Two key events in a Shropshire charity’s fund-raising calendar will take place within the next month.

The McCarney Cup, a series of short cricket matches with a final winner held at Shelton CC on Sunday 29 August and Wear It Red commemorating his birthday and love of Welsh rugby, on Friday 02 September, will celebrate the legacy of former cricketer, friend, husband and father Eugene McCarney, who passed away in 2020. 

Established in May 2021, The McCarney Foundation is aimed at children and young people whose financial or personal circumstances prevent the opportunity to play either cricket or rugby and provides sporting equipment, coaching, assistance with transport to fixtures and guidance on sports psychology. Since its inception the organisation has raised thousands of pounds. It recently appointed the foundation’s first ambassador, 17-year-old Taylor Youens and was the charity of choice to which this year’s Shrewsbury International Comedy Festival donated. The McCarney Foundation’s strapline Every Moment Counts is based on Eugene’s initials EMC.  

Outlining the background to the charity’s establishment and its future goals his wife,  Pru McCarney, said: “As a young boy and during tough times for the family, Eugene was handed a cricket bat as gift from a player in his hometown of Pembroke, which led to his 40-year cricketing journey. The foundation aims to maintain that legacy. Our goal is to help children and young people start their own journey into the world of competitive cricket or Eugene’s Welsh passion of rugby, by offering them the same simple gift of kindness he received.”   

On behalf of Shelton CC, James Cadwallader said: “Eugene was one of our cricketing family and it was a huge blow to everyone when he passed away. To help us all remember him in such a positive way, is not only good for Pru and their children but for cricket in Shropshire as a whole. Sometimes it only takes a small gesture to a young person for them to become involved in the game we all love. As a result, their potential may be realised and life changed, as it was for Eugene all those years ago. We welcome everyone to the club on 29 August – it’s going to be a fun day.” 

Wear It Red T-shirts and other merchandise are available to order though the McCarney Foundation website here: https://www.themccarneyfoundation.com/blog/merchandise