Macroom FC meet John Giles and Euro 2012 trophy at the CSL launch
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MACROOM F.C schoolboys league winning captains Robert Healy and Cathal O'Riordan had the pleasure of meeting former Republic of Ireland and Leeds legend John Giles at the recent launch of the Cork Schoolboys League 2010/11 season at the ambassador hotel in Cork on Tuesday night.
Both captains were invited by the club in recognition of their hard work in leading their under-11 and 12 sides to league victory last season. The captains were accompanied by club committee members Ronan Collins and Denis Canty. All Cork schoolboys league teams were also represented at the evening, so it was a good opportunity for banter to be exchanged between all these young players. Cork's Life 93.1 FM organised the launch on the night, to outline their plans for their weekly cork schoolboys league show with Donal Kelleher.
John Giles was the distinguished guest, but also used the opportunity to speak about his newly formed John Giles Foundation. The foundation is represented by John Giles himself, the FAI and also all the schoolboys league soccer clubs around the country.
"One of the primary aims of the foundation is to bring all clubs in various areas around the country closer together, and to use fund-raising activities to help develop the game in Ireland," Giles said. The funds raised would be used then to assist clubs in expanding and developing their facilities. Giles also mentioned that he wanted to give something back, as the game has been so good to him.
"I was lucky to realise my dream to become a professional footballer. Not every footballer in this country gets to realise their dream of making it as a professional, but the least we can do is help these young footballers to have every chance of realising those dreams.
" When I was young growing up in Dublin, we could play football on the street, as there were not as many cars and it was safer. But nowadays, young footballers need the correct environment to develop their skills," Giles added.
FAI representative Noel Mooney also outlined the FAI's support of the John Giles foundation. Mooney also kindly brought the UEFA Euro 2012 trophy and all parties (young and old!) had the pleasure of getting their picture taken with both John Giles and the trophy itself.
- Denis Canty
