nature of the vast body of GAA followers.

“We all know that there but for the grace of God go any of us so that should help us all to keep our feet on the ground.”

Current Antrim players Declan Lynch and Stephen Beatty were among those who attended a ceremony at which a cheque representing the proceeds of the race was presented to Anto for his charity.

“Anto was a great Antrim captain who always played from the heart. Now he is showing tremendous heart in battling against a serious illness and it’s only right that we should all support him in whatever way we can,” said Lynch.

The success of the ‘Run for Anto’ venture has already inspired volunteers to step up their efforts to secure more funding for the deterMND charity.

“Obviously there is always more to be done, but there is no doubt that Anto’s contribution to Antrim football has resulted in many people getting behind this fundraising drive.

“It’s great to see so many people putting their shoulder to the wheel and doing their bit. No one is more delighted about this than Anto himself and he takes great encouragement from the support he got,” added Kelly. DeterMND: Anto Finnegan has inspired people to raise funds