Dunmanway to erect stadium for Liverpool clash

OAK trees out of little acorns grow – and the proof of that will be the erection of a 6,800-seater stadium where fans of a local West Cork soccer team will watch their heroes take on one of the world’s biggest clubs, Liverpool.

Dunmanway Town XI, with the help of the FAI (Football Association of Ireland), are spending €100,000 on the temporary stadium for their clash with the top club on August 6.

Dunmanway Town XI manager John Buckley confirmed tickets for the match will go on sale this Saturday at 9am.

Tickets will be available at McCarthy’s Sports in Bantry; Hickey’s Music Shop in Clonakilty; SuperValu, Dunmanway; and Welch Sports, Maylor Street, in Cork city.

To defray the costs of building the stand, plus increased security and insurance premiums associated with a large attendance, the club has been forced to increase ticket prices.

“We will be selling tickets at €40 per adult and €20 for children and senior citizens,” John Buckley said.

A total of 2,000 tickets are reserved for children and senior citizens, 4,100 for adults and there are 700 corporate tickets available, each costing €100.

Mr Buckley said Liverpool has promised to send “a star-studded side” but, as yet, hasn’t named their team for the clash which will take place at Dunmanway’s Mary Immaculata Community College.

While it’s unlikely that Steven Gerrard will tog out, fans will be hoping that big names in the reserve team along with Dirk Kuyt and Ryan Babel, will line out.

Mr Buckley also said his club was hoping to bolster its side with up to five League of Ireland players, so they can make a game of it for the men in red.