On June 13^th, Croke Park hosted the Macra Na Feirme Challenge Cup between the McHale Shamrocks and the Massey Kickhams. The Macra Na Feirme Challenge Cup provided 60 players with the experience of playing in the historic stadium that is Croke Park.

Macra Na Feirme was privileged to be one of few organisations outside the GAA to take to the field in Croke Park. The aim of this prestigious event is to raise much needed funds for Macra Na Feirme to continue to support young farmers and rural youth development throughout Ireland.

The game itself saw 60 players take the field in two 35 minute games allowing those partaking to get the full match day experience and have full use of Croke Park’s facilities.

All Ireland Winners Pat Spillane and John O’Mahony managed the Massey Kickhams and McHale Shamrocks respectively. Broadcasting legend Micheal O’Muircheartaigh attended the post-match reception where he captivated the audience with his tales from the early years of GAA broadcasting and presented the players with a commemorative medal of the event.

Paul McHale said, “McHale were delighted to get the opportunity to support Macra Na Feirme on this rare and special occasion in Croke Park. Macra Na Feirme is rooted in every community in Ireland and a lot of customers and fans are members so we are delighted to be able to come on board for this event and have some fun with Macra Na Feirme members. Everyone enjoyed themselves out there and nobody wanted the game to end at the historic venue that is Croke Park. Well done to everyone involved!”

McHale were delighted to sponsor the jerseys for this special event which saw the McHale Shamrocks beat the Massey Kickhams on a scoreline of 3-13 to 4-09.