Soccer legend on way to Offaly to meet Ireland fans

FORMER Republic of Ireland manager and Liverpool star Steve Staunton will be in Tullamore on Friday evening.

The Tullamore Republic of Ireland Soccer Supporters' Club's annual charity night is scheduled for Friday, December 2 upstairs in Fergie's bar and the special guests are Staunton and the top women's footballer Pearl Slattery.

Funds from the night will go to Accessible Counselling Tullamore and the Robbie Moore Benefit Fund.

'A Night with Steve Staunton and Pearl Slattery' promises to provide insights into the lives and careers of two leading figures in the Irish game.

Staunton was a legendary player at both international and club level. The Dundalk native was first capped while still a teenager in 1988 and he went on to win 102 caps and score eight goals.

The versatile defender won the English league and FA Cup with Liverpool and went on to win two further League Cups with Aston Villa.

Staunton was named as FAI Young International Player of the Year in 1989 and Senior International Player of the Year in 1993.

In January 2006 he became Ireland manager with the late Bobby Robson as his assistant but his term ended following failure to qualify for the 2008 European Championships.

Pearl Slattery is currently the Shelbourne women's team captain and she is a multiple Women's National League and FAI Cup winner. While with Raheny she played in Europe.

Music on the night will be by Catalpa, a band well known in Ireland soccer circles, and especially popular with Boys in Green travelling fans.

Tickets (€20) are available from Fergie's or any club committee member, John Joyce, Alan Daly, Chloe McGlinchey, Mick Kenaney, Seamus McEvoy, Stephen McEvoy, Andy Lowbridge, Ray Finlay, Daithi Bryant, Bob Dooner, Kevin Bryant, Conor Keyes and Gerry Daly.