By Michael McMullan

FORMER Derry star Eamonn Burns is hosting a charity fundraiser on Saturday night in his native Ballinascreen, involving players from Derry and Down’s All-Ireland winning teams of the 1990s.

On the weekend counties clash in the opening game of his season’s NFL, players renew friendship and rivalries of old in a novel free-kicking contest to raise money for cancer care.

The players will be guests of Derry GAA at Saturday’s game in Owenbeg before kicking off the fundraiser at 8pm in Ballinascreen.

Burns, who was treated for cancer in recent years, has organised the event in conjunction with his 50th birthday and to give something back to the Macmillan and Charis charities that supported him during his treatment.

“I would like to help give something back to MacMillan; for the people who need them now and in the future,” stated Burns on his JustGiving page.

“On the night, there will be two buckets there; one for Macmillan and another to raise a few pound for Charis also; a local cancer charity that helped me greatly post treatment and surgeries.”

Anthony Tohill, Enda Gormley and Burns himself, all excellent kickers in their day, are confirmed in the Derry list, with Henry Downey also on board.

Down’s 1994 winning captain DJ Kane, Gregory McCartan, Ross Carr and Mickey Linden among those travelling for the novel event.

“A sincere thanks to these Down legends from the 1991 and 1994 All-Ireland winning teams who have agreed to come up and take part,” Burns added.

The players will take a combined total of 50 free kicks, from at least 25 metres, and the score will be tallied.There will also be a competition on the night to guess the number of points scored from the 50 kicks, with Ballinascreen GAC donating a £200 prize to the guess closet to the actual score.

For more information and details on how to donate, visit: www.justgiving.comfundraisingeamonn-burns1