England may have come up short in the final of Euro 2020, but Irish football won’t be complaining as the Three Lions delivered plenty of goals on their run to the final – and a big wedge of cash for Irish clubs thanks to Paddy!
Having pledged to contribute €10,000 every time England scored a goal in the tournament as part of the #saveourgame campaign, Paddy’s signed the giant cheque and we’re delighted to reveal that the grand total being donated to grassroots Irish football clubs around the country off the back of England’s performance comes to just under €129,000!
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Luke Shaw’s early lightning bolt against eventual winners Italy in the final helped net one final cash injection for Irish football, and we decided to pay the full amount in pounds sterling instead which works out at €128,650.
Given England, and Raheem Sterling in particular, are responsible for this eye-watering windfall, we felt it was only right to cough up in their currency.
We’re only delighted to help Irish teams, and they haven’t been slow to claim a chunk of cash through Paddy Power’s €100,000 #saveourgame pledge.
Here are a few of the clubs who are benefitting from England’s run to the final and we’ll be updating with more sides as the cash is splashed over the coming weeks…
FERRY RANGERS FC
Paddy has come to the rescue of a North Kerry soccer club after they shared snaps of dressing rooms that looked as if they had come straight from the set of a horror movie. Ferry Rangers, in Tarbert, got in touch with the us thanks to our #Saveourgame campaign. The club, which is part of the Kerry District League, have been using rotten containers since the late ‘90s as their changing rooms and had to bring their ‘facilities’ with them 10 years ago when they relocated to Ferry Park.
We have seen some frightening things in our inbox since asking clubs to get in touch with us for donations. But, we had to confirm with the club that the images were not taken from the set of the latest instalment of the ‘Saw’ movie franchise. They were, in fact, the changing rooms that both they and their opposition tog out in before matches. Thankfully, because of the success of the Three Lions, we were able to help them out!
SEA ROVERS FC
Paddy gave a ‘bridging loan’ to Malin Head based Sea Rovers FC. The Donegal club have been using an ancient lorry trailer – the wheels still hang from the undercarriage – and a rickety-old bridge more suited to Jumanji than the Inishowen Football League, to access their picturesque pitch which is marooned by the Keenagh River. Irish fans are more than familiar with the term ‘bridging loan’ for all the wrong reasons, but we’re hoping this donation brings a whole new meaning to the phrase. And, best of all, we pinkie promise not to ask for our money back in a month’s time.
Sallynoggin Pearse FC
One of Irish legend Paul McGrath’s former clubs, Sallynoggin Pearse FC were the latest side to pocket €10,000 after vandals and fire destroyed their ‘tin can’ clubhouse which they had been using since the 1970s. The hefty sum will go towards replacing and modernising their facilities. Nice one, Raheem!
Brideview United
Following the Three Lions’ 1-0 Group D win over the Czech Republic, Brideview United AFC in Waterford and Celtic Park AFC in North Dublin scored because Sterling found the net. Brideview’s clubhouse was severely damaged as a result of an electrical fire in May but Paddy paid out on an early 50th birthday present for the club to help them get their faculties back up to scratch and match fit.
Celtic Park AFC
Celtic Park FC’s matches are regularly halted due to helicopters landing on their pitch, which is located near to Beaumount Hospital, in case of emergencies. The choppers cut up their hallowed turf and Paddy’s cash will go towards much needed pitch maintenance to help avoid unnecessary injuries.
Lenamore Rovers & Ballymun United
Lenamore Rovers, a small club in south Kerry, got some new goal nets after sharing images of theirs behind held together with cable ties while Dublin’s Ballymun United secured some cash to help fund new balls, bibs, training equipment and kits.
Kilbarry Rangers
Kilbarry Rangers, who are part of the Waterford Football League, got some dosh to help cover the unexpected Covid 19 costs that have hit the fledgling club, who were brought back to life in 2019 by the grandson of the original founder.
St Carthage’s AFC
The Tullamore, Co. Offaly club, were another side hit by mindless vandalism which saw thugs rip down everything they own including the interior walls of their changing facilities.
Coole Football Club
Based in Gort, Co Galway, the club struggled to get grants for financial assistance from either side of the county line as they play in the Clare League. Their request was a load of balls and Paddy was more than happy to oblige. Play on, lads.
Carrick Town AFC
Members of the Sligo-Leitrim District League, they rent The Showgrounds, have been getting by with the bare minimum of equipment recently but no more thanks to Paddy’s #SaveOurGame campaign.
If your club needs a clubhouse refit – or just a few footballs – get in touch via saveourgame@paddypower.com explaining what they need cash for and why.
READ MORE
- Paul McGrath’s former club latest to cash in thanks to Paddy’s 100k #SaveOurGame campaign
- Paddy’s giving €10k to Irish footy every time England net at Euros
- Czech Please: Sterling converts to Euros for Paddy’s #saveourgame campaign
- Paddy puts first €10,000 from #saveourgame into Irish football
- Come on you boys in white! Paddy pays homage to Grealish and Rice with Dublin mural
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