Big night planned for Forde
A NIGHT of celebration is planned for the Ashdown Park Hotel in Gorey on Saturday, January 19, and it’s an event not to be missed for anyone who has admired Matty Forde’s footballing wizardry in more than 20 years of a distinguished playing career.
‘This is Your Life’ was once one of the most popular programmes on television, with Irish-born host Eamonn Andrews and his big red book surprising special guests before bringing them on a journey through their lives with the assistance of friends and family.
And while Matty is well aware of what’s going to happen at this function on Saturday week, the general theme will be somewhat similar as it has been organised first and foremost to say a sincere ‘thank you’ to one of his county’s best-ever footballers.
However, a strong element of surprise will be involved too, because the Kilanerin and Wexford legend will be feted on the night by a string of household names from the world of sport, and their identities won’t necessarily be revealed in advance.
With a host of surprise guests already confirming their attendance, it promises to be a very enjoyable event and the perfect social occasion to whet one’s appetite for another busy year of sport.
The organisers are keen to stress that this is not being run as a fundraiser for Matty, and no individuals will receive any money from their involvement in the exercise.
Any cash left over after expenses will be divided between three worthy causes: Gorey Hospice, the Wexford under-age development squads, and the Kilanerin Coiste na nOg section.
Michael McGovern of McGovern’s pub in Gorey, the former Craanford and Wexford footballer, is one of the main driving forces behind the event, and he has spent countless hours compiling a DVD documenting Matty’s glittering career with club and county.
Indeed, persistence paid off late last week when footage of one of his finest hours – his individual haul of 2-10 in the 2004 championship against Offaly in Wexford Park – was finally unearthed after proving very elusive to track down.
A free copy of this DVD will be presented to adult ticket holders for an event which is expected to attract a capacity attendance given the esteem in which Matty is held in sporting circles.
Tickets are €10 for adults and €5 for under-18s, and they are available from four outlets: My Sport, Enniscorthy; Hore’s Stores, Wexford; Ashdown Park Hotel, Gorey; Murphy’s, Kilanerin.