All-Star Limerick hurler takes the field for Christmas charity campaign
ALL-IRELAND hurling star Diarmaid Byrnes has said being an ambassador for a homeless charity has put an end-of-year perspective on 2023.
Diarmaid, who is a Mid-West Simon ambassador through his employer DHL Global Forwarding, said that the high of winning his fifth All-Ireland medal this year is something he will never forget as the year draws to a close.
But equally, so is his work with the charity and he urged the public of the region to support the Mid-West Simon as it launches its Christmas appeal over the coming weeks.
The 2022 Hurler of the Year has visited Mid-West Simon Centres in Limerick and Clare, as well as an independent food bank it supports in north Tipperary, and the experience, he said, was humbling.
“You’re a world away from the very harsh realities of some peoples’ lives in the height of the summer at Munster or All-Ireland finals,” Diarmaid said.
“So, getting to spend some time with Mid-West Simon, its staff and the people they help over recent weeks was humbling, to say the least.
“I met some inspiring people along the way, not least the staff of Mid-West Simon itself. They do incredible work and you get a sense that it’s much more than a job.”
Diarmaid continued by saying that the staff “positively impact the lives of others who need help” everyday, and that is “an incredible way to turn up to work”.
“I was taken by the volunteerism at the charity. To see people turning up to foodbanks, or make themselves available to do admin, drive deliveries or raise money, is incredible.
“It’s reassuring to know that there are people who step in to help others when they need it most - that speaks of the goodness of people.”
As part of the programme, the highest scoring defender in hurling history has also got to step into what is normally enemy territory - Clare and Tipperary.
“There’s always great banter in GAA and there was a bit of craic when I was in both Ennis and Nenagh, but all good fun.
“You get a lot of attention in Clare these days, for sure,” he said.
“The GAA is never too far away either, even when it comes to charity.
“We mightn’t spare each other on the hurling field but I take my hat off to them on that one.”