O’Neill's 'Sideline Heroes' seeks to reward local sports clubs for work during coronavirus

The O’Neill's' Sideline Heroes' campaign seeks to reward the trojan efforts of the volunteers at the fore of their local communities in the battle against COVID-19. With sport currently on lockdown as part of government restrictions to help stop the spread of COVID-19, sports clubs have stepped up to help with fundraising for PPE for frontline workers, delivering groceries, meals on wheels and other care packages for elderly and vulnerable members of the community unable to leave their homes.

O’Neill's true to their 'One Team' mantra are urging GAA, cricket, rugby and soccer clubs to nominate their local club heroes for special recognition by Ireland’s leading sportswear manufacturer.

Among the stars who will be recording special video messages to help launch the campaign are GAA legends Michael Murphy and Peter Canavan, Ireland cricket captain, Andy Balbirnie, female cricketing star Gaby Lewis and other respected sportspeople representing O’Neills’ key partnerships in Ireland, the UK and overseas.

Kieran Kennedy, Managing Director of O'Neill's Irish International Sports Company Ltd said: "It has been an exceptionally difficult time for many people so actively involved in their local

sports clubs as players, officials or in other voluntary roles prior to the coronavirus global pandemic.

“However, the lack of action on the field of play for training and fixtures hasn’t stifled the amazing community spirit and camaraderie that is part and parcel of our local sports clubs from the players to the officials and back room staff to the supporters and their families.

“It has also been an incredibly challenging time for O’Neill's and our dedicated workforce which is all the more reason why we want to celebrate the trojan work that is taking place at

grassroots level to ensure the safety and well-being of so many vibrant local communities not only across the island of Ireland, but also in the UK and across the world – we are all 'One Team'!

“We really appreciate and wish to thank all the sports heroes who have taken the time to get involved in this special initiative and we are looking forward to seeing the nominations

anticipated on the O’Neills channels over the next 10 days.”

The overall winner of the 'Sideline Heroes' campaign will receive an O’Neill's voucher to the value of £500/€450 and two runners-up will each receive a £150/€130 voucher. The club

which nominates them will also receive a prize.

For more details please visit www.oneills.com/sideline-hero and the O’Neill's social media channels.