Liverpool fans set things right after group robbed on charity mission

An Irish army private yesterday saluted the ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ spirit of Liverpool which came to the rescue after he and friends were the victims of cruel thieves when on a special mission to Anfield.

Pte Liam Mulcahy, who is based at Sarsfield Barracks in Limerick, along with five other members of the Cycle 4 Sick Children, travelled to Merseyside to take part in a fundraising cycle for a number of charities led by Liverpool players, including Steven Gerrard.

While they were on a tour of Anfield, their van was broken into and bikes and equipment valued €30,000 were stolen.

Liam said: “When we contacted the police, initially they didn’t seem too interested. But then the theft went viral on twitter and Facebook among Liverpool supporters. There was huge anger and upset that such a thing could happen to us on a visit to raise funds for Liverpool charities. There were police cars everywhere and the investigation seemed to gear up big time.”

A local pub, The 12th Man, provided accommodation and other fans came to offer help.

He said: “One Liverpool supporter, Neil Carson, who originally comes from Youghal, was great. Even the local MP, Steve Rotherham, on hearing what had happened made contact. He is big into Liverpool and has played big role in the Hillsborough Disaster inquiry.”

Police are still trying to trace the stolen bikes and equipment.

Liam, aged 34, said: “We returned on Sunday by ferry and we have been given a special contact number to keep in touch with the police investigation. The lads over were saying the bikes will be unsellable given the publicity the theft has got on social media and the police investigation.

“Stephen O’Meara from Bulgaden and myself are Liverpool supporters and the reaction of the fans over there when they heard what had happened was unbelievable, and made me feel extra proud to be a Liverpool fan. “They couldn’t do enough. I have been over to Liverpool numerous times for games and it is a fantastic city and they are great people. Neil Carson, from Youghal, who lives near Anfield, brought us back to his house and got us pizzas. We were then put up in accommodation over The 12th Man pub by Rob the owner, who was at Hillsborough on the day of the disaster.”

Chief Inspector Chris Hitchell of Merseyside police said: “This is an absolutely terrible thing to happen anyone visiting our city, but it is made worse by the fact that this group were here to raise money for charity and a cause which is dear to so many Liverpudlian hearts.”