Keane urges all sports fans to back Miller tribute
Roy Keane has urged sports fans of all codes to move on from the controversy over the venue for the Liam Miller tribute game in Cork next month and focus on making it a sold-out event for the ages.
Organisers relaunch ticket sales next Monday for the 45,000-capacity Páirc Uí Chaoimh event on September 25, with committee chair Michael O’Flynn insisting yesterday that a sell-out is the primary goal.
Keane, who has named a stellar Manchester United squad for the game, said: “It’s a lovely bonus that it’s in the Páirc now. I know a lot of people were getting emotional about it when it wasn’t going to be there and we went around the houses a bit, But we eventually got there and credit to the GAA for that.
When you grow up in Cork, everyone is a GAA fan, but we are also soccer, rugby, and boxing supporters too. It’s a great sporting city and I think everyone will rise above all that stuff now and just support the occasion. Liam Miller was a good guy, and we shouldn’t forget that.
Mr O’Flynn said former Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson is another who is thrilled the game has been moved to the Páirc. Organisers are “hopeful, but not expecting” Ferguson to attend following his recent health problems.
Keane, 47 today, will bring an eye-watering array of ex-Old Trafford talent to Cork, including Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, David May, Mikael Silvestre, Ronny Johnsen, Rio Ferdinand, Andy Cole, Gary Neville, Nicky Butt, and the man Keane admitted yesterday he’d pay to watch anytime: Denis Irwin.
Their Celtic and Republic of Ireland opponents may have the legs on the United veterans if they use the likes of Robbie Keane, Damien Duff, Richard Dunne, Neil Lennon, Paul Lambert, Kevin Doyle, and Keith Andrews.
Mr O’Flynn said: “In fairness to the GAA, they found themselves in a difficult position but they arrived at the solution the vast majority of members wanted. Some people struggled with the whole idea because they felt it was going to create precedent. This is a charity event and from what I have seen, GAA people are going to come out in their droves to support this.
People really wanted the game to be in the Páirc. It is something that has rarely happened in Irish sporting history. Having got to this point, I think it would be a great pity if we don’t sell it out. Because it deserves it.
“Everyone is fascinated by the unique nature of the event. The Miller family is humbled by the reaction. In a strange way, it’s helped them with their grieving. I wonder is this something that will ever happen again.”
