Memorial Cup for Ross

THE late Ross McCarrick was honoured with a special Memorial Cup in his beloved Showgrounds as his many friends and family came together to fundraise for Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital in Crumlin on Saturday.

The sports-loving 15-year-old sadly died from Sudden Adult Death Syndrome in June and his large group of friends including classmates in Summerhill College decided to organise a fundraising match to raise money for the hospital where he was looked after. They have already raised €5k and with donations still coming in, this number is set to rise.

James Lawlor, one of Ross’s friends and organiser of the match, said there was a brilliant turnout at the game and it was fantastic to see so much being raised in its first year.

He said: “It went really well, there was a great crowd and loads of people showed up throughout the day.

“There were 8 teams in total all locals and there was some great football.

“All the Rovers players came out to watch as well for awhile.

“Pique Blinders and Rentford Rejects were in the final and Pique Blinders won on a final scoreline of 2-0, the goals coming from Stephen Padden and Tyler Stallord.

“Ross’s parents Martin and Dervilla presented the Cup.

“We have raised €5k already and we are still collecting so it is not official yet how much has been raised.

“It is brilliant to raise that much in the first year and we are hoping it will go up more as people can still donate through the Facebook page.

“Ross’s family couldn’t believe how many people turned out and we are 100% going to go ahead with it next year,” James added.

He thanked everyone who came out to support the match on Saturday and also thanked the many volunteers and players who took part in paying tribute to the popular young man who loved football and supporting Sligo Rovers in the Showgrounds.

If you would like to donate to the fund for Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital in Crumlin, you can visit the Facebook page Ross McCarrick Memorial Cup where all the proceeds from the Cup will be going to the children’s hospital in Crumlin.

Martin and Dervilla McCarrick, Ross’s parents, presenting the Memorial Cup to Pique Blinders.

Pique Blinders, winners of the Ross McCarrick Memorial Cup which took place in the Showgrounds.

Kanah Dunleavy, Kyle McMorrow, Kayleigh O’Donnell and Colm Gunning

Supporting the Ross McCarrick Memorial Cup in the Showgrounds.

Paula and James Lawlor-Kerr, one of the organisers of the match.

Kyle McMorrow, Andrew Gorman, Stephanie McCarrick, Nathan Gethins, Anto Jonston and Scott McGarry.

Geraldine McCarrick, Ann Scanlon and Helen McCarrick.

Friends supporting the Ross McCarrick Memorial Cup.