A local publican has entered into a €10,000 sponsorship package with Waterford FC as a result of their excellent FAI Cup run this year.
Martin Colbert of Norris' Bar in Waterford City, says his bar has triumphed thanks to the Blues, and it's only right to give something back.
Initially, the bar had pledged €10,000 should Marc Bircham's side reach this year's FAI Cup Final, and thus give the fans a big day out at the Aviva.
After a last gasp quarter final display win away to UCD courtesy of an injury time winner from Prince Mutswunguma, the Blues will find out their semi-final opposition following Friday night's league game at home to Drogheda United.
Colbert decided not to wait, and to reward the club now for the immense fighting spirit that they have shown this campaign.
Waterford FC are on a great run of form since the takeover by the club by Richard Forrest, and Marc Bircham replacing Kevin Sheedy as manager.
Having been rooted to the foot of the league table early on, the Blues are now 8th and two wins away from cup glory.
Speaking on Deise Today, Martin Colbert says he wanted to pay for a good day out for fans, and not put too much pressure on the Blues at the same time.
"I didn't want to say, I'll give you so much if you win the cup, that's kind of a false promise. You can't put that kind of pressure on someone. I just want to get to the final and have a good day out for the fans. If we win it, brilliant. I said this is what I'll do, I pledged €10,000 - let's see what happens, they're taking the thing serious and having a good go this year."
Martin says his business has thrived in the past off the back of the local love for the Blues. He felt it was only right to give something back with the club heading in a positive direction.
"The way I see it is - we're pretty much a sports bar up here. We get a lot of Blues fans up here, and in the last few years - I haven't put that much into the club directly. I've given it to the fans for the odd bus. I felt maybe it was time to do something again. We've had a lot of loyalty from Waterford fans. They come up here before and after matches, and I just felt - you know something - I want to do something, and there's no point in half-doing it. After the win over UCD, I said I'm not going to put it on if they get to the final, let's go ahead and do it. I had it in my brain anyway. We made a commitment and came up with a package that suits me, and suits the club."
Regardless of what happens now and between, Colbert only wants one thing for the time being - people to get out and support the club in their bid to beat the drop, and win the FAI Cup.
"We still think this can be our year in the Cup but regardless of the semi final result, we want to show our support. So even if the club doesn't make it to the final, we have honoured our commitment with a significant sum already paid and more sponsorship to follow. With the club battling to keep their Premier Division status, we urge all Blues fans to get to the RSC this Friday - be loud, be proud."
