If you're reading this before 5 p.m. Irish time today you've still time to bid in the Great Daffodil Day Internet Auction of entertainment and sporting memorabilia in aid of the Irish Cancer Society. The auction comprises collectibles donated by celebrities such as Pierce Brosnan, Paul McCartney, members of U2, Elton John, Paul McGrath, Daniel O'Donnell, Sinead O'Connor, DJ Carey, Padraig Harrington, Van Morrison and Westlife.
It's all happening on the website www.daffodilday.org. A highlight is a 1988 lithograph of Linda McCartney, who died of breast cancer, donated, painted and signed by former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney.
According to the Irish Cancer Society, the auction has attracted interest from around the world, including the US, Britain, the Netherlands and the Far East, and particularly from U2 fan clubs in the US.
Bono has donated a pair of his handmade Black Fly sunglasses for auction. U2 bass player Adam Clayton donated a pair of his Calvin Klein sunglasses. A pair of Larry Mullen Jnr's signed drumsticks also go under the hammer, while The Edge has donated a replica of the t-shirt he wore at his recent Top of the Pops performance of the chart-topping single Stuck in the Moment. Proceeds from the auction will help the Irish Cancer Society's specialist cancer nursing services, which offer free care and support across the Republic to people living with cancer and their families.
Westlife gave two tickets to be auctioned for their March 31st gig and the highest bidder for these will have the opportunity to meet the boyband before the performance. The legendary Sir Elton John donated a signed gold album awarded to him for sales of his album Madman Across the Water. This lot contains a gold LP, signed CD and cassette tape of the album.
Daniel O'Donnell also contributed a gold disc presented to him in recognition of sales exceeding 60,000 for his album Faith & Inspiration released last October.
Cilla Black and her Blind Date team have organised a weekend for two, including audience tickets for a recording of Blind Date, return flights from Dublin or Cork and one night's accommodation in the four-star London Copthorne, Kensington.
Golfer Padraig Harrington donated a signed Kartel shirt that he has worn and an autographed picture, which a golf club might secure for display with trophies. Paul McGrath contributed a signed Republic of Ireland shirt, a rare opportunity to acquire a piece of memorabilia from Jack's army. Still on soccer, the whole Glasgow Celtic team signed a football that's for auction. GAA All-Star and Kilkenny man DJ Carey donated a signed hurley, used by him in last year's successful All-Ireland campaign.
Sinead O'Connor contributed an original painting by herself featuring an illuminated representation of a psalm, while a hand-made bodhran with Riverdance on Broadway, signed by composer Bill Whelan, and co-creators Moya Doherty and John McColgan, together with videos, CDs and a DVD of the Broadway show also features. Joe Dolan provided one of his trademark white suits and a Joe Dolan monogrammed tie. The Cranberries presented for auction a framed, rare, signed poster. World snooker champion Ken Doherty gave a signed tournament waistcoat.
Other lots include a framed poster donated by Liz Hurley of the movie Bedazzled, signed by herself and all the cast; a signed copy of Christy Moore's recently published book One Voice - my life in song; a signed pair of Pierce Brosnan's jeans and a photo; a signed framed sweatshirt, photo and letter of greeting from Richard Branson; and a signed copy of the Van Morrison/Linda Gail Lewis CD You Win Again.
* Irish Cancer Society, 5 Northumberland Road, Dublin 4, Tel: 231 0500 Fax: 668 7599
jmarms@irish-times.ie
