Politicians to tackle the journalists for charity

He may be tackling tough questions about who will manage the boys in green, but FAI chief executive John Delaney took time out to launch a different type of football challenge.

Politicians and journalists have agreed to a showdown of football talents (or lack of) in the Aviva stadium on Oct 25, to raise funds for Temple Street Children’s University Hospital and Concern Worldwide.

And with weeks to go before the budget, TDs and senators are not only readying themselves for criticism from the public but are in training for a battle against reporters for the ESB charity challenge 2013.

Mr Delaney said: “Supporting both charities is very important. We’re providing the facilities through our connections with the Oireachtas Supporters Club. The journalists and politicians will be playing on the new pitch, just down a couple of months.”

Denise Fitzgerald, chief executive of Temple Street’s fundraising office, said: “Whether you are a mother, father, grandparent, aunt or uncle — someone you know has come through our doors. The staff and patients in Temple Street are very excited for the big game.”

But the politicians are as focused on winning as fundraising: Politicians captain Labour Senator John Gilroy said: “We’re delighted to be able to do something for the two charities. If their age matches their enthusiasm, there is no question about it that we’ll win.”

Richard Dixon, director of public affairs with Concern, said: “In this fun game between politicians and journalists everyone is a winner but especially the people that Concern works with — the world’s poorest families who struggle daily to survive on meagre resources.”