TWO OF the county’s biggest rivals have come together to collaborate with Eoin Gavin Transport to assist the people of Ukraine.

Both Newmarket-on-Fergus and Sixmilebridge are known as fierce rivals on the hurling and camogie fields but the GAA clubs have put their differences to one side as they encourage their members to partake in a joint venture whereby they will help Bunratty based Eoin Gavin Transport fill a truck full of twenty six pallets containing vital items to be transported to Ukraine.

As part of the Irish hauliers network, Eoin Gavin Transport have given a commitment to make their trucks available to get supplies into Ukraine as its country continues to come blistering attacks from Russia. This Tuesday, an Eoin Gavin Transport truck will be on the ferry and move towards Hrubieszowski Ośrodek Sportu i Rekreacji in Hrubieszow, beside the Ukrainian border in Poland. “The trucks will be coming, they will be pulling open the curtains and distributing the boxes straight away,” explained company director, Denise Gavin.

Various goods can be dropped off to the depot from 10am to 12pm Monday to Saturday at Eircode V95TOFP between 10am and 12 noon Monday to Saturday. A full list of acceptable items is available below. Alternatively, people that may not have the time to box items or pull stuff together, can ring Mangan’s Cash & Carry and ask to contribute to the Ukrainian Emergency Appeal by Eoin Gavin Transport. By doing so, their chosen product will be palletised and delivered to the drop off point. “This taps into the people that want to help but haven’t the time to put together the different bits and pieces,” Denise said.

Bringing the two clubs to add their muscle to the efforts came about following a discussion between Eoin Gavin who is Chairman of the Bord na nÓg and lifelong Newmarket-on-Fergus member Padraig Crowe. Chairperson of Sixmilebridge GAA Club, Syl O’Connor was hopeful it could become the start of future collaboration between the clubs. “Sixmilebridge and Newmarket-on-Fergus both have proud traditions and are used to going toe to toe but for this venture we will go hand in hand. We’re amalgamating off the field to help the people of Ukraine”. Unity is needed at this important time, Newmarket-on-Fergus GAA Chairman Freddy McInerney outlined, “Newmarket-on-Fergus and Sixmilebridge GAA clubs are coming together to unite with the people of Ukraine. Both our clubs have the same colours as the Ukraine flag and we are putting our differences aside to go under the one umbrella in conjunction with Eoin Gavin Transport. We will be helping with the ongoing efforts in the Ukraine”.

Support is coming in from persons of all ages already. Children’s Officer with the Blues, Siobhán Conway noted that a car full of goods had already been collected along with €500 in donations from the children of Stonehall NS for the appeal, “It has been an absolutely incredible response”. “This is a world-changing event and we encourage everyone do their bit to help people at this very difficult time. It is brilliant to see this co-operation between Sixmilebridge and Newmarket-on-Fergus, long may it continue,” Bridge assistant secretary Danny Reddan added.

Up until Tuesday, the two clubs will be encouraging their members to row in behind the appeal while companies attached to Shannon Chamber are expected to add their influence over the weekend.

FOOD : Tea and coffee (non-grained) / Cans with an opener (soups, beans, stews, meatballs – ready meals in a tin)/ Food (porridge, rice, pasta, cereal, sugar) / Soups (in packs dry)Baby food (formula milk in powder, baby food in jars, and in pouches) / Sweets (chocolate, bars) all types of gluten-free and dairy. / Food for pets – any type and for all our furry friends / Disposable cutlery and plates, kitchen towels / Conserves/preserves / Energy bars

CLOTHING / BEDDING: Sleeping bags, blankets, sleeping mat, thermal blankets / Baby clothes any ages – clean and washed please  / New ladies, men and kids underwear all sizes / Scarves, coats, gloves, pullovers/sweaters / Warm socks

HYGIENE / MEDICAL : Personal hygiene products (hair shampoo, bath gel, soap, deodorants, toothpaste, and toothbrushes). / NB: if sending shampoos/liquids, please wrap in clingfilm or put in plastic sealed containers. / Dressings (bandages, sterilized gauze, disinfectants, plasters, wipes, sanitary items, hygienic females pads, tampons) / Paracetomol, ibuprofen / Milton tablets or equivalent

OTHER : Toys for children, stuffed and cuddly – have to be clean and complete please / Notebooks, blocks, crayons, colouring books. / Batteries / Flashlights / Powerbanks & cables / Backpacks