Charity match remembers kind-hearted player Karl
By Mary Dennehy
A CHARITY football match was held last weekend in memory of a “positive, kind-hearted” father-of-two who passed away from cancer at the age of 35.
Riverside United Football Club gathered on the astro pitches of Tallaght Leisure Centre on Saturday, January 13, in tribute to former player and member, Karl Shanley – who passed away last July.
More than 60 people, including past and current players and Karl’s family and friends, united to remember their friend and loved one, and to raise money in his name for Our Lady’s Hospice in Harold’s Cross.
David Beckett, a committee member of Riverside United FC, which is based in Crumlin, told The Echo: “Karl was a member of Riverside for a good ten years and also had links to Cherryfield and Rialto Madrid.
“He was such a great member of the club, he was a gentleman and one of the most kind hearted people – he wore his heart on his sleeve.
“No matter how sick he was over the last few years, he always remained so positive and was always willing to do anything.”
He added: “Karl had cancer for a number of years and kept coming back from it, and coming back to the club.
“His positivity was amazing.”
Eight teams met in Tallaght Leisure Centre on Saturday 13, with players and supporters raising more than €1,000 on the day, with money still coming in.
“We wanted to do something for Karl and his family,” David said.
“We were going to give the money raised to Karl’s family.
“However, when we put it to them, they requested that the money raised be donated to Our Lady’s Hospice in Harold’s Cross.”
The club wished to thank the Tallaght Leisure Centre for providing the astro pitches free-of-charge.
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