WUFC fans set for charity legends match

A team of Waterford United supporters are set to take on a team of Waterford United legends in a charity match set for the RSC next week. 

The match, in aid of the Eric Butler Appeal and in conjunction with the Blues Supporters Club, will be held on Friday 25th November at the RSC, kicking off at 6.30pm. Afterwards the match will be shown on a big screen in Norris’s Bar.

All the proceeds of the event will be split evenly between Eric's fund and the Blues Supporters Club, except for proceeds gained at bucket collection on the night, all of which will go the Eric's appeal. Eric was born with a rare illness from birth and has had many operations in the past and the fans and legends have stepped up to try to provide financial help to Eric and his family.

The is the second match-up for the fans after the inaugural match last season with saw the legends win on penalties after an entertaining 2-2 draw.  

Martin ‘Mock’ Reid, Johnny Matthews and Alan Barry are some of the legends who have committed their time for the game, with Alan Reynolds, Brendan Rea, Anthony Fennelly and Gary Dempsey some of the more recent players to play at the RSC.

All 22 of the participating fans have committed to raise a minimum of €100 each, and have committed to go beyond the €100 where possible. Also the legends themselves will be raising money for this. There will be a nominal charge at the gate on the night for spectators.

“We did it last year too. Eric is my cousin, and BTID United (Waterford United supporters teams) lads asked me to look into doing it again so I said I would, only if a charity was involved too”, organiser Russell Dalton explained. “So I thought Eric’s Appeal would be perfect. Pascal ‘Snackbox’ Keane and Johnny Mathews were delighted to get legends together for such a great cause and loved the idea of playing under lights this time. The Council had no problem using RSC and the club [Waterford United] are giving us a loan of jerseys for the legends. The Legends are raising money on cards too”, he said.

Waterford United Legends

Pat Arrigan, Gary Coad, Derek O'Connor, Martin Reid, Paul Cashin, Brendan Rea, Anthony Fennelly, Alan Kelly, Paschal Keane, Johnny Mathews, Martin Quinlivan, Brian Barry, Jimmy Donnelly, Aidan Swift, Alan Reynolds, Mark Browne, Alan Barry, Kieran O'Toole, Gary Dempsey.

Waterford United Fans

Aidan Maher, Patrik Skelton, Declan Toman, John O'Neill, Aaron Daniels, Aidan Bolger, Alan Forristal, Neil Hanlon, Mick Jacob, Graham Coady, David O'Sullivan, Conor Kearney, Anthony Clarke, Brian McArdle, Chris Morrissey, Darryl Foley, Shane Murphy, Pat Kiely, Gary Grant, Kate McGrath, Ross Leonard, Gary Waza O'Brien,

Manager: Russell Dalton, Assistant Manager: Owen Tubbritt, Coaches: Noel Roche, Adrian Flanagan, Darren Flanagan. Kitman: Brian Power.

For anyone who's like to donate to Eric's appeal. NSC: 99-06-32, Account number: 19507341. Bank branch is: Permanent TSB, Morgan Street, Waterford