Former professional footballer Harry McCue has called for greater support from the FAI for retired footballers in full time care.

A committee of ten people has already been set up in aid of former Ireland international James 'Jacko' McDonagh, who has been struggling with his health and is now at a full-time care centre.

McDonagh recently underwent a stroke while celebrating his 60^th birthday and is now suffering from onset dementia.

Friends, family and former teammates have organised events such as bucket collections, golf classics and Q and A's to help finance part payment of care and raise awareness.

“We get a lot traction with the bucket collections”, said McCue. “The amount of donations we get at the games is amazing, even at places like Dundalk who Jacko never played for. We managed to €4,500 at when Shamrock Rovers played Derry.”

Despite the progress made in this case, McCue revealed that he is aware of at least a dozen ex-professionals, including former Ireland internationals, that are in similar situations to Jacko McDonagh with little or no financial support from the FAI.

“There are numerous ex professional players male and female including international players who find themselves in need of full-time care and families really struggling to keep up with enormous fees in nursing homes,” he said.

There will be a bucket collection at this evening's game at Tallaght Stadium to raise much needed funds for ex-Hoop Jacko McDonagh who suffered a stroke in May of last year.

Buckets will be in place inside each home turnstile from 7pm.

Please support if you can. pic.twitter.com/OG3hAi9cb6

— Shamrock Rovers FC (@ShamrockRovers) June 26, 2023

“Football is a short career, you get fifteen years out of it if you’re lucky,” he added. “There was a benevolent care fund set up by the FAI in the 1980s, but now that’s gone.

We’ve done good work with the Jacko fund, but there are other cases and it certainly needs to be highlighted and a long-term fund needs to be set up to help these players and their families”.

McCue also said that while there has been positive talks with the FAI over reinstating a similar benevolent fund, nothing concrete has been confirmed as of yet.

Jacko McDonagh won 2 Irish league titles and one FAI cup while playing for Shamrock Rovers and Bohemians. He also had a distinguished career overseas, playing for the likes of Oxford United, Nimes in France, as well as Belgian side Waregem. He made 3 senior appearances for the Republic of Ireland.

Those wishing to support Jacko’s cause can donate to the dedicated gofundme fundraiser. Supporters can also keep an eye out for bucket collections at upcoming League of Ireland matches.