Raising funds for Zoe in memory of Robert McLaughlin
Friends of Robert ‘Foods’ McLaughlin who was tragically killed in a road accident close to his Newry Road home in October 2017, are hosting a football tournament in his memory and donating the funds to the Zoe Murphy Appeal.
Last year, a group of friends of the popular 29-year-old organised the Robert Foods McLaughlin Cup in Oriel Park.
The event was a huge success, and after consulting with Robert’s family, they donated the money raised to SOSAD.
This year, they were so moved by the story of little Zoe Murphy, who has cerebral palsy. Her family are hoping to raise €100,000 so that she can travel to the United States for life changing surgery, that they decided to host the event again.
Four teams, comprising friends’ of Roberts from his school days, Dundalk FC, Dundalk Rugby Club and his work colleagues will be competing for the trophy named in his honour on Saturday December 22.
They are all raising sponsorship and there will also be a raffle or some fantastic prizes in McGuinness’, Anne Street.
Among the prizes up for grabs are a signed Ireland Jersey, Irish Grand National tickets, a signed David McMillan St. Johnstone FC Jersey and much more.
Meanwhile as the Zoe Murphy Appeal has reached the half way mark, her parents Gary and Linda have expressed their thanks to all those who have donated money to their GoFundMe appeal and supported the appeal by organising events. ‘It was only 3 months ago that we constantly feared we would never be able to even get started, and now thanks to the overwhelming support from so many , we are half way there!,’ they wrote on their Facebook page.