Paul McGrath couldn't believe his luck last night when his fellow former Manchester United man Gary Neville got involved in the bidding for a signed Manchester United jersey.
The Irish icon was auctioning the jersey for his daughter-in-law, Nicola, who is climbing to Mount Everest's Base Camp to raise awareness for Brainwave, a charity which helps children with disabilities in both the UK and Ireland.
Bidding starts now on this Man U signed jersey,daughter inlaw trekking to Everest Base Camp for Brainwave #charity pic.twitter.com/98FXxECWIW
— Paul McGrath (@Paulmcgrath5) July 29, 2016
As bidding prepared to draw to a close, Mulligan's Irish Bar in Manchester came in with a sizeable offer of €700.
Hi Paul
Mulligans of Deansgate in MCR (beside San Carlo) would love to have your signed jersey...we will bid €700
Padraig— Mulligans Irish Pub (@mulligans_MCR) July 31, 2016
Former Gary Neville's Valencia manager and all-round good guy Gary Neville then got involved - blowing Mulligans' offer out of the water, but with a twist. The United legend bid £1,000 (roughly €1,185) but declared that the jersey must be signed by McGrath's close pal Norman Whiteside, and be hung in Mulligans as opposed to chez Neville.
I will bid £1000 and display in Mulligans if @NormanWhiteside will sign it as well. https://t.co/45fcatIfM8
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) July 31, 2016
We recently had Whiteside over for an event in Harold's Cross, and the Northern Ireland and United legend must have signed over a hundred race programmes. Needless to say he was more than happy to oblige.
Thanks @GNev2 hope you are well !! Yes @NormanWhiteside said he would be delighted to sign it 👌🏻 https://t.co/RgCouHBPK0
— Paul McGrath (@Paulmcgrath5) July 31, 2016
The bids continued however, as the generous Mulligans requested Neville himself sign the shirt and they would match his bid of £1,000.
Gary you buy, sign it too, put it in Mulligans, and we match your €1,000 to a charity of your choice.
— Mulligans Irish Pub (@mulligans_MCR) July 31, 2016
Excellent . I will sign and get other lads and you give to @Paulmcgrath5 charity. £2000 deal? https://t.co/MW15p7Qszc
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) July 31, 2016
"Going,going,gone!" @GNev2 and @mulligans_MCR winning bidders on the Jersey ..Thank you everyone who placed bids! great fun,great charity.
— Paul McGrath (@Paulmcgrath5) July 31, 2016
In a matter of minutes, the jersey had gone from potentially raising €650 to drumming up the equivalent of over €2,370. Wonderful.
