Stars shine for Miller...

Big names line out for game in honour of a sporting great

FORMER football foes united last night in a touching tribute to tragic star Liam Miller.

Some of the game’s greats lined out in front of a capacity crowd of 45,000 at Pairc Ui Chaoimh in Cork.

A Manchester United team got the better of an Ireland/celtic select side on penalties after a 2-2 draw.

But the real winners were Miller’s family and the charities which also benefitted from the occasion.

This was a glowing tribute to the 36-year-old who lost his battle with cancer in February. Those on the pitch may not have had the legs that once set the Premier League alight, but they still thrilled the packed GAA ground.

Wales manager and former United star Ryan Giggs joked about the players’ fitness before kick-off, but insisted the standard of the game would be high.

He said: “We’ve all changed shapes and sizes over the last few years.

“But no, there’s still talent, you’ll see it there today. You don’t lose certain stuff, maybe we can’t get up and down the pitch as quick.”

There were hilarious moments – Roy Keane missing a penalty, players interacting with the crowd and even a late Mexican wave. The Manchester United team was fronted by Keano, while their opponents were managed by current Ireland gaffer and former Celtic boss Martin O’neill.

There was no shortage of star power as the Red Devils’ squad featured greats including Gary Neville, Paul Scholes and Giggsy.

Ireland included goalscoring hero Robbie Keane, Richard Dunne and Damien Duff. Stiliyan Petrov, the former Celtic man who also battled cancer, also made an appearance.

The match went to a nail-biting penalty shootout after a 90-minute draw before former United star Dion Dublin cemented victory for Keane’s side.

Roy said: “He was a really nice guy, a quiet guy and very humble. It’s a great occasion for his family and there’s been a great reaction from everyone in Ireland, particularly around Cork.

“I’ve been home for the last few days, there’s a nice buzz going around which is nice. We’re lucky to have the game in Cork. It’s a great sporting city, so I think the venue is absolutelybrilliant.”

Last night’s game broke an attendance record that has stood for almost five decades, with the previous best set in 1972 when Cork Hibs met Waterford in the League of Ireland.