Red legends help raise €10,000 for charities

A charity event involving Cork hurling royalty and Manchester United heroes sharing stories about their illustrious careers raised has raised more than €10,000 for two deserving charities.

‘An Evening With Red Legends’ last Friday gave the people of Cork the chance to hear David May, Lee Martin, and Keith Gillespie share stories about their careers under Alex Ferguson, life as Manchester United players, and their moves to other clubs.

Cork hurling legends and All-Ireland winners Jimmy-Barry Murphy and Fergal Ryan spoke about representing the Rebel county, ditching soccer, and how to keep a dressing room onside as a manager. Cork’s 96FM broadcaster Trevor Welch was MC on the night.

The event was organised by Aidan Dalton and Mark McCarthy, with all funds raised donated evenly to the Alzheimer Society of Ireland and the Shine Centre for Autism in Carrigaline, two charities close to Mr Dalton’s heart.

“The Alzheimer Society is in memory of my mother, who died six years ago this February,” Mr Dalton said.

“She was my best friend and I just wanted to do something in memory of her.

“The Shine Centre is a centre for the family and the children. My friend Dan O’Leary’s son Patrick is 23 years of age and is non-verbal with Autism.

“The Shine Centre would have advised Dan where to go when Patrick was younger, and that’s why we chose to raise money for Shine.”

Despite status red weather warnings threatening flight cancellations, the charity night in the Carrigaline Court Hotel went ahead as planned.

“Our main concern was the safety of everyone involved, from the players, the hotel staff, and everyone who bought a ticket,” Mr Dalton said.

An auction took place on the night with goodies from sponsors up for grabs, as well as signed memorabilia including a Cork GAA jersey and an Adam Idah Celtic jersey.

Mr Dalton and his wife Diane have raised close to €60,000 for the various initiatives throughout the years.