Gorey clubs going head-to-head to raise money for Richie following accident in Spain

Richie Reardon experienced a horrific fall down a flight of stairs after work in early March, falling into a coma for three days before being placed into an induced coma for a further three weeks in Malaga hospital. While Richie regained consciousness, he has had to undergo multiple medical operations in recent weeks and his recovery is ongoing. Keen to get him home where they and the medical team believe his recovery will be faster, Richie’s family set up a GoFundMe page entitled ‘Help Get Richie Home’ which, at the time of publication, had raised €26,320 of the €25,000 goal.

Now, Gorey Celtic FC Over 35s – a club that Richie has been heavily involved with since he moved to Gorey – will go up against Gorey Rangers Over 35s in a charity match aimed at raising money for Richie’s medical expenses. The match, which will take place on Saturday, May 27 at 6 p.m. at the Gorey Celtic grounds, will see the teams from both clubs go head-to-head for the good cause. The game will be preceded by an U20 Gorey Celtic v Gorey Rangers match at 4 p.m.

"We’re trying to get as many lads out to play as possible. The cost to play is €10 per person. Breens in Gorey will also be doing the monster raffle that night. 100 per cent of the money raised on the day will go to the GoFundMe for Richie’s medical expenses,” said Brian Maher, U19 coach and committee member with Gorey Celtic.

The clubs are urging people to donate whatever they can towards the cause, either through playing the match, buying raffle tickets or putting some coins in the donation bucket on the day, added Brian.

Richie became a coach with Gorey Celtic when his eldest son Ross was ten and took the team all the way through to U18 level. He subsequently coached his son Glenn all the way through, before taking a senior team under his wing. He relocated to Spain last year to follow a long-held dream of opening a pub in Costa del Sol.

“Richie is so full of life and such a good character,” said Brian. "He is held in high esteem in the town of Gorey and all the football community in Wexford. Everyone’s thoughts are with him and the family.”

Richie’s son Glenn said that the support received from people around the community since his father’s accident has been extremely touching for all of the family.

"The support we’ve received through the donations and text messages has been fantastic. It has been really heart-warming for the family. Thanks to everyone who is getting involved,” he said.

Those who wish to play on the day can contact John Lavery (Gorey Celtic) on 085 150 7880 or James Levingston (Gorey Rangers) on 087 346 3411.