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Ulster Rugby to host Gaelic football match in aid of MND awareness

Pictured at the announcement were Armagh's Aaron Findon, Anto Finnegan, Dublin manager Jim Gavin and Monaghan's Rory Baggan
Pictured at the announcement were Armagh's Aaron Findon, Anto Finnegan, Dublin manager Jim Gavin and Monaghan's Rory Baggan

Ravenhill's Kingspan Stadium will host a historic first when 2013 All-Ireland champions Dublin take on an All Star Ulster selection next month in Gaelic football.

The match is being held to raise awareness of Motor Neurone Disease, and sees Ulster GAA and Ulster Rugby combine in honour of former Antrim captain Anto Finnegan, who was diagnosed with the disease in 2012.

The #GameForAnto will see Jim Gavin’s side take on a selection managed by current Ulster boss Joe Kernan and former Donegal manager Brian McEniff on 15 November in aid of Finnegan's deterMND Trust

Finnegan, who featured in the Antrim senior team for ten years, and captained the county to its first All-Ireland success (in the 1999 B Championship) revealed in August 2013 that he was suffering from MND, an announcement that was followed by a groundswell of public support.

The 41-year said: “I am humbled by the gesture that Ulster GAA and Ulster Rugby have made to support my cause to raise awareness of Motor Neurone Disease; to make this game happen at Kingspan Stadium.

“It will be an historic occasion for many reasons and I am proud to be associated with it. It is testament to the respective sporting organisations, my friends and family, that this historic match will take place at the amazing venue that is home to Ulster Rugby.”  

Tickets for the #GameForAnto are available to purchase online only via Ticketmaster.

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