Galaxy of stars lined up for Hunt testimonial

KEVIN HUNT, the club legend who captained Bohemians to a memorable double in 2001, could be celebrating a double of a different kind on Sunday.

Hunt, who has retired from football after 11 seasons at Dalymount Park, will turn out one last time for the Gypsies in what promises to be a star-studded and emotional testimonial game at the famous old ground

And, by then, Bohs may have managed to win the eircom League title at Drogheda on Friday.

Hunt, 32, has been forced into retirement through a combination of injury and family commitments but, now based back in his native England, has been keeping his hand in by doing some scouting work for Manchester City.

His standing in the game is reflected in the stellar quality of the line-ups for Sunday’s match which will see an International XI, managed by Eoin Hand, take on a Bohemians XI, managed by Roddy Collins.

Packie Bonner, Paul McGrath, Steve Staunton, Gary McAllister, Neil Lennon, Kenny Cunningham, Gary Kelly, Alan McLoughlin, Paul Lambert and Curtis Fleming are among the big names in an international panel which accounts for some 728 caps and an estimated €44m worth of talent.

Up against them will be a Bohs side including the likes of Paul Byrne, Mark Rutherford, Matt Gregg, current manager Pat Fenlon and Hunt himself, although he reckons he’ll be lucky to last 90 minutes.

“To have the calibre of players who will be taking part is a real honour,” said Hunt.

The game kicks off at 3pm and tickets (€15 for adults,€ €5 for children) are available from www.ticketmaster.ie or the Bohemians ticket office.