Claire Cooke, Munster Rugby CSR Project Manager commented: "As with every season, it's never easy to choose between the many deserving charities that apply to us. Through the involvement of players, matchday interaction, the dedicated charity match and the association of the Munster Rugby brand, we hope that we can make a real difference for CMRF Crumlin and Headway. Both charities provide an invaluable service and we are delighted to be working with them."
Sunday's 'Charity Match' was one of the flagship events of the year and as well as €1 from each match programme sold being donated to the nominated charities, at half time, Munster welcomed representatives from both charities onto the pitch for a presentation of signed Munster jerseys by squad captain Peter O'Mahony (pictured above).
THE NO. 10 FUND @ CMRF CRUMLIN
Ronan O'Gara and Johnny Sexton's legendary battle for the No. 10 jersey has taken a new turn as they join forces with CMRF Crumlin, the fundraising body for Our Lady's Children's Hospital, to help give every sick child, every chance, every time.
The No. 10 Fund sees these two former rivals raise funds for the thousands of children who attend The Children's Heart Centre in Crumlin every year.
With your help The No. 10 Fund will improve cardiac care by investing in life-saving research; vital equipment and ensuring that Ireland's sickest children have the best facilities possible.
Every year in Ireland between 500-600 infants are born with a Congenital Heart Defect (CHD). All of these children are treated in Crumlin Children's Hospital.
From the moment they are born these tiny heroes are fighting a massive battle.
But now two of Ireland's biggest rugby heroes have stepped up to join the campaign and help mend these tiny hearts. And they want you to join them.
Help these big-hearted heroes in their battle to raise the funds needed to help mend some of Ireland's tiniest hearts.
You can donate to the fund by visiting our website www.cmrf.org or by texting the word CRUMLIN to 50300 to make a €4 donation.
HEADWAY
Headway, Brain Injury Services and Support is a not-for-profit organisation, which provides support and services to people with an acquired brain injury after strokes, concussions, accidents and falls.
Brain injury affects people, and their families, in ways that are often difficult, life-long and not always obvious to others. It can affect how someone thinks, feels and talks. Their specialist rehabilitation staff in Dublin, Cork and Limerick assist people to rebuild their skills and their confidence, helping them, and their families, to get the most out of life after brain injury. Often they are the only support that can help survivors and their families get back to any kind of normal life.
For the 2015/2016 they have teamed up with Munster Rugby to highlight acquired brain injury and, in particular, the dangers of getting a bang to the head. Brain injury is the unseen injury in sports; to most onlookers there is no real sign of damage, not like a dislocated shoulder or broken finger. Yet the brain is so fragile that to play fast and loose with it and not take a knock seriously is tantamount to taking your life in your own hands.
They welcome the marked shift in the attitude towards concussion in professional rugby. Professional players now rely on protocols that have been put in place to protect their wellbeing and are supported by medical expertise pitch side. However, this level of support is not available for the thousands of players around the country who are playing at the weekends, in schools, colleges and local clubs.
Therefore, Headway is calling on everyone no matter what your sport to take any knock to the head seriously. To find out more on brain injury, concussion or Headway services, please contact our helpline 1890 200 278 or log on to www.headway.ie.
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