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27th Mar 2018

Ireland legends Damien Duff and Kevin Kilbane lead line-up for Ryan McBride Foundation’s ‘Master Sixes’ event

Matthew Gault

Great line-up. Great cause.

A host of Irish football legends will descend on the new-look Brandywell Stadium this Easter Monday to mark the one-year anniversary of the death of Ryan McBride.

Damien Duff and Kevin Kilbane are among those due to take part in the Master Sixes, a 6-a-side tournament, with proceeds going to the Ryan McBride Foundation, which was set up following the Derry City captain’s sudden passing in March 2017 at the age of 27.

The Republic of Ireland team will be managed by current U21 boss, Noel King, who also served as Derry City manager for two years between 1985-87.

As well as Duff and Kilbane, the squad is made up of Stephen Hunt, Stephen McPhail, Wayne Henderson, Mark Kinsella, Kevin Doyle.

The Derry City team is managed by Felix Healy, who was the last man to clinch the League of Ireland trophy for the Candystripes. The club’s 6-a-side outfit is made up of familiar faces, including Dermott O’Neill, Eddie McCallion, Peter Hutton, Barry Molloy, Ruaidhri Higgins, Kevin Deery, Kevin McHugh and Gary Beckett.

Northern Ireland are also taking part, with David Healy, Ivan Sproule, Paul McVeigh, Michael Gault, Gary Hamilton, Mark Clyde and Pat McGibbon making up a strong-looking Green and White Army contingent.

The League of Ireland squad consists of Stephen McGuinness, Ollie Cahill, Gary O’Neill, Stephen Rice, Barry Ryan, Ken Oman, Gary Twigg, Shaun Maher and Gary Dempsey.

The funds raised will go to the Ryan McBride Foundation, offering it the opportunity to continue its commendable efforts in aspiring young people in the North West through football. The Foundation was set up by Ryan McBride’s father Lexie, his sisters, Coleen, Caitlin and Siuinin, his partner, Mairead and his brother-in-law Gareth.

The Master Sixes kicks off in the Brandywell at 1.30pm on Easter Monday. Tickets are priced at £10 for an adult, £5 child or £25 for a family of four.

There is also a dinner in the Everglades Hotel in the evening, featuring a Q&A with Kilbane.

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