All-star Miller tribute match raised €1.5m
THE tribute match for late soccer star Liam Miller raised €1.5million for charity last month.
Of this, €1million has been put into a trust for the former Manchester United player’s family while €250,000 will be donated to Marymount Hospice, Cork, where he received end of life care.
Before the sell-out game, at Cork’s Páirc Uí Chaoimh on September 25, his widow Clare had spoken of how his family were still struggling to deal with the ‘sadness and heartache’ they have endured since his death.
But she said the support and ‘heartfelt concern’ shown to them has helped them deal with their grief since Liam died of pancreatic cancer on February 9.
The game, which featured soccer legends from Manchester United as well as Ireland internationals, ended with a 2-2 draw.
Members of the event’s organising committee, led by chairman Michael O’Flynn, made the announcement about the amount raised yesterday at a briefing in City Hall, Cork.
‘The organisers would like to sincerely thank all who supported the event and made it such a memorable occasion,’ they said.
‘Sincere thanks also to all of Liam Miller’s former team-mates from the Republic of Ireland, Manchester United, Celtic and Cork City football teams who came to Páirc Uí Chaoimh and paid such a wonderful tribute to Liam Miller on the field of play.
‘Very special thanks go to the managers of the two sides on the day: Martin O’Neill, who led the Republic of Ireland/Celtic squad, and Roy Keane. The organisers also wish to thank the GAA who generously gave the use of Páirc Uí Chaoimh.’
Some €1million has been put into a trust for Liam’s family for the purpose of providing for their long-term financial security. The four trustees include Michael O’Flynn and Roy Keane.
As well as the €250,000 for Marymount Hospice, €100,000 will be donated to the Jack O’Driscoll Fund for a young GAA star from Mayfield in Cork who was left paralysed following a freak accident during Storm Emma.
Some €35,000 will be donated each to Mercy University Hospital Foundation and the Oesophageal Cancer Fund. Another €20,000 will be donated each to Enable Ireland, Cork Simon Community,
‘We feel truly blessed’
Cork Penny Dinners and Down Syndrome Cork.
Roy Keane said: ‘Everyone involved in the game is delighted with the amount raised, which will benefit so many people.’
Clare said on behalf of the Miller family: ‘We feel truly blessed and grateful. We would like to thank everyone involved from the bottom of our hearts.’
There was controversy at the start of the bid to hold the game when the GAA initially declined to let organisers use the 45,000capacity stadium. But after a public outcry, the association relented and gave the go-ahead.