The Macra na Feirme fundraising Gaelic fooball match that took place in Croke Park last week was a great success, according to representatives.

The 2017 Macra na Feirme Croke Park Challenge Cup got underway to a great reception – with over 60 players divided into four teams – with two matches in total, each lasting 35 minutes.

Macra became just the second charitable organisation to be granted the use of Croke Park, raising funds to continue its support services for young farmers and the rural youth of Ireland.

The two teams of ‘McHale Shamrocks’ were managed by All-Ireland winning manager John O’Mahony, while RTE pundit and former Kerry footballer Pat Spillane managed the two ‘Massey Kickhams’ teams.

In the post-match banquet, all players received a commemorative medal and heard some great stories about the early broadcasts of GAA from commentator Micheal O’Muircheartaigh.

Among these was the revelation that the very first radio broadcast of a sporting event in Europe was the 1926 All Ireland hurling semi final between Galway and Kilkenny on 2RN (the first radio station of the Irish Free State).

Commenting on the event, Spillane said: “The ultimate dream for any GAA player is to play in Croke Park. I was privileged enough to be a part of the greatest Gaelic football team of all time. I played in 10 All-Ireland finals with Kerry and won eight.

It’s Mecca; it’s the place to be. It’s a great opportunity for everyone to get the Croke Park experience and until the day they die they can tell their children, grandchildren, friends and neighbours that they played in Croke Park.

O’Mahony added: “Macra na Feirme has its tentacles in every parish throughout rural Ireland; it’s very similar to the GAA in that respect and it makes today’s occasion a great fit.

There are major challenges facing rural Ireland and it’s organisations such as Macra na Feirme that make a difference where there is a need to equalise development around the country.

Macra na Feirme President James Healy expressed gratitude to everyone who helped out. He said: “I would like to thank all the players and Macra members, their families and the staff who raised funds to take part in this great occasion.”

Healy also thanked the main sponsors on the day, including Massey Ferguson and McHale Engineering, before concluding: “Finally I would like to thank the GAA and Croke Park for their enormous generosity in allowing us the use of this iconic stadium.”