Keeper’s Cup raises €1,530 for cancer charity
Martin and Avril Brady with Alison Nolan and Orla Murphy at the Pauric Brady Memorial event in aid of Éist Cancer Support Centre.Photos: Paul Curran
THE third annual Keeper’s Cup football tournament raised €1,530 for the Éist Cancer Support charity when it took place in Baltinglass on 10 August.
Organised by Baltinglass Town AFC, the tournament honours the memory of Pauric Brady, a former player and coach who passed away over two years ago following a battle with a rare form of cancer.
Six teams participated in the day-long event, which featured nine games in total and attracted supporters from across the local area. The tournament culminated in a final between Parkmore Rovers and Dean Kelly’s, with the local Parkmore Rovers side claiming victory after a penalty shootout.
The cup was presented to Parkmore Rovers captain Fred by Martin Brady, Padraic’s father, with the winning team also photographed alongside Pauric’s family members Avril, Martin and his brother Ronan.
Club chairperson Paddy Barry praised the deep involvement of Pauric’s family in the event, noting that his younger brother Ronan participated as a player in the tournament itself.
“The event is growing every year,” said Mr Barry, explaining that teams travelled from surrounding areas including Rathvilly, Carlow and Ballitore to take part. “We had six full 11-a-side teams. Over the course of the day there were nine games going ahead with two games going on at once.” The tournament ran from 11am until 4pm, after which players and attendees gathered for refreshments at the local pub.
The funds were raised through a combination of player registration fees and donations, totalling €1,130. An additional €400 was contributed by JP Nolan Sports, who sold 65 jerseys for the cause and added €50 from their own contribution.
In a social media post, Baltinglass Town AFC thanked all who supported the event: “A massive thanks to everyone who came to support, donated money or time and played in aid of Éist Cancer Support - a great cause chosen by Pauric’s family.” The club also acknowledged the Carlow District Football League for providing referees and Douglas Jewellers Carlow for sponsorship, having supported the cup since the tournament began three years ago.
The total raised will be presented to Éist Cancer Support at a later date.
