Sunderland FC vs Munster XI - A Day For Shane

Premiership side Sunderland AFC will take on the first ever Munster XI soccer side in a charity game at Thomond Park on July 13th next.

‘A Day For Shane’, which is being held in aid of the Shane Geoghegan Trust, will feature a programme of sporting events of all codes, the centre piece of which will be the star-studded soccer match at 7.45pm.

Details of the game were announced at an official press launch in Limerick today by Sunderland Chairman Niall Quinn, Munster Rugby President Declan Madden, CEO of Munster FC and Limerick FC Pat O’Sullivan, and Tony Geoghegan of the Shane Geoghegan Trust.

Organisers say ‘A Day For Shane’ will be about participation and as such it will encompass all the sporting codes across Munster.

Day Tickets are Priced at €20 Adults, and €5 Children. And are availible from the Limerick FC Office (Call 061 - 324563), Ticketmaster.ie, Thomond Park or Gleesons Sport Store.

Corperate Packages are availible for €50.00

Exclusive sports & social package available, that covers a light meal, refreshments and a fantastic band.

If you would like more details of the event, you can contact John Coyle

Speaking in Thomond Park, Sunderland AFC Chairman Niall Quinn said they are really looking forward to travelling to Limerick. “The SAFC Foundation, the club’s official charity, has already been over to assist the Trust as it rolls out programmes that will help young people to make better life choices and to have enhanced aspirations in the area where Shane lived. We’re now bringing the team over to support the ongoing work that the Shane Geoghegan Trust so valuably carries out. All funds from the night will go to this marvellous initiative and we hope to continue supporting it for a long time.”

Pat O Sullivan CEO of Munster FC & Limerick FC said that he was delighted to be asked if limerick could organise a Munster Selection team to play such a marvelous team as Sunderland FC. He further noted that all in limerick FC were delighted to assist the S.G.T. as the Goals of both organizations are very similar in relation to their commitment to the local community.

Tony Geoghegan, on behalf of the Shane Geoghegan Trust thanked all those who are making the event possible. He singled out Niall Quinn and Sunderland AFC’s incredibly generous gesture, bringing the club to Thomond Park. He also praised Pat O’Sullivan of Munster FC for providing a competitive team made up of the best of Munster’s League of Ireland players augmented by Premiership and other top quality players. He also thanked John Cantwell of Thomond Park and Munster Rugby for their help and support together with the support of IRFU, FAI, GAA and both the Limerick Leader and Limerick95FM was also acknowledged. He described the fixture as “a day for Shane”, a day for Munster and a day for fun, and urged the people of Munster to come out and support their team.

Declan Madden President Munster Branch IRFU said Munster Rugby are delighted to be associated with such a worthy project, by making Thomond Park available to host the Sunderland Game. It is appropriate that Munster Rugby supports the Shane Geoghegan Trust as Shane was a true Rugby person, who played and loved the game, was a great clubman with Garryowen FC and embodied all the qualities of heart and spirit which makes Munster Rugby what it is.

JohnCantwell Stadium Director of Thomond Park said how very pleased they are to be involved with this event in aid of The Shane Geoghegan Trust which is such a worthwhile and positive initiative. It is fitting that Thomond Park the home of rugby can play its part to ensure that this unique event is delivered and they encourage everybody to support and attend on this special day.

Limerick FC would like to wish both teams and the Shane Geoghegan Trust the best of luck!