Stars come out to play on St Stephen's Day
The Mark Reilly Memorial soccer matches, in aid of Galway Charity Cope, take place on St Stephen's Day at Mervue United FC grounds, starting at 11.15am.
This event is an annual Cope fundraiser and has been named in honour of the late Mark Reilly, who was tragically killed in a helicopter accident earlier this year.
Organised annually by Galway physio James O'Toole, the matches involves three games - two of which involve teams from Galway's leading soccer clubs. The teams will be captained by local soccer greats who include, Eamon Chick Deacy of West United, Martin Ridge of Salthill Devon, Mike McDonald of Mervue United FC, and Galway United's Billy Cleary.
The third game is the All Stars match and will feature the cream of local GAA stars. Galway's senior football manager Peter Forde along with Galway football stars Ray Silke, Michael Meehan, Declan Meehan, and Lorcan Colleran will be in action, along with Mayo's Alan Dillon, Conor Mortimer, and Trevor Mortimer. Galway's All Ireland winning women's players Ger Conneely and Lorna Joyce will join Mayo star Cora Staunton, while hurling players include Galway manager Conor Hayes, David Tierney, and Tony Og Reagan.
The first match is Mervue United FC v Galway Utd FC at 11.15am, followed by West Utd v Salthill Devon at 1pm. A celebrity penalty shootout will take place at 1.45pm featuring Nick Leeson, Stephen Lally, and Ollie Daniels, plus many surprise penalty takers.
The final game will be between two All Stars teams at 2pm.
