FORMER IRISH international soccer players Paul McGrath and Packie Bonner will play in a testimonial match in Galway today in memory of former Aston Villa star Eamon “Chick” Deacy, who died this year.
Minister of State for Sport Michael Ring, Mayor of Galway Terry O’Flaherty and a number of former Aston Villa players will take part in the event, which will see Terryland Park soccer grounds renamed after Deacy (53), who was capped four times by the Republic of Ireland.
President Michael D Higgins, a former president of Galway United, sent a message of goodwill as he is unable to go to the match.
He was one of several thousand people who attended Deacy’s funeral in February.
The testimonial match will involve members of the Aston Villa side that Deacy helped win the English league championship in 1981, including McGrath and former Irish international Gareth Farrelly. Deacy’s son Jake may also play.
The Aston Villa team will take on a Galway United X1 in the first half. They will then play a West United X1, including Bonner, in the second half. Bonner’s twin brother Denis will play with Galway United.
Deacy, a left-back, played for Limerick and scored Galway Rovers’ first league goal before moving to Villa in March 1979.
He was one of 14 players used by Ron Saunders when Aston Villa claimed the old English First Division title in the 1980/1981 season. Saunders will attend the match.
Deacy played for Galway United when he returned to Ireland and for West United after his retirement from senior football.
A souvenir programme will be for sale, and tickets cost €10 for adults and €5 for students. Under- 12s accompanied by an adult are free. Details at galwaysoccer.com.
