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Live to Play: 'A mistake on the pitch might cost you the game. A mistake on the road can cost you your life.'

Now, with the help of some of Ulster highest profile players, Ulster officials are urging young people to ‘Live to Play’ emphasising the need for safety on the roads. The campaign, which was launched at the McKenna Cup final, points out that ‘A mistake on the pitch might cost you the game. A mistake on the road can cost you your life.’

Before the ball was thrown in, a minute’s silence was observed for all those who have lost their lives on the roads and the players wore black arm bands as a mark of respect.

Ulster GAA also launched their specially commissioned jersey on the night, with Tyrone’s Brian Dooher and Donegal’s Karl Lacey (pictured) lending their support to the Campaign.

The jersey uses the traditional Ulster colours of black and amber, but the design has been amended to include a black stripe across the chest – promoting the concept of wearing a seatbelt. One of a number of road safety messages which will be endorsed throughout the Campaign.

Ulster GAA president Tom Daly said “This is a campaign which is very close to our hearts. Virtually every GAA Club in Ulster has suffered the loss of a member through a collision on the roads and if this initiative helps to prevent further deaths then we are more than happy to lead on this. The backing which has been given by our Counties, players and managers has allowed us to demonstrate to our members that this is something which we, in the GAA, believe in passionately and want to make a difference”.

Ulster GAA Road Safety Campaign is being promoted online on Facebook and YouTube in an effort to communicate this message to a young audience.

The events which took place at the match were the first in a series of promotional initiatives which will roll out across Ulster in the coming months. Profile player and managers from across Ulster are expected to back the initiative by lending their support at events and in the media. A poster campaign will be launched using the ‘Live to Play’ theme and there will be a section of Ulster GAA website devoted to educating members.

In early spring a series of workshops will take place at Club level to provide thorough education for members, particularly young drivers who are most at risk of being involved in an incident.