World Cup Fever came to Castletown as local teams went head to head for charity.
The Steam Packet took on the undefeated Union Eagles at Castletown Football Club with all proceeds going to The Walton Centre in Liverpool
With a day free from the games in Russia, around 200 people went to The Stadium to watch some of the action closer to home.
The match and family fun day was organised by the family of Chucka O’Brien.
He worked for the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company as Bosun and Quarter Master for more than 40 years until retiring in 2015.
In February he was diagnosed with a brain tumour and later diagnosed with stage four brain cancer for which he has been treated at The Walton Centre.
His daughter Beverley Cowan, who also works for the Steam Packet Company as a passenger services assistant, was thrilled with the support from the public.
‘The team at The Walton Centre were fantastic with dad’s treatment and care, as they are with a number of Island residents who have to go there.
‘Whilst we were there to support my dad, my sister Kerry Humphreys got talking to their charity ladies who told her they rely heavily on charitable donations so, as a family, we decided to put something together to help them.
‘I then spoke to some of my dad’s old colleagues on board the Ben-my-Chree to get a football team out and my brother Peter O’Brien put a team together from our local pub in Castletown, the Union.’
Beverley added: ‘Castletown Football Club let us use their facilities free of charge so a huge thank you to the committee for their kindness and to Patty Quinney for operating the bar. The Train Smokers ran a BBQ and Manx Whippy came along with both of them donating 20 per cent of their profits to the charity. All the raffle prizes were donated so a huge thank you to everyone for their donations. So far we have raised more than £1,000 in raffle ticket sales, various cash donations and also our Just Giving page.
‘It was an amazing day and a great turnout. A huge thank you must go to all those who took part in the game in what was the hottest day ever! Thank you to everyone again for making our dad’s birthday a memorable and special day.’
The Steam Packet team won the match 9-3 and Mr O’Brien presented the trophy to Ste Allen from the winning team.
Photographs: 1) Some of the spectators who helped raise more than £1,000 for the Walton Centre in Liverpool.
2) Both sides take a well-earned breather.
