Soccer Supporters' Club announces line-up change for big charity night in Offaly

Laurie Ryan (right) with her Athlone Town teammate Maddie Gibson

placeholder image — Laurie Ryan (right) with her Athlone Town teammate Maddie Gibson

IN a change to the planned line-up, Midlands women's soccer star Laurie Ryan will be a special guest alongside Steve Staunton in Tullamore tomorrow night (Friday, December 2).

The Athlone Town captain replaces Pearl Slattery, the Shelbourne player originally slated for the fundraiser hosted by the Tullamore Republic of Ireland Soccer Supporters' Club (TRISSC).

Ryan is a remarkable sportswoman in her own right. Not only did she captain Athlone to the Women's FAI Cup final last month (where her team were beaten by Slattery's Shels), but she has enjoyed success in Ladies Gaelic in her native Co Clare.

In fact, her appearance in the FAI Cup decider at Tallaght Stadium meant that she was forced to miss her Gaelic club Banner's Munster senior final against Waterford’s Ballymacarby because the throw-in matched the soccer showpiece's kick-off.

Ryan had been playing both sports but unfortunately, her two clubs ended up being defeated.

Nonetheless, the Athlone Town club was proud to have reached the FAI Cup final, a match notable in the appearance as a substitute by Offaly girl Millie Daly for the Shannonsiders. Another Faithful local, Ciara Glackin, was Town's reserve goalkeeper.

The TRISSC annual charity night will take place upstairs in Fergie's bar from 9pm and funds from the night will go to Accessible Counselling Tullamore and the Robbie Moore Benefit Fund.

'A Night with Steve Staunton and Laurie Ryan' promises to provide insights into the lives and careers of both footballers.

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.

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.