Ahead of their final two UEFA Women's Nations League matches against Hungary and Northern Ireland, the Ireland Women’s National Team delighted patients at the National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh (NOHC), with a special visit to help launch the hospital’s Christmas Appeal.

The entire squad and backroom staff met patients, signed autographs and posed for selfies on the children’s wards, and had special gifts for the fans that certainly hit the back of the net.

Cappagh Hospital Foundation also introduced Boney Maloney, the orthopaedic hospital’s new fundraising mascot. The fun-loving skeleton, who is happy in his bones, will help raise funds for hospital facilities and patient-care that falls outside of HSE support.

Boney Maloney is positioned around the hospital, as a selfie backdrop, and doubles-up as a way to donate, by tapping the QR code on his heart. Donations can be made at www.chf.ie

The Foundation supports hospital patients, helping fund newer medical equipment and other needs, such as gaming consoles for children, and iPads and headsets. For 2024, specifically, funds are being raised for a new Paediatric Emergency Cart for the youngest patients, and a new Tranquillity Garden, as a calming place for patients to relax and recuperate.

Longer-term support for robotics in the operating theatres, will include the purchase of a €1.1 million GPS Robot Navigation System for paediatric surgery.

Dr Siobhan Forman, Consultant Physician at NOHC, is team doctor with the team. Her association with the FAI began in 2013, working with the Women's Under-19s, and she supported the WNT at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia.

Funds raised through the Boney Maloney Christmas Appeal support the delivery of NOHC priorities that fall outside of HSE funding. To donate, see www.chf.ie.