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06 Sept 2025

Referees and coaches to face off in charity clash to raise funds for Ruby Houston

Six-year-old Ruby Houston was recently diagnosed with an advanced aggressive cancer, neuroblastoma, which was only discovered after she attended the emergency department with a sore leg.

Referees and coaches to face off in charity clash to raise funds for Ruby Houston

Ruby Houston with her parents

Dry Arch Park in Bonagee hosts a tasty tie tonight as Donegal referees and football coaches cross swords in a fundraising match.

The charity contest between Whistler’s United - the Donegal Underage League referees - and Hardly Athletic - the Donegal Underage League coaches - is in aid of Ruby Houston.

The six-year-old was recently diagnosed with an advanced aggressive cancer, neuroblastoma, which was only discovered after she attended the emergency department with a sore leg.

A GoFundMe page set up has gathered over €100,000 already.

The fundraisers are on behalf of Alana and Seany, Ruby's parents.

Organisers say that funds raised will help cover the loss of income from being off work for the foreseeable, traveling from Donegal to Dublin for her treatment and covering living expenses while in Crumlin Children's Hospital.

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There is a long and difficult battle ahead for them as parents as Ruby receives what will hopefully be life saving treatment through chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy.

Tonight’s game, which is being organised by Jason Gibson and Peter Doherty, kicks off at 7.30pm and donations will be taken from patrons.

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