Northern Ireland construction firm McAleer & Rushe has pledged its support to a campaign to plant one million trees in Kenya.

Official sponsors of Tyrone GAA, the Cookstown-based firm is sponsoring County star Conor Meyler to join 50 other GAA players from across Ireland taking part in 'Plant the Planet Games', a partnership between Warriors for Humanity, Self Help Africa and the Gaelic Players Association (GPA).

McAleer & Rushe's sponsorship will help to tackle the global climate crisis by planting 25,000 trees in Africa which will offset up to 625 tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere every year and provide a vital source of food, income and shelter for thousands of families. The trees will also help improve and rehabilitate degraded soil and land.

GAA stars from across Ireland will travel to Kenya in mid-November to work with communities, visit cultural and climate related projects and take part in an exhibition GAA match at Nairobi rugby club.

Shane McCullagh, Contracts Director of McAleer & Rushe commented: "We are delighted to support Conor and the Plant the Planet Games campaign as Warriors for Humanity, Self Help Africa, and the GPA, embark on this historic trip to Kenya.

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"Its mission to leave a massive collective legacy on the planet, is one which McAleer & Rushe are fully committed to as part of our Climate Pledge. The planting of thousands of trees will not only tackle biodiversity loss and combat the increasing impact of climate change but provide a sustainable stream of income and food, for future generations to come.

"The impact and influence that GAA stars like Conor will have through 'Plant the Planet Games', cannot be underestimated, by giving of their time and helping to drive the fund raising required for this life changing initiative and we would like to commend Conor and everyone involved for their vision, commitment and dedication."

Thanking McAleer & Rushe for their sponsorship, Conor Meyler added: "I'm very grateful for the incredible support provided by county sponsor McAleer & Rushe as we embark to fundraise sufficient funds to plant one million trees in Africa. The work undertaken by Self Help Africa and Warriors for Humanity is empowering local communities in Africa and helping to improve the livelihoods for so many families.

"At the core of Gaelic Games is the bringing together of communities and this campaign will be no different and I'm looking forward to joining my fellow GAA players across all codes in Kenya."

Founder of 'Warriors For Humanity' and 'Plant the Planet Games', Alan Kerins, commented: "We are hugely grateful for McAleer & Rushe coming on board supporting Conor Meyler and Warriors for Humanity in our upcoming historic Plant the Planet Games in Kenya. Conor is an outstanding role model and we are delighted to have an individual of such integrity and passion join us in our mission. McAleer & Rushe are huge long-standing supporters of so many great causes within the community including the GAA and their support will help us make history.

"Their support will leave a lasting legacy on the planet and our environment in helping Conor and 49 other GAA players plant one million trees in Africa. This campaign, from which some of the world's most vulnerable communities will benefit, will improve the quality of living for thousands of families who will live of these trees, both in the present day and for future generations to come."

Conor and the rest of the participating players will travel to Kenya on Saturday 19 November, returning on Sunday 27.