Former Dubs boss aiming to win £25k in memory of friend Anto

LEGENDARY Dublin GAA manager Jim Gavin will be jetting off to Mauritius next month for an international charity golf event, with the aim of winning the top prize of £25,000 for his chosen charity deterMND Tackling Motor Neuron Disease, in memory of his late friend Anto Finnegan.

Belfast native Anto Finnegan played GAA for the Antrim senior team and was a long-time friend of Clondalkin man Jim Gavin.

Mr Finnegan was diagnosed with motor neuron disease in 2012 and set up the deterMND Tackling Motor Neuron Disease charitable trust shortly thereafter.

He died last September, aged 48. Mr Gavin is hoping to carry on his friend’s legacy by winning the prize money at the celebrity charity golf event next month and donating it to his MND charity.

Mr Gavin said: “Anto Finnegan is one of Belfast’s greatest sporting heroes, having captained Antrim to a famous All-Ireland Gaelic football title in 1999.

“Anto was diagnosed with motor neuron disease in 2012 and, as on the sports field, he didn’t back down.

“He was brave, selfless and determined – which is reflected in the name he gave to his charitable trust ‘deterMND: Tackling Motor Neuron Disease’.

“He sadly passed away last year aged 48 but his memory and legacy remain strong as does his ambition and inspiration to raise awareness for and research around the disease.

“It’s a privilege for me to compete for charity at the inaugural Celebrity Series Grand Final, MCB Tour Championship in Constance Belle Mare Plage, Mauritius.

“Anto will be with me on every hole, on every shot, on every step.

“As he said himself: ‘Enjoy life; every day is a blessing. Live it to the fullest, and if you do something to help someone, then roll up your sleeves and get on with it’.

“I’ll do my very best to honour those words.”

Mr Gavin is one of eight celebrities who’ll be taking part in the tournament on March 29, and they’ll all be competing with the aim of winning the top prize of £25,000 for their chosen charities.