Heimir Hallgrímsson and John O’Shea visit children at CHI Crumlin and invite patients to Bulgaria match

The pair visited five wards at Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) at Crumlin and met young patients and their families, with each receiving an Irish jersey and tickets to watch Ireland play Bulgaria at the UEFA Nations League play-off next March at the Aviva Stadium.

The head coach, who joined the national team in July, said it was “a real privilege” to meet the children and their families at the hospital, with Mr O’Shea paying tribute to the staff for their “incredible work” at a “difficult time of year” for families.

“It is important to remember that children and families can spend time in hospital over the Christmas period so to go to CHI at Crumlin and meet them was a real privilege,” said Mr Halgrimsson.

“Whenever you meet people in Ireland, their passion for the team always comes through and it was no different when we visited the hospital. I hope they all get better and are able to enjoy Christmas at home this year.”

Mr O’Shea added: “It was great to go to CHI at Crumlin this week and meet the children and families there. The staff do absolutely incredible work at the hospital and Christmas is a difficult time of year for the families there so even if we’re able to raise a couple of smiles, it was a worthwhile trip.

“We look forward to seeing some of them again at the Aviva Stadium as guests for the Bulgaria match in March.”

Paul Harding, the director of operations of CHI at Crumlin, said staff and patients were “delighted” to welcome the coaching duo this week in the lead up to Christmas.

He thanked the FAI, adding that visits like this one help to “brighten up an otherwise tough time for patients”.

“We’ve made sure that our biggest football fans staying with us had a chance to say hello to Heimir and John and great that they’ve all received an invite to the match in March. Visits like this really brighten up an otherwise tough time for patients in hospital and bring such joy to children, young people and their families, as well as to our staff.”