Athlone group aiming to give benevolent fund a regional focus
Former Athlone Town great Harry McCue, the recently appointed chairman of the Irish Professional Footballers Benevolent Association (IPFBA), was among those who attended a meeting in The Bounty, Athlone last Thursday night.
The purpose of the meeting was to get together and discuss any problems or health issues that former players may have. The newly established group is looking to provide care and consideration for ex-players who may have fallen on hard times for any reason.
Former Athlone Town players Dennis Clarke and Gordon Brett, along with Michael Sheehan (whose son Alan had a successful professional career in England before moving into coaching and management) were welcomed to the IPFBA committee as regional officers for the Midlands. John Mannion and Gerry Daly were also present, representing the Galway group.
The intention is to have a group of regional officers in every area of the country where League of Ireland clubs play.
Those involved believe that the IPFBA will prove a great addition to support players who have finished their professional football careers and who may be dealing with medical and financial challenges.
“We trust that the organisation will be a great support for former players in their time of need,” said former Athlone Town star Pauric Nicholson, who also attended last week’s gathering in Athlone.
On a personal basis, Pauric provided assistance and support to the late Jackie Quinn, a footballing hero of his when growing up, and also to John Minnock, a former Athlone Town teammate, who has endured some health challenges.
Earlier this year, following the death of Athlone Town legend Eugene ‘Pooch’ Davis, Pauric arranged a get together for a number of former colleagues, including Minnock, in order to share their memories of Eugene and of their time playing with Athlone.
Pauric believes that the benevolent association can really assist players who may need support for various reasons.
The respected Athlone sporting figure also revealed that he has been in contact with Tom Parsons, chief executive of the Gaelic Players Association (GPA), to seek advice. The GPA also has a benevolent fund in place to support current and past players who are experiencing difficulties.