The Republic of Ireland’s football manager, Giovanni Trapattoni, launched “An Evening with Pelé”, today, May 25th as part of a major fundraising drive for The Children’s Medical & Research Foundation, Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin and the Little Prince Children’s Hospital, Curitiba in Brazil.Speaking this morning at a press conference at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin, the Republic of Ireland manager spoke of his delight at the upcoming ‘Evening with Pelé’ to be held in the Burlington Hotel on November 26th. Pelé, the all-time leading scorer of the Brazil football team, is the only footballer to be a part of three World Cup-winning teams. “I am delighted that Pelé is coming to Ireland and giving the people of Ireland an opportunity to share in his life and his memories.” “Pelé is simply one of football’s true greats. I had the honour to play against him on two occasions, once at an international friendly, Italy v Brazil in May 1963 and again later that same year in the first leg of the intercontinental cup final in Milan. His technique, vision and creative fantasy earned him the well deserved ‘Footballer of the Century’ honour from FIFA, while to fans he was known as, ‘O Rei’, the King. Personally I think part of the reason fans gave him this highest accolade is the fair play, warmth and charisma that Pelé has always shown in life, both on and off the field.”“I want to invite all those interested to join us and be part of this wonderful celebration of his life and help sick children both here and abroad!” he continued.Also speaking at the occasion was David Doran, Chief Executive of The Children’s Medical & Research Foundation, fundraising arm of Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin. “We are overwhelmed that this world renowned sporting legend has selected our hospital to donate his time and energy to. Helping sick children receive the care that they deserve is close to his heart and something that he is passionate about. He has put his faith in our hospital and for that we are truly grateful. ““This money will make a huge difference to the lives of children in our hospital and the Little Prince Children’s Hospital, Curitiba, Brazil and we want to thank all those who will contribute by buying a ticket and/or a table for the event,” said Doran. “All proceeds will be split equally between both hospitals.”John Delaney, Chief Executive of the Football Association of Ireland said; Pele is one of the leading international representatives of our game and we are very pleased to be able to play our part in bringing him to Dublin in aid of two children’s hospitals that do so much good work. I have no doubt that football lovers everywhere will support this worthy cause and help develop much needed facilities for sick children in Brazil and in Ireland.”The man who initiated the idea, Don Mullan, spoke of his joy to be involved in such a project: “On 19 November 1969 Pele scored his 1000th goal which he immediately dedicated to the children of Brazil and the world. The Pele Little Prince Medical Research Centre, Curitiba, Brazil, is the fulfilment of a dream which began that historic night in Maracana Stadium, Rio de Janeiro. I am thrilled that my idea of bringing Pele to Ireland, in support of both Our Lady's Children's Hospital and the Little Prince Children's Hospital is coming to fruition.“As the European Ambassador for the Little Prince Children’s Hospital, Mullan continued: “I have visited the Little Prince Hospital on two occasions in the last year and found it to be an inspiring and world class children's hospital. And I know from personal experience the equally outstanding contribution Our Lady's Hospital has made to the health and wellbeing of hundreds of thousands of families in Dublin and Ireland.” “Your support will save and improve the lives of sick children in Ireland and Brazil. And on the 40th anniversary of Pele's 'O Milesimo', you will become part of helping Pele to realise his dream.”An Evening with Pelé Date: Thursday 26th November 2009 Venue: Burlington Hotel, Dublin Time: 8pm Master of Ceremonies: Jimmy Magee Format: Pelé will be interviewed “in the round” on the evening. All attendees will be able to see and hear this momentous occasion while at the same time enjoying moments from his memorable career on large screens. Tickets: Tables of 10 are available at €4,000 each. Individual tickets are also available. Included: • Pre-drinks reception • Four course evening meal with wine • The opportunity to ask Pele a question of your choice on the night For more information please or to reserve your place, contact The Children’s Medical & Research Foundation on 01-4096300 or email info@cmrf.org This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it   Website: www.cmrf.org The Children’s Medical and Research Foundation is the fundraising arm of Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital. It is also responsible for funding and administering the Children’s Research Centre.