For GAA followers, Ireland’s 34 senior county championship jerseys will be up for auction. When questioned about that number – since, at last count, Ireland was holding steady at 32 counties – Fiona Smyth, who spent many hours collecting the shirts for the auction, laughed.
“In case some readers think our count is wrong, the 33rd and 34th counties are our own New York and other immigrant footballers in London,” she said. “All 34 county boards have very generously donated their respective jerseys – many of them signed by the team – in aid of this very worthy cause.”
Smyth pointed out that the collection was not only unique, but also carried sentimental value for both Irish Americans and Irish-born sports fans.
“We hope that all the GAA fans will turn out and support our fundraiser, and your home counties by bidding for these jerseys,” she said.
The highlights of this collection are jerseys from the Tyrone, Kilkenny and Kerry championship teams. Tyrone, the reigning All-Ireland Senior Football Champions, donated a jersey signed by all the players who brought their county to victory. Kilkenny, the reigning All Ireland Senior Hurling Champions, donated two jerseys: one signed by the present Kilkenny manager and also by the last three captains of championship teams. The other Kilkenny jersey is signed by the entire 2008 team.
The Kerry team’s donated jersey is framed and was signed by Kerry football star Colm “The Gooch” Cooper – considered by many to be one of the best Gaelic players of his time.
Smyth points out that other sports will be well-represented at the auction.
“For rugby fans, we have a signed Munster Rugby jersey,” she said. “And, not forgetting our ice hockey fans, we are delighted to have up for grabs a signed New York Islanders jersey and also a team-signed New York Rangers jersey.”
Kenny Egan, Ireland’s Olympic Boxing champion, donated a signed set of boxing gloves. For soccer fans, there will be an opportunity to take home a pair of goalie gloves signed by Shay Given, Irish International and Newcastle goalkeeper.
Sports fans aren’t the only ones who will find something exciting to bid on at the auction.
“We will be auctioning off two tickets to see Van Morrison, who will be performing in Madison Square Garden in February,” said Smyth. “We also have a ‘Father Ted’ DVD box set, signed by Ardal O’Hanlon, who played Fr. Dougal on the show.”
Proceeds from the auction will benefit the McShane family, who suffered a tragic loss earlier this year. Jerome McShane, a 22-year veteran of Carpenters Local 608, his wife Catherine, a native of Holycross, Co. Tipperary, and their three children (Donal 9, Nicole 4, Anita 2) returned to Jerome’s native Kilcar, Co. Donegal, last June, to be closer to their family and await the birth of their twins.
Nine weeks after relocating, their world was turned upside down, when Catherine was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Catherine, knowing she only had a few weeks to live, showed courage and strength that can only truly be appreciated by those who witnessed it.
Due to complications associated with Catherine’s illness, the doctors delivered her two beautiful baby girls, Aisling & Catherine, premature at 28 weeks on September 10, 2008.
Sadly, Catherine passed away 11 days later on Sept. 21, 2008. As a widower and father of five wonderful children, Jerome is left with a difficult road in front of him.
The event will begin at 2 p.m., with entertainment provided by students from the Niall Mulligan Irish Music School and the Brendan Dolan Irish Music School. Additional entertainment will be provided by some of the many professional bands who have signed on to perform at the event. For information, contact Fiona Smyth, (718) 706-0554, or John McKenzie, (917) 370-6333.