Victor's big match fixed for Ratoath tomorrow

Last month seven-year-old Victor Clarke endeared himself to the nation with his suggestion that of a charity under-seven GAA match to help raise funds for Magheracloone GAA club following the devastating loss of their grounds when a disused mine collapsed.

His little letter captured the imaginations of people from both clubs and beyond with it came a determination to make Victor's idea happen. And so tomorrow, a large contingent from Magheracloone will descend on Ratoath's GAA grounds for the eagerly anticipated clash between the two under-seven teams, followed later by an under-35 match.

The two under-seven teams will be led onto the pitch by a piper for a parade before the kick off at 1.30pm. There were will be four go-games followed by a presentation by Victor of the funds they raised to a player from Magheracloone and a small interview. Then the children will go to the clubhouse for a party.

At 3pm, the under-35's will take to the pitch with lots of the daddies of the under-7s among those to get their boots on. There will also be some former Monaghan county players lining out. The Maghercloone under-35s' have been getting sponsorship ahead of the game with all funds raised going to the club. Afterwards, there will be refreshments in the clubhouse.

Martin Burns, chairman of Ratoath's juvenile club said they are expecting a couple of hundred people for the event and emphasised that they wanted to keep it very much about the under-seven teams and their match. There is no charge and all are welcome to come along and support the teams.