A charitable trust has been launched in memory of Limerick rugby player Shane Geoghegan last year.
The Shane Geoghegan Trust, which aims to provide children with an alternative to criminal or anti-social behaviour, was launched as a response to Shane’s death.
The 28-year-old was shot dead on his way home from watching the Ireland-Canada rugby match last November in a case of mistaken identity.
The trust was formally launched by the Geoghegan family and Sunderland FC chief executive Niall Quinn at Garryowen Rugby Club in Dooradoyle.
Shane’s mother Mary said the Geoghegan family had been fighting to ensure her
beloved son was remembered as someone committed to his community. “We, his family, want Shane Geoghegan to be remembered for his life and the way he lived it,” she said.
“He was a contributor. He made other people’s lives better. His name should continue to remind people of that wonderful quality, and that’s the reason for this Trust. It is the continuing contribution of a young man who lived a full, happy and generous life.”
Sunderland will play in a charity game in the city next season to help raise funds for the scheme.
The trust is preparing to roll out a range of projects including Street Games, which aims to develop sport in disadvantaged communities and make activities more accessible to young people.
Mr Quinn said Sunderland would help raise much needed cash for the trust when it plays in the city next season.
“The objective of the game will be to assist the fundraising efforts of the trust while ensuring that the game is made available to all of those whom the Trust is trying to support,” he said.
The trust will be supported through a combination of fundraising events including an art auction in December, voluntary help and private donations.