Limerick Ladies Footballer takes on warrior for humanity charity role

LIMERICK Ladies Footballer Lauren Ryan will be among 50 GAA stars and musicians travelling to Uganda this November, as part of the Warriors for Humanity campaign, in aid of Self Help Africa.

The initiative, which runs from November 21 to 28, forms part of the charity’s annual Plant the Planet mission, aiming to plant one million trees to support communities impacted by climate change.

Each tree planted will represent a livelihood for an African family, providing food, income, shelter, and tools, while also contributing to a reduction of over 31,000 tonnes of CO₂ from the atmosphere.

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Participants, including male and female GAA All-Stars, are each raising €10,000 in fundraising to support the campaign. This marks the fourth time an All-Star group has undertaken a mission of this kind in Africa.

The project also includes training for local farmers to manage and sustain the planted trees, ensuring long-term benefits for future generations.

“The funds we raise will support tree-planting projects that transform communities: providing shade, shelter, and food, preventing soil erosion, restoring degraded land, and creating long-term sources of income and nutrition for families,” said Lauren.

“The intention is to leave a collective legacy and make a huge difference to the planet, hundreds of thousands of families will live off these trees long into the future,” said the Adare LGFA player.

In a special cultural exchange, the trip will also feature the Flight of the Swallows initiative which brings Irish musicians and dancers together with Ugandan performers for a unique celebration of music and heritage.

Self Help Africa has decades of experience working directly with local communities to build sustainable solutions to poverty and climate challenges.

The campaign underscores how sport and culture can play a vital role in supporting global sustainability and development efforts.