Fógra eile for retired players' fundraiser

WE reported this week on a forthcoming fund-raising dinner for the FAI Retired International Players Trust - and if ever there was an event deserving of what Con Houlihan would call a “fógra eile” this is it.

The fund was set up to help former Irish players who have encountered hard times. These were men who served their country proudly and entertained thousands of people at a time when the game was not as awash with filthy lucre as it is now.

Examples of the kind of critical assistance the trust has been able to afford, include one famous player who was reduced to living in a hostel but is now back in gainful employment, and another who was housebound in London but is now able to get about on a scooter. As trustee Liam Tuohy quipped: “He’s even thinking of making a comeback.”

Many more have been helped with medical bills, accommodation, funerals and other expenses.

With the demise of the international testimonial game from which it drew a percentage, the trust itself is in need of fresh funding. One hopes that the FAI will be able to help secure the trust’s future, possibly by agreeing to a percentage of the proceeds of international games being diverted to this important cause on a permanent basis.

Meantime, the fund-raising continues with a dinner, sponsored by the FAI and Eircom, in the Berkeley Court on November 22, at which special guests will include Niall Quinn and comedian Barry Murphy. A table for ten costs €1,500 and tickets are available by contacting Emma Buckley at the FAI on 01-7037500.