ROY KEANE AND John Caulfield were in attendance at the official launch of the Liam Miller Benefit Match, which is due to take place at Turner’s Cross in September.
Miller’s former team-mates from his time with Manchester United, Glasgow Celtic and the Republic of Ireland will play in the special tribute match in Miller’s home county following his passing in February.
The 36-year-old died following a short battle with pancreatic cancer.
Lord Mayor of Cork Councillor, Mick Finn, formally launched the memorial game at Cork City Hall on Wednesday morning, which will take place on 25 September [kick-off: 3pm].
“The Miller family suffered a devastating loss with Liam’s tragic passing earlier this year, and it is fantastic to see how the football community has responded so magnificently to this tribute match,” he said.
I am sure that the people of Cork, and indeed the country, will come out in force to support this great initiative. It promises to be a unique sporting event with so many greats of football set to take part.”
The benefit match will see a Man United legends side face an Ireland-Celtic selection and will be followed by a black tie gala dinner in Cork City Hall, with all the proceeds going to Miller’s young family to help them rebuild their lives.
Among the players confirmed to honour the 21-time capped Ireland international are United legends Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Denis Irwin, Jaap Stam, Louis Saha, Nicky Butt and Rio Ferdinand, while Roy Keane will lead the side.
Tables for the gala dinner are now almost sold out.
The Ireland-Celtic combined selection will be managed by current Ireland boss Martin O’Neill and will feature several former Ireland internationals, including Robbie Keane, Damien Duff, Stephen Carr, Kevin Doyle, Keith Andrews, Richard Dunne, Kenny Cunningham, Kevin Kilbane and Andy Reid pull on their boots again.
The idea for the tribute match came from a number of people who knew and worked with Miller, including Sir Alex Ferguson, Roy Keane, Man United chief executive Ed Woodward and family neighbour Michael O’Flynn.
Tickets for the benefit match are on sale through Ticketmaster on Friday 20 July at 10am.
For more information on the game, visit the Liam Miller Tribute website here.
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