Ratoath event gets underway as Sean Cox shows 'encouraging' signs

The 'Sixes for Sean' soccer tournament got up and running at Ratoath today as the push continues to generate funds for the Dunboyne man who is showing signs of recovery.  

The soccer tournament is being hosted today and tomorrow by Ratoath FC at their grounds on the Skryne Road with games getting underway this morning at 10.30. The tournament is the latest effort to raise money for the Sean Cox Rehabilitation Fund which has so far generated  €1.1 million. 

The aim is to generate €2 million for the fund as this is the sum that has been estimated Sean will need for longer term care and treatment both in Ireland and abroad. 

The 53-years-old father of three - and dedicated Liverpool fan - was inflicted with devastating brain injuries outside Anfield last April when he was attacked by Roma fans. 

However, in recent days his wife Martina has indicated that he is showing "encouraging" signs of improvement. 

“Seán has some more words and is trying very hard to sing along to familiar songs; these are encouraging and proud steps for us all,” she said in a statement. 

She added she was deeply grateful to everyone who supported Seán, her and their children, Jack, Shauna and Emma, since her husband was assulted. 

“Our family used the time with Seán over Christmas to try and relay to him the public goodwill and support there has been for him over the eight months since his attack," she said.

“We have shown him social media posts, press clippings and videos from fundraising events across Ireland, England and further afield, the GoFundMe page and the SupportSean.com website, letters and signed jerseys, all in aid of Sean and his recovery.

The organisers of the 'Sean Cox Sixes' event in Ratoath received a huge response with teams from all over the north-east and Dublin entering. The aim is to generate in the region of €15,000 for the fund. 

"Our original target was €5,000 but we received so much goodwill that we are looking at raising something in the region of €15,000," said Brian Conway one of the organisers of the Ratoath tournament. 

It costs each team €300 to enter but there is also a "monster raffle and auction" with bidding online for a variety of items such as Champions League final tickets and signed Irish jerseys. 

In all 28 teams are taking part in the tournament with games expected to continue until around 3pm tomorrow when the grand final is due to take place.