Sports fans set to score at auction

Fancy owning a signed book and glove from Clarke, signed shoes from McIlroy or a signed shirt and cap from McDowell? Then the Ballymoney’s Manor Hotel on Saturday 3 September is the place to be.

Other items up for grabs include an Ulster Rugby signed shirt, a Rangers signed shirt and a football signed by the Liverpool football team squad, just to name but a few.

The brain child of Ballymoney man Micky Connor of Newhill Park, the auction aims to raise vital funds for the Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children.

Speaking to Niamh Burns from the Times, Micky said he was overjoyed with the response he’s received from the clubs and sportsmen so far.

“The response has been great.” Micky stated. “I contacted many clubs and sportsmen to see if they would support the fundraiser and help raise as much money as possible for the Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children.

“And I have been totally amazed and delighted with the amount of stuff that has been donated.

“We welcome any signed memorabilia possible and we would appreciate any donations. This is for a great cause and we hope to see big crowds on the night.”

Other sporting memorabilia donated includes an Antrim hurling signed shirt, a Glentoran F.C signed shirt, a Rangers training jacket donated by Steven Davis, a Coleraine F.C signed shirt, a signed shirt from Belfast Giants star Andrew Dickson, a Kyle Lafferty photo, and a Fulham F.C shirt signed by all the squad.

And Gracehill Golf Club has pitched in with a four ball voucher which will be up for grabs on the night.

Liam Beckett donated a special shirt with the famous Robert Dunlop logo on it which will be signed by the race ace’s sons Michael and William as well as a signed football from the celebrity charity game in honour of Robert which took place to raise funds for his sculpture.

Micky has been important member of the Ballymoney branch of the Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children, alongside Anne McConville, for nine years. In that time he has helped generate more than £20,000 for the charity.

Thanking everyone for their generous donations, Micky is urging anyone interested in an item to ‘start bidding asap and help raise as much money’ for the event.

He added: “Although the auction will be held in September people can express an interest in items and place a bid now.

“All they have to do is call me and give details of what they want to bid on and how much.

“I would really like to thank everyone who has been involved in the event so far especially the sports stars who have given so generously.

“I would also like to encourage everyone to start bidding asap and help raise as much money for this extremely worthwhile cause.”

You can contact Micky on 07799442507 if you have any interest and/or queries about the event.

The Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children is a registered charity, which offers practical, emotional and financial support to children and young people up to and including the age of 24, who are living with cancer, and their families.