Ireland

All-star line-up announced for Liam Miller tribute match in Cork

Former Ireland international Liam Miller, who died from cancer in February at the age of 36. Picture by PA
Former Ireland international Liam Miller, who died from cancer in February at the age of 36. Picture by PA Former Ireland international Liam Miller, who died from cancer in February at the age of 36. Picture by PA

ROY Keane has announced an all-star line up for next month's fundraiser in memory of former Republic of Ireland player Liam Miller at Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork.

The Republic's assistant manager will captain a side of former Manchester United teammates that will include Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Denis Irwin, Rio Ferdinand, Andy Cole, Gary Neville and Nicky Butt.

A Celtic/Republic of Ireland side taking them on will features stars such as Robbie Keane, Damien Duff, Kevin Kilbane and Richard Dunne.

Tickets for the event on Tuesday September 25 go on sale on Monday.

Liam Miller died from cancer in February at the age of 36.

Initially the GAA would not give permission for the match to be played at Páirc Uí Chaoimh due to a ban on 'foreign' games in its stadia, but it came under intense pressure to open up the ground from senior political figures including Tánaiste Simon Coveney and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin.

Using the Cork GAA ground will guarantee much greater revenue for good causes than a much smaller soccer stadium.

It is understood the match will be played after a special GAA ‘challenge game’, with a share of the proceeds going to a fund for seriously injured Gaelic games players.