Former Ireland soccer star in special Offaly appearance for charity

Andy Reid in action for Ireland against Germany in 2007 (Picture: Sportsfile) | Sportsfile

placeholder image — Andy Reid in action for Ireland against Germany in 2007 (Picture: Sportsfile) | Sportsfile

Andy Reid will be guest of Tullamore Republic of Ireland Supporters Club in fundraiser for Accessible Counselling at Goalpost pub

FORMER Republic of Ireland soccer international Andy Reid will make a special charity appearance in Tullamore on Saturday, September 19.

The midfielder who played 29 times for his country will be the star attraction at a fundraiser for Accessible Counselling Tullamore (ACT) hosted by the Tullamore Republic of Ireland Soccer Supporters Club (RISSC) in the Goalpost pub, William Street, Tullamore.

The charity night is the latest in a series of such events organised by the Tullamore RISSC which have raised much needed funds for ACT, which provides mental health counselling for Tullamore and the wider region.

Master of ceremonies on the night will be the broadcaster Will O'Callaghan, well known from his work on popular radio shows such as Off The Ball.

Will O'Callaghan, a native of Birr, will guide Andy Reid through his football career at club and international level.

A highly gifted technical midfielder, who many supporters feel never got the recognition he deserved from Ireland management, Andy Reid was first capped in 2003 and made his last international appearance in 2015.

The Dubliner was with Nottingham Forest for most of his club career, split across two spells between 1998 and 2005 and 2011 and 2016, but also played for Tottenham Hotspur, Sunderland and other English clubs.

Andy Reid pictured in Richmond Park at the FAI Cup match between St Patrick’s Athletic and Shamrock Rovers on August 16 last (Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile) | SPORTSFILE

The 44-year-old's father Bill played for St Patrick's Athletic and before his professional career in England the future Ireland star came to the attention of scouts when he lined out with Lourdes Celtic and Cherry Orchard at schoolboys level.

Doors at the Goalpost open for the event at 8pm (8.30pm start; admission €15, €10 for RISSC members) and there will be live music afterwards from Richie and Joe Mooney.

Tickets are available from the Goalpost bar or any committee member - John Joyce, Chloe McGlinchey, Mick Kenaney, Seamus McEvoy, Stephen McEvoy, Daithi Bryant, Ray Finlay, Bob Dooner, Andy Lowbridge and Alan Daly.