Limerick Football Club to hold tournament in memory of teenager who died in Killaloe

A SOCCER tournament will be held in memory of a promising young football player to mark what would have been his 21st birthday.

For the second year running, the Pike Rovers ground at Crossagalla in the city will host the Wassiou Ayawe commemorative trophy.

This year's kick-off will take place on Saturday 6th July at 1pm and will be organised by friends and family of the young man, who tragically died aged 19 in a jet ski accident on Killaloe Lake.

The tragedy happened 12 months ago and Sandra Byrnes, who raised him as her own son, says she wants to continue to hold the tournament every year to keep the memory of the talented footballer alive.

“My main goal is to keep Wassiou’s name remembered. Obviously those who loved him will keep him in their hearts forever. But I want people to remember him for the talented footballer he was. And I want that memory to live on. That’s something I hope I have the strength to do every year,” Sandra told the Limerick Leader/Limerick Live.

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Once again, all proceeds from the day will be donated to Killaloe/Ballina Search and Recovery, the volunteer group that helped Wassiou's family on that fateful day last year.

Sandra said: “If I managed to raise €1,000 for them this year I would be happy because I know that €1,000 can go a long way. Beyond that, anything collected will be a bonus. »

Ten teams will compete for the trophy.

Personalized medals bearing Wassiou's face will be produced, while Sandra has ordered a special souvenir football which she will then place at Wassiou's final resting place.

Sandra brought Wassiou into her life when he was just nine weeks old and cared for him on and off throughout his upbringing.

Her biological mother Tracey was previously a family friend.

“I remember him every day. He had an infectious personality,” Sandra said. “I go to bed thinking about him and I wake up thinking about him. He would tell me, ‘I’m Gucci Sandra, I’m Gucci!’ So I want this day to be Gucci for him,” she smiled.

If you would like to get involved or make a donation, please phone Gareth Grant on 087-7087011.