Over €6,000 raised for Our Lady’s Hospice

PLAYERS from Marks Celtic Football Club rolled back the years as they took part in a charity game in Butler Park recently and raised over €6,000 for Our Lady’s Hospice in Harold’s Cross.

The charity game involved a Marks Celtic over-35s team going head-to-head with Pat’s Maher’s Legend’s team at the Tallaght venue.

In a seven-goal thriller, Phillip Sheppard proved the hero for the over-35s as he accounted for all four goals with the winner coming 10 minutes from full time.

Indeed, it was looking good for the Legends in the second half as they took the lead for the first time through Mick Hynes, only for Sheppard to bag two goals in the closing 20 minutes.

The first half saw the over-35s establish a 2-0 lead before Darren Kilbey bagged a brace to send the sides in all square at the interval.

“It was a great day and fair play to all the players and supporters who came out in force to support the charity match,” Pat Maher told The Echo.

Pat Maher’s legends came out tops in the seven-goal thriller

Pat, who has over 30 years’ experience managing at the Springfield Club explained how the idea of the match came about.

‘I was contacted by one of our players Brian Byrne about the idea of hosting a charity game and after putting it out to other players the response we got was brilliant.

“Every family has some connection with Harold’s Cross Hospice and the players and club were delighted to play their part in raising the money.

“We have raised over €6,000 and still counting, and we hope to have a final tally by the end of the week, and we will then arrange a cheque presentation.

“A lot of players who left the area came back and played the game – it was nice to see them play their part,” added Pat.