Republic of Ireland Head Coach Heimir Hallgrímsson and Assistant Head Coach John O'Shea visited CHI at Crumlin Hospital this week to spread some Christmas cheer to the patients and staff.

Hallgrímsson and O'Shea, who found out the FIFA World Cup 26 qualifying draw yesterday with Ireland set to face Portugal/Denmark, Hungary and Armenia, visited the children in CHI at Crumlin this week and gave out gifts in the lead up to Christmas. The Ireland coaching duo visited five wards and met young patients at this difficult time of year for those families. 

They didn't show up empty-handed either. Each patient visited received an Ireland jersey as a present and were invited to the UEFA Nations League play-off against Bulgaria on Sunday, March 23 at the Aviva Stadium. Over 60 tickets were given out to the patients and their families as a Christmas present and we look forward to welcoming the young children to the Aviva Stadium for the match in March. 

Republic of Ireland Head Coach Heimir Hallgrímsson said: “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. 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."

Ireland Assistant Head Coach John O'Shea said: "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, Director of Operations, CHI at Crumlin, said: "We were delighted to welcome John Heimir Hallgrímsson and John O'Shea to CHI at Crumlin. 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. Our sincere thanks to FAI for providing this experience.”  

Your support can help give children & young people in Ireland the very best chance in Children's Health Ireland at Crumlin, Temple Street, Tallaght & Connolly. Donations can be made at childrenshealth.ie.