Roddy Collins back at Bohs for special derby with Rovers in aid of little Rayne Judge

Rayne Judge's dad Colm had thanked Irish football for their support of his four-year-old daughter, who has a rare and very aggressive form of brain cancer.

Bohemians Legends manager Roddy Collins during a media event at Tolka Rovers FC in Dublin ahead of the Bohemians Legends v Shamrock Rovers Legends match which takes place at Tolka Rovers FC in Dublin on Saturday 11th October. Photo by Tyler Miller/Sportsfile

Irish football legends from Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers will renew their Dublin derby rivalry at a very special charity fundraiser for Glasnevin four-year-old Rayne Judge this Saturday afternoon.

Title winning Bohs boss Roddy Collins and Rovers double winner Mick Byrne will manage legends teams as they relive the glory days at the Tolka Rovers FC ground with a 3pm kick-off on Saturday.

The game is being staged to raise vital funds for treatment abroad for local girl Rayne after her recent diagnosis with Stage 4 Diffuse Midline Glioma, a rare and very aggressive form of brain cancer.

Shamrock Rovers Legends manager Mick Byrne and Bohemians Legends manager Roddy Collins ahead of the Rayne Judge match. Photo by Tyler Miller/Sportsfile

“This gesture by Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers is very much appreciated,” said Rayne’s dad Colm. “The support from the three football clubs, the players, the supporters and the organisers mirrors the incredible support we have received from the public since Rayne was first diagnosed just two months ago.

“We have been overwhelmed by the response to Rayne’s story from family, friends and total strangers from Ireland and right across the world and this event just typifies what people are doing for Rayne.

“We are so grateful to both clubs and to Tolka Rovers for hosting the match. I played basketball rather than football for Tolka Rovers for many, many years so their support is very much appreciated.

“Rayne has just finished her first round of radiation treatment and she is fighting this cancer all the way. She is so resilient and long may it continue. She still gets up with a smile on her face every day and this gesture by the Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers players and supporters will do so much to help Rayne fight this disease. We are really looking forward to the day.” 

Irish football legend Roddy Collins is delighted to support Rayne and her family on his return to the Bohs dugout with a squad that will include some celebrity guest appearances and legends including Jason Byrne, Gary Deegan, Robbie Doyle, Joseph Ndo, Gavin Peers, Shaun Maher, Danny North, Gareth O’Connor and Mark Rutherford.

“From a personal point of view I’ve been waiting to get back in as manager of Bohs for 20 years or more!” said Roddy Collins at a media event to launch the game.

“When you’re a footballer or a manager and you don’t see fellows for years, the likes of Saturday’s game is a great opportunity to meet up again but for a very special cause. My phone has been hopping with lads looking to get together on the pitch but the most important thing is the awareness for the charity and the funds we can raise for Rayne’s treatment.

"I am sure we will have a fantastic day and evening on Saturday. We might even give Rovers a 4-1 lead at the start and repeat the Santry Siro Massacre from 2001!

“I am still dining out on that one - it was the catalyst for us to win the League that year and it kept me in the job. Let’s see if we can do it again.” 

Rovers boss Mick Byrne will call on a star studded Hoops squad that includes the likes of Gary McCabe, Marc Kenny, Dean Kelly, Aaron Shanahan, Brian Morrisroe, Gary O’Sullivan, Niall Donnelly, Brian Gannon, Ken Oman, Pat Sullivan and Trevor Molloy.

Shamrock Rovers Legends manager Mick Byrne and Bohemians Legends manager Roddy Collins ahead of the Rayne Judge match. Photo by Tyler Miller/Sportsfile

“It’s going to be a great occasion for a great cause. We have done a lot of these over the years with great support from the club and a game against Bohs makes it extra special as I well know,” said Mick Byrne.

“I started my career at Bohs and ended it at Rovers and this is two great clubs coming together for a great cause. Having Roddy in charge and doing his thing in the Bohs dugout will make it even more interesting so I am not surprised that players have been ringing us both looking to play in this game.

“More importantly, it is going to be a massive day for Rayne and her family and we are all looking forward to it. In any sport we should all give something back and we are so happy to be able to do this for Rayne and raise as much money as we can for her treatment.” 

Match tickets for the Legends game cost just €10 and are available via revolut.me/shaunicgr (Include your full name and the number of tickets required in the payment note.