Here’s something to get your claws into – the chance to meet up with Derry City mascot R Mucker.

The Derry News, in conjunction with Derry City Football Club are offering one lucky reader the chance of a lifetime with a competition to meet the stripy one at the Brandywell.

By Gary Ferry gary@derrynews.net

For weeks the question has steeped around the city – ‘Who is R Mucker’ – and in today’s paper, you get your choice from a list of willing suspects.

In an exclusive interview in today’s sport section (page 84), R Mucker reveals to the Derry News where exactly it has been in the past eight years, and its plans for Irish football domination now that the second era of R Mucker has begun.

““I went back to Africa for a while to visit the folks but after that I pursued my dream of Hollywood,” R Mucker revealed. “I went to America and tried to break into Pixar and Dreamworks, the makers of Toy Story and Shrek but it didn’t happen. I was close though. I actually auditioned for the role of Puss in Boots for Shrek and got to the last two, but my adopted Derry accent counted against me. I just couldn’t shake it.”

R Mucker has also become a valued member of the Derry City backroom team and is already helping manager Stephen Kenny with tactics and team talks. Eight years may have passed since R Mucker graced the Brandywell but the club has always been at the forefront of R Mucker’s thoughts.

“I’ve kept an eye on Derry since I’ve been away though. I saw them play Gretna on Sky and I saw them play Paris St Germain. I was still there working for the second leg and I got my shift swapped with Gepetto so I could see the match. It was a great match, it was just a pity we couldn’t get the away goal.

I had a great night with the Derry fans that night and that’s what put the seed back into my head.”

So, if you would like to meet R Mucker, simply turn to page 85 and follow the instructions. Winners will be special guests at a forthcoming league game at the Brandywell.