Swap for Shane is a huge success

HUNDREDS of soccer and GAA fans thronged pubs in Tuam and Dunmore on Sunday to strip off, all in aid of the Swap for Shane campaign.

The fun fundraiser, where the most die-hard football fanatics pledged to swap their team’s jersey for that of their main rivals, proved to be a massive success and 'one of the best days ever' according to many of those who took part.

The attendance of lots of personal friends of Shane Grogan and his dad Joe made it at times a very emotional afternoon in The Brogue Bar.

However, publican and one of the organisers Brendan Holian said there was plenty of laughter and banter.

'Everyone was in such good spirits. It didn’t matter what club they were supporting, they all rallied to raise funds for Shane,' said Brendan.

The novel fundraiser also attracted the attention of the official social media sites of Manchester Utd and Liverpool FC, which both shared the event to their hundreds of thousands of followers.

'There were some hilarious scenes throughout the day and night. There was a wonderful atmosphere and while there isn’t a final figure yet, I believe we raised thousands towards the Care for Shane campaign,' added Brendan.