Signed sports memorabilia among prizes up for grabs in charity raffle organised by Cork family

A Youghal-based family has collected dozens of autographed sports memorabilia —including signed Spike O’Sullivan and Steve Collins boxing gloves and an Ireland soccer jersey — for a bumper raffle in aid of Cope Foundation.

Peter Geary’s three-year-old daughter Paige has been supported by the organisation’s Children’s Disability Network Team (CDNT) in Midleton since she was seven months old.

“It means the world to my wife Jamie and I about giving back as Paige wouldn’t be the little woman she is today without support from all the Midleton team,” he said.

Last December, Mr Geary came up with the idea of organising a fundraising event called 'Memorabilia Madness'.

He began reaching out to sports clubs for signed jerseys and has been overwhelmed by the response, particularly from the local community.

In addition to sports memorabilia and match tickets including two tickets for a Manchester United match and two tickets for the Munster vs All Blacks match, a myriad of other prizes will also be up for grabs.

“Thanks to the generosity and kindness of businesses in Youghal and East Cork, the idea has taken off and now we have a huge range of prizes to giveaway,” Mr Geary said.

“Everything from nail vouchers, hotel stays, food vouchers – there’s a prize to suit everyone.” 

Network manager of East Central Cork CDNT, Caoimhe Dillon, said the team are “extremely grateful to Peter and his family for their generosity and kindness”.

“Funds raised will support the purchasing of vital equipment and resources to ensure our work can empower and enable children, young people and their families, long into the future.

“I encourage anyone in the East Cork area and beyond to get behind Peter and his family.

“They are doing an incredible thing for Cope Foundation and for the families who access services through the East Central Cork CDNT,” she added.

Mr Geary is hosting a family fun day in Youghal Soccer Club on June 22 followed by the raffle which takes place that evening in Hennessy’s Bar in Youghal.

One entry for the raffle is €5.

For the full list of prizes and where tickets can be purchased, visit: www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/TeamPaige.