Quinn raises thousands for homeless

Soccer star and new Sunderland FC “chairman-in-waiting” Niall Quinn helped raise €100,000 for the homeless this weekend when he participated in a charity triathlon in Co Kildare.

It was the ex-striker’s second time taking part in the annual Focus Ireland event at Golden Falls Waterski Club in Ballymore Eustace.

Quinn, 39, joined 275 others on Saturday morning for the three-leg endurance test which featured a 750-metre swim, a 20-kilometre cycle and a five-kilometre run.

However, the local Punchestown resident concentrated on the run while British friends Paul Barham and Craig Cook took to the water and the bike.

Quinn, who was capped 91 times for the Republic of Ireland and scored 21 goals, said: “It’s a great day and everyone had good craic while also raising money to support the work of Focus Ireland.”

Earlier this month, Quinn led a consortium of businessmen in their successful bid for his old Sunderland club.

Thanking all participants, Focus Ireland director of fundraising Mark Mellett said: “This event helps us towards our fundraising target for the year, which allows us continue to develop our services and housing to help combat and prevent homelessness.”