Auction scores for charity

The auction took place in the Manor Hotel on Saturday 3 September and attracted phone bids from as far away as Dublin.

A number of top local sporting stars pitched in with items and among the lots was memorabilia signed by golf heroes Darren Clarke, Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell.

Organiser Micky Connor said he was delighted with the total raised having initially set a target of £1,000.

“So far we have just over £1,400 and we have a number of items which will be put up for auction at a later date,” said Micky.

“I was disappointed with the turnout on the night to be honest but I had a good number of phone bids and the people who were there supported it well.

“There were also a number of people who donated cash to the cause.

“I didn’t realise how much stuff would be donated and I am very grateful to all those who have supported the venture for a very worthwhile charity.”

One of those to bid by phone was a man from Dublin who read a story about the auction taking place on the Ballymoney Times website.

And he was delighted to be able to snap up a signed Antrim hurling shirt which is winging its way south of the border this week.

The item to raise the most money was a signed Liverpool shirt which went for £160, followed closely by a signed Ulster rugby top which was bought for £150.

Among the items set to go up for grabs on-line are a signed Phil Taylor shirt, signed Rangers shirt and boxing gloves signed by former World Heavyweight Champion Floyd Patterson.

The proceeds from the sale of all the donated items will go to the Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children.

REPORT: CHRIS KILPATRICK