New Champion role for Roy Keane

Champion Sports have signed up Manchester United's Roy Keane to help promote a new £1.5m megastore in Cork City.

The 7,000 square metre shop for sports fanatics will open this weekend at the Savoy Shopping Centre on Patrick Street.

However, the official opening will take place at a later date when Roy will jet into his home city once the formalities of the Premiership season are over.

"We hope to have Roy over within about three weeks to launch the store," said Frances Pollard, marketing executive with Champion Sports.

The privately-owned chain has 15 shops nationally, but this will be the first in Cork.

The group also has 10 stores retailing under the Marathon Sports brand name.