Jersey changes hands in a sporting gesture

I ATTENDED a pre-season soccer friendly in Cahir, Co Tipperary, on Saturday, February 4, between Cahir Park and Cork City.

Before the game commenced I noticed that the Cork City kit contained a jersey with the name ‘LONG’ on it.

I assumed this jersey was there since last season and belonged to Shane Long, a former Tipperary minor hurling star who used to play with Cork City.

He is now playing in the English soccer championship with table-toppers Reading.

As I am a supporter of Tipperary hurling, Cork City in the League of Ireland and Reading in the English championship, I made enquires to see if it was possible to acquire this jersey.

After a while I was directed to a man I now know to be Jerry Harris, secretary of Cork City FC, and asked if I could purchase the jersey. Much to my delight, after the game was over he emerged from the dressingroom and presented it to me free gratis.

I wish publicly to thank a sporting gentleman for this marvellous gesture that crossed both code and county.

Liam Kelly

Garrencasey

Newcastle

Clonmel

Co Tipperary