A Lisburn doctor is recognised as an O’Neills ‘Sideline Hero’

Dr Martin McMullan, who is living with cancer, is heavily involved in his local GAA club, St Patrick’s, and he wanted to do something extraordinary to help others so he embarked on a 120 kilometre walk over the course of five days, raising more than £50,000 for Trocaire.

To recognise such a magnificent achievement, his clubmates nominated him for an O’Neills Sideline Heroes award, a campaign run by the company on its social media channels during June to pay tribute to all those volunteers who have gone above and beyond in their efforts to help others during the global pandemic.

Hundreds of worthy individuals were nominated on the O’Neills Sideline Heroes website, with inspiring stories of people all around the world assisting others less fortunate navigate this frightening and unknown time with practical help as well as emotional support.

Martin, who attends every St Patrick’s senior game as team doctor as well as manages the club’s ladies’ football team and serves as Club Wellbeing Officer, was one of three runners-up who each receive a £150 voucher for O’Neills.

Everyone at St Patrick’s was thrilled to hear Martin proclaimed a Sideline Hero. Club Secretary, Chris O’Neill, said: “The management committee, coaches, players, supporters and families of St Patrick’s GAC, Lisburn are delighted that Martin has been selected as a finalist in the O’Neills Sideline Hero awards. It is worthy recognition of his outstanding effort in raising over £50,000 for Trocaire during lockdown. Martin is indeed a ‘Sideline Hero’ in our club as he is involved in Ladies’ football management, men’s football and is the club’s well-being officer. He was a key figure in our fundraising efforts for the Children’s Cancer Unit Charity, based at the RVHSC, supported by O’Neills Sportswear.

“His ‘Camino Walk from Home’ raised the profile of our club nationally and raised much needed funds for the Trocaire charity during the pandemic. We would like to thank everyone who contributed financially and those who provided moral support online and in person over the period of his walk. We would like to extend our thanks to the wider GAA community from all over Ireland for the fantastic messages of support and donations. Martin and his family espouse the very ethos of the GAA family. We would like to congratulate him on his nomination and shortlisting as a finalist. We are very proud of his achievement and look forward to celebrating with him at an appropriate club occasion.”

Kieran Kennedy, Managing Director of O’Neills Irish International Sports Company Ltd said: “Congratulations to Martin and all the other finalists who are all worthy winners.”