Two international superstars joined with the wider football family in Galway at the weekend to show their support for a player who lost his leg after complications

Republic of Ireland legend Robbie Keane, and Liverpool’s Brazilian midfielder, Phillippe Coutinho, sent video messages of support for the A Night For Alex event in the city last weekend, which was held on behalf of Alex Lee.

Alex broke his leg when playing for Mervue United in a Connacht Junior Cup tie against St Bernard’s back in March, and subsequently had to have his leg amputated. His friends and family came together to hold a benefit night for him last Saturday, and the special video messages from the two football superstars was played at the event in the Clayton Hotel.

“I had no idea about them, I don’t think too many people had,” explained Johnny Glynn, who was manager of Mervue United when Alex played for them in the League of Ireland.

“I think it was Alan Murphy that organised them, Alex is a big Liverpool fan so it was a lovely surprise for him and just one of a number of emotional moments for him, and us all, on the night,” Johnny explains – the Alan in question is the former Galway United star who now teaches at St Joseph’s College (the Bish) in the city, where Alex is also a teacher.

More than 1,000 attended the event on Saturday night, including the Galway United senior and U-19 squads.

Dundalk FC captain and city native, Stephen O’Donnell, also attended before flying to Poland the following day for the league leaders’ Champions League qualifier against Legia Warsaw.

The parents of Martin and Seamus Conneely travelled in from Connemara, as did Rory Gaffney’s parents from Tuam. All three footballers, who are now based in the UK, played with Alex for Mervue United.

“It was a wonderful night. I know the reason for the night was the tragedy suffered by Alex, but I think it’s fair to say it was a joyous night. It was emotional for Alex and his family, but they were also very moved to see the huge levels of support.

“We don’t have a final figure of the sum raised as donations are still being made, and auction bids are still being collected, but we just want to say a massive thank you to all the business and the individuals who supported the night,” Johnny said.