Last Saturday, along with my club Eire Og London, I participated in the Siobhan McCann 7s competition in North West London. The event was organised by Dulwich Harps and Fulham Irish. In April, Dulwich player and Fulham physio Siobhan McCann was cruelly diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

With surgery not an option, Siobhan’s doctors have advised that the best treatment to take, in addition to other current treatments, is a drug called Bevacizumab (Avastin). This drug is not available on the NHS due to its cost. The only option left for Siobhan and her family was to self-fund – their aim is to raise over £100,000. So far over £85,000 has been raised. Other fundraisers included an event organised by Siobhan’s home club St John’s Drumnaquoile in County Down, which the Dulwich club travelled over for.

The competition was very successful and the number of players, teams and sponsors involved was incredible. Last weekend 12 men’s and ladies’ teams took part, with two teams traveling over from Ireland (including St John’s). The level of participation highlights the extraordinary support and goodwill there is when one of our own Gaels faces a challenge.

The 7s competition raised over £10,000 alone and shows the strength of the GAA community in London. Time and time again the GAA community have proved they will be not be found wanting when they are needed. As numerous examples throughout Ireland have shown, when tragedy strikes local communities pull together and support families in any way they can. Members of the Association are usually the first people on the scene to source one thing or another to make the lives of those affected that little bit easier. It is often the love of the sport that helps families after a loss or an illness – the Association’s often the source that gives those impacted purpose and hope.

The fundraising efforts to help Siobhan epitomises everything that the GAA is about. Dulwich Harps Ladies Chairperson Tara Quinn summed it up well when saying “the power of the GAA community is like no other.”

Some cynics argue that the heart has gone out of Gaelic games, but the grassroots remain the heart of the sport. As long as that remains strong then it’ll continue thrive at local level. The GAA is the nucleus of so many communities; I believe it’s the most important institution for Irish people at home and abroad. It’s the reason why I’ve been so lucky to have lived and enjoyed my time in many amazing cities. It provides a network of friends and offers the opportunity to meet and play against many people from different parts of the world and backgrounds.

GAA bashing seems to be some cynics’ favourite sport at the moment. Times like these remind us of just how important and special it remains.

To donate to help Siobhan click here.