29 December 2003: The Ultimate Hurling Challenge takes place in Naas Rugby Club, Forenaughts on New Year’s Day when the local Chukka Chukka men from Tipperary take on The World XV at 2.30pm.
The throw-in is by Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy TD. Referee is Sean Power TD from Caragh. Former soccer international Niall Quinn will be MC.
The Chukka, Chukkas (who raised €10,000 for the Naas Special Olympics Host Town Committee earlier this year) will be captained by Noel Farrelly while Mark Herbert leads the World XV. Manager of the Tipp team is Nicky English while Michael Duignan manages the Rest of the World XV.
Both teams have been busy ‘practising’ for the big game, resulting in some minor injuries to players from both sides.
The ‘local’ Tipp team includes Dan Sweeney, John O’Meara, Joe Carey, Richie Hogan, Gerry Heenan, Martin McKeogh, Mark Hoctor, John Rogers, John Harrington, Seamus Hammersley, Billy Fogarty, dermot Ryan, Dave Smyth, John Hennessy, Michael Scully, Bill O’Brien, PJ Kennedy, Bill McGrath, and Liam Dolan.
Lining up for the World XV are Pat Barrett, Pat Mooney, Joey Kirwan, Vincent Scribbin, Bernard Phelan, Mick Roe, John Mulhall, Terry McDonald, Willie Dollare, Paul O’Brien, Colm Molloy, Willie Downey, Toby Sheridan, Mick O’Shaughnessy, John Dunne, Stephen Buckley, Martin Whitty, Ross Murphy, Charlie Hill, Dave Cahill, Rex Sheridan and Des Healy.
It’s great to see such a coming together of sports men and with so many local ‘personalities’ taking part, it’s an event not to be missed!
Proceeds will go to The Naas Care of the Aged on the Newbridge Road.
