Soccer heroes support big tribute night to late ex-Galway Utd player

AN Irish soccer jersey signed by the squad involved in the recent World Cup qualifier with the Faroe Islands – including hat-trick hero and history maker Robbie Keane – is being auctioned as part of the tribute night being held in memory of former Galway United star Tommy Keane.

Galway native and first-choice Irish ‘keeper David Forde organised to have the jersey signed for the tribute night which takes place in Monroe’s Live on Friday,June 28.

It is one of four jerseys which are being auctioned in the run-up to the event. Aston Villa legend Gordon Cowans has provided an Aston Villa jersey which has been signed by Christian Benteke, Andreas Weimann and Irish international Ciaran Clarke; while Galway native Alan Keane has provided a Sligo Rovers jersey which has been signed by the three Galway members of the Sligo squad – Keane, Seamus Conneely and Iarflaith Davoren. Connacht Rugby have also provided a match-day jersey signed by the 2013/14 squad.

Bids for the jerseys are being accepted on the Facebook page A Tribute To Tommy, or can be texted to Keith at 0872870821; Ronan at 087 6972823; or Willie at 087 6958781.

Members of Tommy’s family have come together with friends and former team-mates of the midfielder to arrange A Tribute for Tommy on Friday June 28, which will kick-off at 6.30pm with the game in South Park between the Galway United FAI Cup-winning squad of 1991 and a West United XI.

Tommy was a key part of the Cup-winning squad, scoring in every round up to the final, when he set up the only goal of the game for Johnny Glynn against Shamrock Rovers. Tommy, who started his career with West United and was a member of that Cup-winning side, died suddenly in December on his way home from a five-a-side soccer tournament which was being held on Sea Road in memory of another former West United player, Noel Crowley.

The game will be followed at 9pm by a night of music in Monroe’s Live on Dominick Street which will feature Greg and Mary, Bernard Mac and Band, and Ken Doyle and Streetwise.

Tickets for the night cost €10, and are available from Willie Grant (087 6958781), Peter Carpenter (086 2718744), Ronan Coleman (087 6972823), or from Monroe’s.

The Tribute to Tommy is being held in association with Croí, and a bucket collection for the charity will be taken at the game, while Tommy’s family will also be making a donation to the charity in Tommy’s memory.