Dublin and Meath GAA stars reignite rivalry for Focus Ireland

Dublin and Meath’s long-standing GAA rivalry is set to reignite for one very special night, as familiar faces from both counties come together for Staycity Presents: Throw in for FOCUS, a charity showdown in support of Focus Ireland. 

Taking place at Parnell Park, on Wednesday, 11 November at 7.00pm, the event will bring together current and former players, alongside backroom team members, for a night of fierce competition and most importantly, a chance to make a real difference.

Fans can look forward to seeing Dublin legends Bernard Brogan, Ger Brennan and Dean Rock back in blue, alongside current stars Greg McEneaney, Theo Clancy and Niall Ó Callaghan.

Dublin ladies’ favourites Niamh Hetherton, Sinéad Wylde and Caoimhe O’Connor will also feature, while Meath will bring plenty of star power with Joe Sheridan, Peadar Byrne, Eoghan Frayne, Natalie Davitt and Ger Doherty joining the line-up!

Proudly presented by Staycity, the event will raise vital funds for Focus Ireland and its work supporting people affected by homelessness, with a particular focus on children and families.

Pictured at Parnell Park are Meath’s Clodagh Millington, Meath’s Eoghan Frayne, Meath’s Joe Sheridan, Jacinta Phelan, Staycity Chief Creative Officer, Jesse Wiesblatt, Focus Ireland Director of Fundraising and Marketing, Dublin’s Bernard Brogan, Dublin’s Jack Lundy and Dublin’s Niamh Hetherton at the launch of Staycity Presents: Throw in for FOCUS
Picture Credit ©INPHO/James Crombie

Supporters from both counties, GAA fans and the wider public are being urged to secure their tickets now and help fill Parnell Park for an incredibly worthy cause.

The event comes as Focus Ireland calls for urgent action through No Child Without a Home, a campaign to end child homelessness in Ireland.

The campaign highlights that over 5,600 children in Ireland are currently trapped in temporary accommodation.

Every euro raised counts. Just €25 could help provide warm, nutritious meals for families living in emergency accommodation, while €70 can provide a homeless child with a week of one-to-one support.

Pat Dennigan, CEO of Focus Ireland, said: “No child should be without a home. Yet right now, thousands of children in Ireland are trapped in temporary accommodation, living with worry, uncertainty and fear. Homelessness steals childhoods – it disrupts friendships and schooling, harms mental health and can damage a child’s future.

“We’re hugely grateful to Staycity for partnering with us on Throw in for FOCUS, and to the Dublin and Meath players giving their time for such a special night.

“Every ticket sold is a way to play your part in ending child homelessness – so let’s fill Parnell Park and get out and support.”

Tom Walsh, CEO of Staycity Group, said: “We started in Dublin, and however far we grow, this is home. Focus Ireland does vital work every day supporting individuals and families experiencing homelessness, and we’re honoured to stand with them.

“That’s why Throw In for FOCUS means so much to us. It brings together two partners we’re proud of, Dublin GAA and Focus Ireland, to raise funds and awareness for a cause that matters to all of us.

“Thank you to every player giving their time. To the Dublin and Meath supporters: let’s fill the stands.” 

Former Dublin player Bernard Brogan said: “I had some of the best days of my life in a Dublin jersey, and so much of that was down to the communities who backed us every step of the way. This is our chance to back them.

“Every child deserves the security of a home – somewhere to do their homework and just be a kid – and I’m proud to join Staycity Aparthotels in supporting Focus Ireland’s work to make that happen.”

Event details

• Event: Staycity Presents: Throw in for FOCUS
• Fixture: Dublin v Meath – GAA Stars Showdown
• Date: Wednesday, 11 November 2026
• Time: start time 7.00pm / Throw in 7.30pm
• Venue: Parnell Park, Dublin
• Tickets: throwinforfocus.ie

Secure your tickets now or contribute to this great cause by selecting ‘Non attending donation’ option on the tickets page.  

BUY TICKETS / DONATE: throwinforfocus.ie

SIGN THE NO CHILD WITHOUT A HOME PETITION: https://www.focusireland.ie/no-child-without-a-home-petition/