Alex Ferguson to miss Liam Miller all-star tribute match
FORMER Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson is unable to attend Tuesday’s Liam Miller tribute match due to medical reasons, it was revealed yesterday.
But one of the organisers, Michael O’Flynn, said Mr Ferguson would have attended if at all possible but instead has written a foreword for the programme.
A minute’s silence is to be held before the match at Páirc Uí Chaoimh in memory of former Manchester United player Miller, who died of cancer in February at the age of 36.
President Michael D Higgins is to be a guest of honour at the match.
Bryan Robson, the longest serving captain in the history of Manchester United, is travelling to Cork for the tribute game, which is between United Legends and Republic of Ireland & Celtic Legends.
Property developer Mr O’Flynn said Tuesday promised to be a special day on Leeside not only for locals but for the players themselves.
He said: ‘Bryan Robson is attending on behalf of Manchester United and there is a contingent from Celtic as well. Sir Alex gave us a nice note for the programme.
‘People like Denis Irwin and Roy Keane from our home city are delighted with the opportunity to play, as they say, “in the park”. They are looking forward to it.’
The players will do a lap of honour at the end of the game. A penalty shoot out will be played in the event of a draw.
Music is to be provided on the day from Christy Dignam, Co. Cork singer Darragh McGann and Cork’s Barrack Street band.
As many as 45,000 people will be in the stadium for the game, which kicks off at 3pm.
The match is to be televised on Virgin Media Three, Manchester United TV and Celtic TV. All advertising revenue from the match is to go to the Liam Miller tribute fund. Proceeds on the day will go to the family of Liam Miller, Marymount Hospice and other charities in the city.
The United legends team includes captain Roy Keane and former players Ryan Giggs, Louis Saha, Rio Ferdinand, Gary Neville and Nicky Butt.
The Celtic/Ireland legends lineup,
‘He’s written for the programme’
managed by Martin O’Neill, will feature among others Robbie Keane, Damien Duff, Neil Lennon, Kevin Kilbane and Richard Dunne.
At a recent press briefing Keane said the match was an opportunity to honour Miller.
Keane said: ‘Liam is still our team-mate. And that is why the response has been fantastic. We are all looking forward to it.’
Miller, a former Republic of Ireland, Manchester United, Celtic and Cork player, died after battling oesophageal cancer.
He is survived by wife Clare and children Kory, Leo and Belle.