Big-ticket sports memorabilia auctioned for Concern
Croke Park's financial controller is swapping his account books for walking boots in a bid to raise money for Concern - and has put his connections to good use by compiling an impressive list of sports items for an online auction.
Allen Duffy will set off for the Himalayas on November 11 with 14 other fundraisers to undertake a six-day trek for Concern.
His main fundraiser is an online auction of sporting memorabilia - including a 2005 Champions League replica ball signed by Kaka and Steve Gerrard, a signed Rugby World Cup jersey and a Man Utd ball signed by Roy Keane.
Allen plans to raise up to €15,000 for the charity via the auction.
The list of items is still growing and bids have already started. The current full list of items up for grabs is:
- Signed 2007 Irish rugby world cup squad jersey
- 2005 Champions league replica ball signed by Kaka and Steve Gerrard
- Hurley signed by the Limerick squad - All-Ireland Finalists 2007
- Hurley signed by the Waterford squad (NHL & Munster champions) 2007
- Manchester United ball signed by Roy Keane
- International rules Irish jersey 2005 signed by whole squad
- Football signed by the 2007 Cork senior football team
- Football signed by the 2007 Meath senior football team
Allen - who keeps fit by playing football in his native Monaghan - says he'll need to get in some trekking before the Himalayan adventure.
"I'll need to head down to the Wicklow mountains this weekend to get started," the 31-year-old said today.
Allen said he "called in major favours" to put the impressive list together and has been amazed by people's response so far.
"It's a really good cause, so it's great to see people respond like this," he said.
