Sinn Fein Councillor to pull on the England jersey and support the Three Lions?
“I’ve made a terrible mistake . . . one which possibly could end my political career”
It would be one of the most unlikely sights in Inishowen football circles – Sinn Féin Councillor and self-confessed member of the ‘Anybody But England’ camp, Jack Murray pulling on the famous Three Lions jersey.
But that is exactly the bizarre possibility facing the Buncrana politician ahead of England’s World Cup semi-final showdown with Argentina in Atlanta tonight, after a quirky charity fundraiser challenged him to swap his usual loyalties for an England shirt – all in aid of a good cause.
For more than a month, Cllr Murray has been having some fun during the tournament by posting AI-generated images of himself wearing the jerseys of England’s opponents, clearly hoping to help bring about an early exit for Thomas Tuchel’s side.
However, his plan has spectacularly backfired as England continued to progress through the competition, leaving some locals convinced that he may actually have accidentally become the team’s lucky charm.
Now, supporters of iCARE and iADULT have decided to turn the joke into a fundraising opportunity by challenging Cllr Murray to wear a real England jersey – with no AI assistance allowed – if they can raise €500.
The fundraiser organisers posted: “Good morning Buncrana! Ahead of tonight’s crucial World Cup semi-final clash between England and Argentina, speculation is rife around the town that a certain councillor is considering switching allegiance!”
“We’re challenging him to wear an England shirt for real... No AI allowed this time.”
All proceeds from the fundraiser will go towards supporting the work of iCARE and iADULT, with locals being invited to donate and potentially witness the extraordinary sight of a Sinn Fein Councillor sporting the Three Lions crest.
Cllr Murray smiled that he may have made a serious error in agreeing to the challenge.
“I’ve made a terrible mistake… one which possibly could end my political career,” he joked.
“The team at iCARE and iADULT Day Service have challenged me to wear an England top if enough money is raised. I have principles — but apparently they now have a fundraising target.”
Speaking to Donegal Live, Cllr Murray added: “It will be deeply uncomfortable, but they do incredible work for local people, so I’m prepared to suffer the public humiliation for a very worthy cause.”
“Hopefully we’ll raise plenty of money — and then Messi will go on to lift the World Cup!”
Donate to the cause here: https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/agnesdoherty