Shamrock Rovers and Bray Wanderers have joined forces to pay tribute to Hoops legend Jacko McDonagh in a very special testimonial game at the Carlisle Grounds in Bray this Sunday, May 26th.
Legends from both clubs will play each other in this unique game with all monies raised set to boost the fund set up to help the former Ireland defender as he battles serious illness.
Capped three times by Ireland in the mid-80s, McDonagh’s life was changed forever when he suffered a devastating stroke in 2022. He is now in full-time care at a South Dublin nursing home with both clubs keen to do their bit to boost the fundraising efforts with this fixture, labelled ‘Together For Jacko’.
The gates for a fun family day out will open at 1.30 pm on Sunday with the match between the Bray Wanderers Legends and Shamrock Rovers Legends set to kick-off at 3 pm.
Jacko won two League of Ireland titles and an FAI Cup winners medal at Rovers before his move to Nimes in France. The Hoops Legends will include his former teammates Mick Byrne, Pat Byrne and Anto Whelan.
“Jacko McDonagh is a League of Ireland legend whose abilities on the pitch are reflected by his popularity off it,” said Hoops Legend Mick Byrne. “There isn’t a fan I’ve met in the League recently who hasn’t asked me how Jacko is doing. This is our opportunity to say thank you to Jacko and to raise much-needed funds as he continues his battle against this debilitating illness. I know how much he means to Rovers and to the League of Ireland and Sunday’s game deserves to be supported.”
The Bray side will include FAI Cup final hat-trick hero John Ryan alongside Seagulls heroes Josh Moran, Robbie Doyle, Jason Byrne, Martin Nugent, Collie Phillips, Dermot Judge and Bo McKeever.
Bray Wanderers Director of Football Pat Devlin added: “The McDonagh family are very grateful that this game is being staged in Bray on Sunday and they really appreciate all the support they have received to date from the Irish football community. Sunday’s match is another opportunity for all us to show how much we loved Jacko as a player and show how much we are there for him now. I would encourage all football fans to show their support for Jacko on Sunday and make this a very special day for all the McDonagh family.”
Tickets for Sunday’s game are available via the Bray Wanderers website and cost €25 for a family ticket (two adults and two kids), €10 for adults and €5 for children.
