Gary Neville produced a fantastic gesture in Paul McGrath’s charity auction

He got Norman Whiteside involved too.

Paul McGrath’s charity auction truly paid off last night thanks to the intervention of Gary Neville and an Irish bar, writes Stephen Barry.

McGrath had been auctioning a top piece of sporting memorabilia – a signed Manchester United jersey – for his daughter-in-law, Nicola, who’s trekking to Everest Base Camp for the Brainwave charity.

Bidding starts now on this Man U signed jersey,daughter inlaw trekking to Everest Base Camp for Brainwave #charity pic.twitter.com/98FXxECWIW

— Paul McGrath (@Paulmcgrath5) July 29, 2016

As it headed into the final hours of bidding, Mulligans Irish Pub, based in Manchester, upped the stakes with a €700 bid.

But that was trumped by Gary Neville’s £1,000 (€1,185) offer, on the condition that Norman Whiteside also signed it, and it still be hung in Mulligans.

I will bid £1000 and display in Mulligans if @NormanWhiteside will sign it as well. https://t.co/45fcatIfM8

— Gary Neville (@GNev2) July 31, 2016

Whiteside was only too happy to oblige and the deal was on.

Thanks @GNev2 hope you are well !! Yes @NormanWhiteside said he would be delighted to sign it 👌🏻 https://t.co/RgCouHBPK0

— Paul McGrath (@Paulmcgrath5) July 31, 2016

Then Mulligans offered to match Neville’s offer if he added his signature to the lot.

With the deal eventually made in pounds (€2,369.50), the jersey had taken on two new names and over €1,700 extra value for a worthy cause in a matter of minutes.

Excellent . I will sign and get other lads and you give to @Paulmcgrath5 charity. £2000 deal? https://t.co/MW15p7Qszc

— Gary Neville (@GNev2) July 31, 2016

"Going,going,gone!" @GNev2 and @mulligans_MCR winning bidders on the Jersey ..Thank you everyone who placed bids! great fun,great charity.

— Paul McGrath (@Paulmcgrath5) July 31, 2016