Paul McGrath steals show from sidelines
The biggest star in the Carlisle Grounds last weekend had to be the big man himself, Paul McGrath, who was there to lend his support to Wicklow Hospice Foundation.
The Wicklow Hospice Legends Match in Bray included a fascinating question and answer session beforehand at the Martello, and a gala ball later in the Parkview. The unforgettable day even included a proposal of marriage! Player Patrick Walsh popped the question on the pitch, and Nikla O’Reilly accepted. While headliner Paul Scholes didn’t make it to Bray, fans were delighted to witness top performances from some of the greatest players in history, including legends Clayton Blackmore, Keith Gillespie, Brian McClair, Tommy Boyd, Stiliyan Petrov, Lubo Moravcik, and many others, including the one and only Ronnie Whelan who was in fine form at the Q&A.
One man stole the show though, and he wasn’t even on the pitch. Former Ireland international Paul McGrath signed au- tographs and had pictures taken for the full 90 minutes of the game. The legends players stayed behind after the game also to meet supporters. McGrath came along at very short notice to make the day so special for thousands of football lovers.
2,500 attended the game and the atmosphere at the Carlisle was wonderful. A tireless set of committee members worked for 12 months to put together the match and surrounding events, and raise funds for the hospice.