Down and Armagh Greats Clash in Charity Match

[Centre Half]

Down and Armagh Greats Clash in Charity Match
The Down All-Ireland winning side of 1994 will meet Armagh's champion class of 2002 in a specially arranged charity football match next week.

The crowds are certain to descend on the Ballyholland GAA grounds in Newry on Saturday, August 21 for the game in which two of the flag-bearers of Ulster's revival over the past 20 years come face-to-face for the first and only time.

Organised by Paul Coulter, the game will benefit the Southern Area Hospice, who provides care and support to patients and their families around Down, Armagh and Tyrone, including Newry, Craigavon and South Tyrone Hospitals.

St Malachy's Accordion Band, Kilcoo, have agreed to perform a pre-match parade while the fun and games will continue long after the full-time whistle, with entertainment in the clubhouse afterwards.

Admission is £7 for adults and £2 for children under 12, while all donations are gratefully received. For more details contact Paul Coulter on +44 7766 517044.

[PatMustard]

What time does this match start?

Where exactly is Ballyholland's GAA grounds? What is their setup like? Is there a stand or terracing, good car parking etc?

[PatMustard]

Just got back from this game. I think the final score was something like Armagh 5-13 Down 0-14.

Very entertaining game in aid of a very worthy cause. Steven McDonnell grabbed two first half goals for Armagh. In the second half, a goal from John McEntee (could've been Tony, I could never tell them apart) and two from Oisin McConville, one into the top corner, completed the rout. Other scores came from Neil Smyth, Martin McQuillan, Paul Hearty (yes, you read correctly) and Diarmuid Marsden.

No doubting the star of the show tonight though - Benny Tierney. He pulled off at least six great saves to keep Down out, mostly Mickey Linden, who looked as sharp as he ever did in a Down shirt. Benny really milked it though, blowing kisses and waving to the crowd after every save. But the crowd loved it. It was worth going along just to witness Benny's comical antics. No doubt Benny will let us all know about his display, in his Irish News column this week!

Most of the Armagh team were in the All Ireland winning squad of 2002, along with Jarlath Burns, Smyth and McQuillan. The Down team included players such as Ross Carr, DJ Kane, Paul Higgins, Aidan Farrell and Linden.

Congratulations must go to the Ballyholland club for their great work organising this match. Their stand was full, and I think I heard over £9,000 was raised for the Hospice.

The gates were opened afterwards, and fans allowed onto the pitch to meet the players.

[seanog75]

Was at the game covering it for UTV, some craic, Benny T was a legend, he is still one fine shot stopper!

[Bainisteoir]

check out some of his saves

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFvieZ2dTTs]YouTube - armaghdownchallenge[/ame]

[Rma13]

A very enjoyable evening & thankfully the rain stayed away. Benny T was indeed the star of the show as was to be expected. Paul Hearty in at full forward, is this the discovery of the Season

Congratulations to all involved.