Paul McGrath’s charity auction truly paid off last night thanks to the intervention of Gary Neville and an Irish bar, writes Stephen Barry.
McGrath had been auctioning a top piece of sporting memorabilia – a signed Manchester United jersey – for his daughter-in-law, Nicola, who’s trekking to Everest Base Camp for the Brainwave charity.
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 it headed into the final hours of bidding, Mulligans Irish Pub, based in Manchester, upped the stakes with a €700 bid.
@Paulmcgrath5
— Mulligans Irish Pub (@mulligans_MCR) July 31, 2016
Hi Paul
Mulligans of Deansgate in MCR (beside San Carlo) would love to have your signed jersey...we will bid €700
Padraig
But that was trumped by Gary Neville’s £1,000 (€1,185) offer, on the condition that Norman Whiteside also signed it, and it still be hung in Mulligans.
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
Whiteside was only too happy to oblige and the deal was on.
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
Then Mulligans offered to match Neville’s offer if he added his signature to the lot.
@GNev2 @Paulmcgrath5 @NormanWhiteside
— Mulligans Irish Pub (@mulligans_MCR) July 31, 2016
Gary you buy, sign it too, put it in Mulligans, and we match your €1,000 to a charity of your choice.
With the deal eventually made in pounds (€2,369.50), the jersey had taken on two new names and over €1,700 extra value for a worthy cause in a matter of minutes.
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
