Man Utd memorabilia among auction items for Kilberry cancer fundraiser

A PAIR of football boots autographed by Everton and former Manchester United player Phil Neville and a Manchester United jersey signed buy the Old Trafford side are among the items to be auctioned at a fundraising night for cancer research and development in Kilberry this weekend.

The benefit night for the Mater Hospital on Saturday night, 8th December, has been organised by family and friends of 26-year-old Ciaran Maree, from Donaghpatrick, Navan, who died in September after a short battle with cancer. Ciaran, a member of a well-known local family, was diagnosed with the illness shortly before he had intended travelling to Australia.

An accountant in Trim, he had only recently become a chartered accountant, receiving outstanding results from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland. Ciaran was planning on travelling the world, eventually meeting up with his many friends in Australia.

His family and friends want to ensure that, in the future, progress will be made in developing more sophisticated oncology treatments, more equipment for oncology units and to educate and raise awareness in people both young and old on the importance of keeping their health in check, such as breast checks, and testicular and prostate cancer checks.

The fundraising night takes place in Scanlon's of Kilberry and novelty items for auction include 'a charming chauffeur for a day', a 'hunky window cleaner for a day' and a 'date with fate'!

Ciaran was an avid sportsman and was a past-player, member and supporter of his local football club, Wolfe Tones GFC. Among the items for auction will be a jersey signed by the team in memory of Ciaran. The Manchester united jersey comes with a certificate of authenticity.

Also going under the hammer will be a 42" Phillips LCD flat screen TV, a Montessori method of education diploma course, part-time, capture your wedding day on DVD by a professional videographer, a complete bedroom suite, five driving lessons by a professional instructor, helicopter ride with a professional pilot for four people, plane ride with a professional pilot for two people, Headfort Golf Club green fee voucher for one fourball, one night's stay for two in the Cavan Crystal Hotel, traditional Irish pub night in Johnny Fox's pub, including evening meal; vouchers from Falcon/JWT holidays, Balwin's Jewellers, McKenna Man, Scanlon's Pub, Zuccini's Restaurant, Dunboyne Castle Restaurant, weekend for two in the Loch Allen Hotel and more.

Peadar Farrelly will be MC for the night, and the McGarry brothers will provide the entertainment. A fundrsising raffle will also be taking place, with a first prize of a fitted kitchen from Chris Curtis Kitchens.

All support is welcome. An account has also been set up in AIB Kells for those who wish to make a donation. The account name is Ciaran Maree - Cancer Research and Development Fund, account number 09590052, sort code 93-25-31.