JAAP STAM TO TAKE PART IN LEGENDS HOSPICE MATCH
FORMER Dutch international Jaap Stam is the latest footballing legend to announce his support for the Wicklow Hospice Legends match taking place in the Carlisle Grounds on September 15.
The former Manchester
United, PSV,
AC Milan and
Lazio defender has already booked his flights and is looking forward to lining up alongside former team mates like Paul Scholes at the fundraising match for Wicklow Hospice Foundation. Online sales have rocketed since the news of his involvement broke. Player organiser Colin Telford says isn’t surprised at the reaction and recalls the shock amongst Irish Manchester United fans at Stam’s sudden departure from the Club in 2001. ‘Fans were heart- broken,’ said Colin. ‘Apart from being one of the best defenders and most skilful players in the world, Irish fans really connected with Jaap Stam. Irish people have great respect for people who say it as it is and with Jaap Stam they had this in abundance’.
The list of other stars taking part in the game includes former United stars Paul Scholes, Keith Gillespie, Brian McClair and Clayton Blackmore. Celtic Greats include Stiliyan Petrov, Lubo Moravcik and Tom Boyd whilst Alan Kennedy and John Wark will fly the flag for all Liverpool supporters. Wicklow Hospice Foundation hopes to raise a six-figure total between sponsorship, ticket sales, the Legends’ Gala Ball, grand auction and other activities.
A spokesperson said:‘ Thanks to all of you who have bought tickets for the match, the Legends Ball and the meet and greet. It’s not easy to sell thousands of tickets and without the incredible good will of the people of Wicklow a match like this would not be possible. Jaap Stam and the gang can look forward to a heroes welcome next Saturday. We still have some tickets available so please do book your tickets & let’s make this a sell-out fundraiser for the people of Wicklow’. Match Tickets are €10 each & available from www.gr8events. ie. For more details see www. wicklowhospice.ieor contact Marie Kindlon, mkindlon@ hotmail.com, 086 3768898 or Sinead on 087 0954137, sinead@wicklowhospice.ie.