Limerick gardai and solicitors put best foot forward for charity

SOLICITORS are used to tackling gardai in the witness box but this time it's in the penalty box!

The third annual charity football match between Limerick solicitors and members of An Garda Siochana takes place at 6pm this Friday, June 7 in Janesboro FC.

It is being organised by Garda Barry O'Donnell, Roxboro Community Policing and the Limerick Solicitors Bar Association's Derek Walsh, of MHP Sellors Solicitors.

Gardai and solicitors have each won a match but the jury is out on who will win their third game on Friday.

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Mr Walsh said all proceeds raised will be donated to Cliona’s Foundation who do incredible work in providing practical financial assistance to families caring for a seriously sick child.

“The support Cliona’s provide to families is very unique in that it helps them with the significant non- medical costs of caring for their sick child. These are costs that those of us with healthy children do not have to think about.

"But if you find yourself in the position of spending weeks and months travelling to hospitals in Dublin, Cork or even overseas to be with a sick child or for treatment appointments, the financial pressure of paying out for travel, accommodation, car parking an much more is immense.

“Cliona’s helps alleviate some of that pressure and since 2007 they have supported over 1,300 families nationwide of which 265 are from the Midwest. This year alone they have distributed €177,500 to 71 families all over the country," said Mr Walsh. 

Donate here : iDonate.ie | Support Limerick Solicitors v. An Garda Síochána

Garda O'Donnell said: "This has been a fun event for the past two years and it give us the opportunity to give back to great causes while also creating awareness of the incredible work Cliona's do and make families in financial crisis with a sick child aware that there is help there for them.  

"If you can’t play, feel free to pop up to watch what will be an entertaining match and / or come along for the post-match drinks - we would love the support.

"There will be a trophy presentation and a few drinks in Jerry Flannery’s after the match,” said Garda O Donnell, who adds that donations will also be very gratefully accepted through the link above.