Roscommon GAA players helping to leave a legacy in Kenya

The universal language of sport built bridges that spanned cultures and thousands of miles, when a group of some of Ireland’s best known GAA stars travelled to Kenya with Self Help Africa - including Roscommon’s Neil Collins, Roisin Wynne, Laura Fleming and Ciaráin Murtagh.

Their trip was part of the Plant the Planet Games initiative to plant one million trees and raise awareness of the impact of climate change on some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.

The week-long journey included showpiece exhibition matches in Nairobi between the visiting stars and Kenyan Premier League football team AFC Leopards, as well training sessions for the visiting players with some of Kenya’s elite long distance runners, and visits to Self Help Africa projects in the country.

The visiting group - which included hurling, Gaelic football and camogie players - planted trees during their visit to local communities, and were the special guests at a reception hosted by Ireland’s Ambassador to Kenya, Caitríona Ingoldsby.

The players met Ireland’s missionary priest, Brother Colm O’Connell who has been described as ‘the godfather of distance running in Kenya’, and visited non-profit ball manufacturer Alive and Kicking, and projects being run by Irish charity, Brighter Communities Worldwide.

The Plant the Planet Games were organised for the second successive year by former Galway dual player Alan Kerins’ Warriors for Humanity, and the trip was also supported by the Gaelic Players’ Association, and sponsors Optimum Nutrition. Team gear for the trip was sponsored by McKeever Sports and match day sustainability sponsor were Kerry Group.

Neil and Roisin were making a return trip to Kenya, having also been part of the inaugural Plant the Planet Games in 2022.

 Roisin said: “It’s such a humbling experience, and the people of Kenya are some of the most welcoming and cheerful I’ve met. We’ve learned so much from them. Plant the Planet’s mission is to plant one million trees across Africa, which will help to counteract the harmful effects of climate change and serve as a vital resource for local communities. These trees will provide essential means of sustenance, income and shelter to the families who own them.” 

Neil commented: “Planting trees together was a symbol of the journey of growth and stability which we wished to instil in the communities we worked with. One tree nursery we visited has provided employment for 70 local families, which has allowed them the opportunity to send their kids to schools. These projects are supported by Self Help Africa, a phenomenal, passionate and selfless group of heroes.” 

Reflecting on the week, Alan Kerins said: “It was another amazing Plant the Planet Games, from the match in Nairobi, tree planting with the communities in Iten, running with the Kenyan athletes, soccer matches against local communities, seeing the wonderful work that Self Help Africa do on the ground. That’s really special, tree planting with the communities. It dawned on many of the players - this is the impact of our work. Meeting families who are going to benefit from these trees long after they are gone.

“Planting trees with children, who will reap the rewards of these trees. The sacrifices and the challenges of raising the money, it was all worthwhile. To see the connection between Irish and Kenyan people, it was very special. The players are exemplary role models. They should be very proud of themselves, and we should be very proud of them.” 

The Plant the Planet Games GAA players have collectively fundraised to plant one million trees with Self Help Africa and leave a legacy for generations. To support the players’ fundraising efforts and make a donation, visit: https://www.idonate.ie/event/PlantthePlanetGames2023