Manchester United legend Keane set for visit to benefit Craigavon borough club

Manchester United legend Roy Keane has confirmed an appearance in the area to benefit a grassroots football club based in the Craigavon borough.
Roy Keane. Pic by Joe Giddens/PA Wire.Roy Keane. Pic by Joe Giddens/PA Wire.
Roy Keane. Pic by Joe Giddens/PA Wire.

Keane, the former Republic of Ireland and United captain, is set to attend a charity gala night in The Armagh City Hotel on Thursday, February 4 to aid Lurgan’s Train To Be Smart Juniors.

The Train To Be Smart project was set up by former Manchester United player Pat McGibbon. The Lurgan-born former Northern Ireland international is now part of Portadown’s backroom team in the Irish League.

Tickets will go on sale in Lurgan’s Skelton Travel from Monday, November 16 at the cost of £65.

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The Republic of Ireland assistant manager and ITV pundit will be interviewed on stage before what promises to be a lively question and answer session with members of the public.

“United fans will love it,” said McGibbon. “But I’m sure there’ll be supporters of other clubs and none who’ll want to hear what Roy has to say as well.

“It’s a rare chance for people to enjoy a night with him and we’re going to make it a bit special with a motivational speaker, dinner and entertainment.”

The speaker is flamboyant Scotsman Watt Nicoll, who has worked with international sports stars and was voted the world’s top motivator.

There’s also a charity auction.

Tickets for An Evening With Roy Keane go on general sale next Monday at Skelton Travel in Lurgan.

The 600 tickets are expected to be snapped up quickly - there will also be a limited number of corporate tables of 10.

The £65 includes a drinks reception, three-course meal, the question and answer session, guest speaker and live entertainment.

Proceeds from the night go to the Train to be Smart TTBS Juniors charity now set to be rolled out across the ABC Borough Council area.

TTBS provides grassroots football coaching for young people and education on the importance of sport for improving physical and mental health.

The Armagh event is part of a major fund-raising drive as the charity aims to secure its own facilities to expand its work.