‘My tribute’ celebrity match
By Hayden Moore
SON OF footballing legend George Best, Calum, is holding a celebrity charity match in Tallaght Stadium to raise funds for Tallaght Drug and Alcohol Task Force (TDATF) and a UK-based charity, the National Association for Children of Alcoholics (NACOA).
Calum, has spoken openly since his dads passing in 2005 about how much George’s alcoholism impacted on his life and has actively raised awareness for charities targeting families affected by the disorder.
Nicola Coffey (Stadium Manager), Stephen McPhail (Director of Football, SRFC), Cllr Charlie O’Connor, Mary Larkin and Niamh McGuiness (both Tallaght Drugs and Alcohol Task Force),
Calum Best, Kevin Cooper (Sellebrity UK), Mayor Vicki Casserly and Danny McLoughlin (SDCC Chief Executive) at the Calum Best “My Tribute” Celebrity Charity Match launch in Tallaght Stadium
Over the years, Best has confronted his own experiences through a book and documentary, and now is hosting a tribute game to his late father in Tallaght Stadium to raise funds for these causes.
The celebrity laden event will see a Calum Best XI take to the Tallaght Stadium pitch on August 31 for the ‘My Tribute’ game to take on a Brian McFadden team.
Speaking to The Echo, Calum Best said: “‘My Tribute’ is a celebrity charity game raising funds for my chosen charity NACOA and a chosen charity to the club we play at – A memoir to my dad but a way for me to do what all the lads had boy hood dreams to do, play football, while raising funds and awareness.
“Tallaght Drug and Alcohol Task Force is local to Shamrock Rovers and very much in tune with NACOA and what they do, so we want to give back and help the kids of the local area affected.”
With Calum the offspring of one of the great footballers of all time, he let The Echo know whether or not he inherited any of his fathers on the field talent and if the Tallaght crowd will get to see any of it on show.
Calum Best outside The Square
“I’d be happy if I had one percent of what my dad had and luckily, I can play and love it with a passion. I guess you will have to come down and see for yourself,” he joked.
With the likes of boxers Tony Bellew and Carl Frampton joining a roster stacked with other celebrities and ex-footballers, Calum has promised a great day out for all who come along.
“[It] will be a great day out for all the family! It’s a great level of football for football fans, but it’s also a great interactive want for any fans of their favourite tv, sport, and music to watch and meet them,” he explained.
“Most of the lads stay and walk around before and after the game meeting everyone so it’s really a fun day out too.”
Organised by Sellebrity Soccer in association with South Dublin County Council and Shamrock Rovers, tickets are on sale now and cost €17 for adults, €12 for children with limited numbers of VIP tickets with access to the players’ lounge available for €40 on the Shamrock Rovers website.
