Liam Monaghan of Magheracloone GAA Club in action against Victor Clarke of Ratoath GAA Club during the Under 7s friendly match between Ratoath and Magheracloone at Ratoath GAA Club, in Meath. Photo by Matt Browne/Sportsfile

Big replay down for decision on Saturday (and not in Croke Park!)

John Donohoe

Published: Wed 11 Sep 2019, 5:55 PM

Last updated: Wed 11 Sep 2019, 6:58 PM

Croke Park won’t be the only venue for an eagerly anticipated replay this weekend. Saturday, 14th will also see Magheracloone GAA Club host Ratoath GAA Club in a repeat of last year’s epic under sevens challenge match (under eights this year).

The origin of last year’s game came about after the collapse of a mine left Magheracloone’s GAA pitch and community centre inaccessible thanks to a sinkhole last September. Seven-year-old Victor Clarke from Ratoath embodied the voluntary spirit of the GAA by writing a letter to Magheracloone GAA Club with the aim to help raise funds for the club. The letter subsequently went viral resulting in the game being arranged which coincided with a Go-Fund me account helping the club get back on their feet.

Two local farmers came together and are renting a field each to the club which will be the location of this weekend’s encounter. This facility is also used for adult training with adult matches taking place in Annaghminnon, a neighbouring parish in County Louth.