Win Richard Dunne's '5uperman' jersey
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The Football Association of Ireland have launched an auction for fans to bid for Richard Dunne’s famous ‘homemade’ number 5 jersey worn during Ireland’s nil all draw in Moscow against Russia on September 6. Richard officially launched the auction on Premier Soccer Saturday on RTE 2.
Richard’s fearless performance in the game was truly memorable, and fans have now been given the opportunity to get their hands on this iconic piece of Irish kit.
The debacle happened during the second half of Ireland’s Group B Qualifier game against Russia in Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow. After cutting his face tumbling onto the running track surrounding the pitch in the stadium, Richard was forced to change into an unmarked ‘Blood sub’ jersey to re-commence play. The referee objected to a player being on the pitch without a visible number on his jersey, so quick-thinking Goalkeeper Coach, Alan Kelly produced a permanent marker to draw the number 5 on Dunne’s jersey. The jersey has since been framed to preserve its authenticity.
Richard has kindly donated the jersey to benefit his chosen charities, Barretstown and The National Children’s Hospital, Tallaght. To raise money, the FAI is running a ‘lowest unique bid’ auction through their Facebook page. The auction costs just €5 to enter, and bidders are invited to make a bid which they believe no one else will make. The lowest monetary amount not bid by anyone else will be deemed the winner. So fans could win a piece of iconic kit for as little as their €5 for their entry fee, and 1 cent for their bid, whilst benefitting two very good causes! The auction can be accessed at www.facebook.com/faiofficial. Alternatively, users can visit www.fai.ie/dunnesjersey. All proceeds from the auction will go to Barretstown and the National Children’s Hospital, Tallaght.
Speaking today Richard said, ‘I chose two charities that are very close to my heart. One of my neighbours, Stephen Perth, attended Barretstown when he was younger and has returned since then to volunteer on a regular basis. I saw this as my opportunity to support the work he does. I also grew up in Tallaght, so I wanted to give something back to my community and chose the National Children’s Hospital, Tallaght as the other charity to benefit from this auction. We’ll hopefully raise a fair bit, as they are both very worthy causes.’
CEO of Barretstown, Dee Ahearn said, ‘We are delighted that the FAI has come on board to support Barretstown with this unique and fun auction. This autumn we will pass the amazing milestone of welcoming 21,000 campers from Ireland and across Europe to Barretstown. Childhood cancer affects 150 many families in Ireland each year, and it is through organizations like the FAI, players like Richard Dunne and also the generous commitment of the Stephen Perth and his family, we will be able to continue to welcome many more campers in 2012’.
Ciara O’Grady from Fundraising in The National Children’s Hospital, Tallaght said, ‘All at the National Children’s Hospital, Tallaght are delighted that Richard has chosen us to benefit from the auction of his prestigious jersey'.
The auction will run until Thursday October 20th, with the lucky winner being announced on Friday October 21st. Terms and conditions apply.
