The referees for all the final round of matches in the Airtricity Premier League this Friday will be hoping to catch the eye for all the right reasons as they lace up their boots with pink laces as part of Breast Cancer Ireland’s “Lace up for a Cure” campaign.
This campaign raises funds to support pioneering research projects throughout the country as well as raising awareness of the “Breast Aware” free to download app.
The initiative has come about due to the support of The Elite League of Ireland Referee Panel which is made up of the country’s top referees including FIFA referees and assistants all of whom officiate at League of Ireland and International matches.
“Referees never want to be noticed in the normal course of a match but this is one time we’ll make an exception, on our pink laced boots at least,” said Neil Doyle who will be the man in the middle for Friday night’s crunch game at Oriel Park.
“Friday’s match is as big as it gets in the domestic game and we are delighted to be helping such a great and important cause.”
The group recently purchased pink laces in support of a fundraising drive by fitness coach Ray Murray and his wife Maria who have undertaken a number of initiatives including running in the Tullamore half marathon.
“We are delighted with every opportunity to raise awareness of breast health and the crucial role that research is playing, whether it’s through our free Breast App “ Breast Aware” or through our “Lace up for a Cure” campaign,” said Breast Cancer Ireland Director Aisling Hurley.
“This initiative with referees will keep the light shining on the importance of early detection in the fight against cancer.”
“We know from studies that breast cancer if detected early has a much more positive survival outcome,” added Professor Arnie Hill, Professor of Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons and Chairman of Breast Cancer Ireland.
“Our hope is that by encouraging women to become breast aware, they will be more familiar with the natural changes in their breasts month on month, and they will in turn recognise any abnormalities should they arise.”
Laces available through www.breastcancerireland.com and they are priced at €5 each, with a total of €4.70 going directly to fund Breast Cancer Ireland’s research programmes. Alternatively a donation can be made by Texting CURE to 50300 to donate €4.00.
