A HOST of former Irish League stars will line out in a charity football match next month to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.
And Portadown man Michael O’Neill – currently manager of Armagh City FC Reserves – is asking for public support.
The game will be played on Friday, October 18 at Holm Park in Armagh, with kick-off at 8pm with a donation at the turnstile for entry.
Michael told Armagh I what supporters can expect, saying: “All of the players will be guys who I have played with, the likes of current Loughgall and Ards managers Gary McKinstry and Niall Currie, as well as current Glenavon player Kyle Neill and former Linfield players Shea Campbell and Alan Murphy, to name just a few.
“Along with a mixture of current City players, most are locally-based and have played for Loughgall and Armagh City, as I played for both clubs. Most of the guys would have played for Armagh, so it’ll be a bit of a homecoming for them as well with the new pitch and that!”
As we have previously reported, Michael is also planning to run his second New York Marathon on November 3 to raise much-needed funds for local cancer charities.
These are just some of the ambitious fundraisers the big-hearted Portadown man is planning over the coming months to boost Macmilllan Cancer Support, a cause very close to his heart.
Said Michael: “I picked Macmillan because of their non-stop help to cancer patients and their families, as my grandfather died from the illness in April and I know how good they can be at helping out.”
The gruelling 2013 New York Marathon takes place on November 3 and, for Michael, it will be his second time competing, his first in support of ovarian cancer.
The Reserves manager, while busy training for the Marathon, is also working on other ways of adding to his total, calling on the help of some high-profile friends to help organise this football match and raffle and refreshments in the clubrooms afterwards.
The raffle includes signed memorabilia from Aaron McCusker, star of Shameless and Dexter, who is a friend, and also a signed Liverpool shirt from Jamie Carragher, along with two tickets to a Celtic game which the club donated.
“My target is £2350,” said Michael, who is again appealing to help from the public and hopes that Armagh I followers will answer that call!
“Most of us have been affected by cancer in some way and I’m sure everyone will therefore agree its a worthwhile cause,” said Michael.
Anyone who would be interested in sponsoring the match or match ball or getting their business featured in the special souvenir programme can contact Michael on 075 2264 8491
“Any donation would be gratefully appreciated, and I will be doing other fundraisers along the way which the local media will be involved in, so I’ll try and get everyone some coverage. I will also take time out to thank you personally on my Facebook and Twitter pages, which should be a bit of good advertising for your business as well!,” he added.
Anyone – members of the public or businesses – who feel they can help Michael meet his goal and raise much-needed funds for the fantastic Macmillan can check out the following link: https://www.justgiving.com/Michael-O-Neill1/
