15 August 2019
By Bryan Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
Cork City FC are delighted to announce details of a testimonial match for defender Alan Bennett.
Benno joined City at youth team level in 2000, graduating to the first team before leaving for Reading in 2007. He returned to the club in 2015 after eight years in England, where he also played for Southampton, Brentford, Wycombe Wanderers, Cheltenham Town and AFC Wimbledon.
Twice-capped by the Republic of Ireland, in his time with Cork City, the defender won two league titles, two FAI Cups, three President’s Cups and three Munster Senior Cups.
The game will take place at Turner’s Cross on Saturday, September 14th, with a 3 pm kick-off. The game will pit a Cork City Legends team against a team comprised of current players.
Among the players lined up to play on the day are Dave Barry, Declan Daly, Dave Hill, Tony Tynan, Damien Delaney, Achille Campion, John O’Flynn, Liam Kearney, Dan Murray and Derek Coughlan. Members of both the current men’s and women’s First Team squads will also be involved, including the likes of Mark McNulty, Gearóid Morrissey, Conor McCarthy, Mark O’Sullivan, Ciara McNamara, Maggie Duncliffe, Katie McCarthy and Christina Dring.
A percentage of the monies raised from the game will be donated to the Samaritans in Cork, while a contribution will also go to the Cork City FC Academy, where Bennett is part of Dave Moore’s Under 13 management team.
Speaking at the launch of his Testimonial fixture at the Cork International Hotel today, Bennett commented: “Thanks to Cork City FC for offering me for this opportunity to say thank you to Cork City FC supporters.”
“I started out watching and dreaming from behind the wall as a City supporter, to always feeling privileged to play in front of the City support and soon I’m heading back behind the wall to continue supporting City.”
“September 14th is a Cork City FC club day. A family day because that’s what we are, a big family.”
“A percentage of funds raised will be going to Samaritans Cork- especially because of their work dealing with the mental health of Cork’s young people. We will also be giving funds to the Cork City FC academy, where I’m coaching the Under 13s. I believe that if we create an incredible environment for young players to grow and develop that can sustain a successful CCFC long in the future.”
Aileen Spitere, director of Cork Samaritans said “We’re delighted and honoured that Alan has chosen us as the charity partner for his testimonial match. He’s had a fantastic career and it’s humbling to be associated with this game. It will also help raise vital funds for us to continue our emotional support helpline and outreach services for the Cork community and beyond. It will be a great occasion on September 14th!”
Admission to the game will be €10 for adults, and €5 for Senior Citizens and Under 18s, with Family Tickets (2 adult and 2 children) available for €20. Tickets are now on sale from the club shop and through Eventbrite.
