Fans flock to match in memory of Shane

AS a Garryowen rugby player, Shane Geoghegan revelled in his many encounters on the famed Thomond Park turf.

Last night, thousands gathered there to signal their abhorrence at the manner in which his life was mercilessly cut short by a gunman when aged 28.

Mr Geoghegan was shot dead while walking to his home at Kilteragh, Dooradoyle, in November 2008. A feud gang gunman had mistaken him for a drugs figure who had moved into the area.

Organisers of last night’s big party at Thomond Park said it signalled a city looking forward with a strong vision on how to steer young people away from the grips of the sinister elements in society.

The Shane Geoghegan Trust finished its Day for Shane with a soccer game between Sunderland and a Munster XI, watched by more than 10,000 people.

And in the build-up, hundreds of children engaged in a huge range of games and fun on the pitch.

A key component of the trust’s plan is to get into communities and engage with young people and families through sport, games and many other ventures.

Niall Quinn, the Sunderland chairman, has been one of the big cheerleaders of the Shane Geoghegan Trust and last night he fulfilled his pledge to bring his top team to boost the Day for Shane.

“We have brought over the team to support the ongoing work that the Shane Geoghegan Trust so valuably carries out,” Mr Quinn said.

“All the funds raised tonight will go to this marvellous initiative and we hope to continue supporting it for a long time.

“It is a wonderful first major event to honour Shane’s memory and the roll-out of much more in the years ahead. We are thrilled to lend a helping hand and Sunderland are proud we could be here and help young people in Limerick make better choices.”

Sunderland AFC run a massive foundation which drives a range of voluntary services with a permanent work team of up to 100.

Mr Quinn said their foundation workers will be liaising with the Shane Geoghegan Trust to share their experiences and to give advice and encouragement.

Last night’s event raised about €50,000 for the trust.