Legends XI Headlines SpóirtFest 2011
John Aldridge XI v Ballincollig Invitational XI
SpóirtFest 2011 have announced that they will be hosting a Legends XI exhibition match featuring a John Aldridge Legends XI team who will come up against a Ballincollig Invitational XI side on Saturday 30th July at Ballincollig AFC, Cork, KO 6pm.
SpóirtFest organiser, James O’Reilly commented, “SpóirtFest 2011 is delighted to welcome the John Aldridge Legends XI to Ballincollig to take part in this, the first year, of this exciting new festival concept. SpóirtFest is the result of a community collaboration of sports Clubs, and local businesses and organisations, and its aim is to increase participation in sport and activities in Ballincollig and beyond. The money raised from these events will go towards the participating Clubs in the town. We have a hugely exciting line up of events, from tournaments in Gaelic Games, Tag Rugby and Football, to exhibition matches in sports like American Football, Aussie Rules, Lacrosse, Volleyball and Ultimate Frisbee. At night we will have music from Bipolar Empire, Jerry Fish and the Mudbug Club, and Aslan. And what we are very excited about is our showcase sporting event in 2011, which will feature The John Aldridge Legends XI playing a side made up of local and Cork sporting legends and we are so delighted to have such an event on our inaugural Programme. The John Aldridge Legends will also take part in a fundraising poker night in Cork Legend, Podsie O’Mahonys, Bar in Ovens, and it should be fantastic fun taking on these footballing stars.
John Aldridge has put together a legends side of footballing greats, including Jason McAteer, Keith Gillespie, Rob Jones, Tom Boyd, Darren Jackson, John Wark, Paul Walsh, Tommy Johnston, Liam O’ Brien and Ken Doherty. With players from Liverpool, Celtic, Manchester United and Irish internationals this a game for every football fan will enjoy!
John Aldridge commented, “Myself and the rest of the lads on the team are really happy to be involved with SpóirtFest and look forward to the game at Ballincollig AFC. The event is raising funds for local sports clubs; this is really worthwhile to help our younger generations get involved in sport. It is amazing the number of supporters that turn up to our games and help us in raising €1000’s on the day!”
Legends XI said, “We are delighted to be part of SpóirtFest 2011 in Ballincollig, to be part of a whole weekend of sports events is just great! The games we organise are friendly’s but we always find that the competitive streak comes out in the players as soon as they step foot on the pitch. The Legends stars may be a bit older but they haven’t lost their drive for winning or skill with the ball, it’s just remarkable to watch. Any fan would enjoy a day like this!”
SpóirtFest would like to thank the South East Coast Area Development Board for their funding and advice, the Ballincollig Shopping Centre and Ballincollig Credit Union for their very generous sponsorship, Podsie O’Mahony for his generous sponsorship of the Poker Night, Tipperary Water for refreshing the team throughout SpóirtFest and the Doyles River Lee Hotel for helping our Legend guests sleep in complete and luxurious relaxation after their fun day in Ballincollig. Thanks too to the many businesses in Ballincollig, the Cork Sports Partnership and Cork County Council who have helped make this exciting festival happen. And finally and especially of course, special thanks to all the Clubs and people of the town who have co-operated and got behind this magnificent community project.
Tickets are on sale at Evan Gs, Sams Bar, Mary O’Connells and Cummins Sports Outlets. Poker Night with the Legends, €50 Buy-in at Podsie O’Mahonys Pub, Ovens, from 9pm, Saturday 30th July. People can register on the night or by phoning 087 2032051.
