Stars urge fans to back Match for Michaela

Saturday evening’s Match for Michaela in Casement Park has attracted the support of various strands of sport in Ulster.

The game, staged in honour of the foundations established in the name of the late Michaela McAreavey, daughter of Tyrone manager Mickey, will see All-Ireland and Ulster champions Donegal take on a Joe Kernan-led Ulster select team.

Ulster rugby captain Rory Best and star back Tommy Bowe endorsed the initiative, saying: “Stand up for the Ulster men on November 3 and support this great cause.”

Northern Ireland soccer manager Michael O’Neill said: “I am delighted to support the Match for Michaela. Belfast is the place to be on November 3 for what will be a great match.”

Entertainment on the evening will include a specially-commissioned Railway Band, comprising traditional musicians from the nine counties of Ulster.

Admission is payable on the night but spectators are urged to buy their tickets online at www.themichaelafoundation.com.

Meanwhile, three-time All-Ireland-winning Tyrone defender Ryan McMenamin has announced his retirement from inter-county football.

As well as contributing to the county’s 2003, ’05 and ’08 triumphs, the Dromore man also won five Ulster titles and an All Star (2005) during his 13-year career.

Former Dublin player Joey O’Toole will be put forward for ratification as Monaghan senior hurling manager at next Monday night’s county board meeting.

Elsewhere, the Leinster Council have ruled Louth’s St Patrick’s must play their Leinster club SFC quarter-final against Kildare champions Sarsfields in Newbridge this Sunday.

The Lordship side had been drawn with home advantage for the game but the Leinster Council decreed a “home” ban on the club following an altercation in their defeat to Portlaoise last year was still in operation.

The GAA’s Ulster Council and the Irish Football Association yesterday joined forces in a unique community relations project.

The Good Relations Forum explored the role of sport in changing attitudes and building peace.

The forum, held in Belfast, was jointly organised by the Ulster Council and the IFA, as part of the Sport in the Community project which is funded by the Department for Social Development.