Irish coach John O'Shea brings UEFA Europa League trophy to CHI at Crumlin

UEFA Europa League Final ambassador John O'Shea presented the UEFA Europa League trophy to Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) at Crumlin to raise spirits for the families and children at the hospital as part of the trophy tour this week. 

The trophy has spent the week in Dublin starting the tour at the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday before visiting various stakeholders on Wednesday and Thursday. There was a bumper day of activity on Friday as the trophy visited the Europa Cup tournament in Irishtown, ran by Dublin City Council, and also the League of Ireland fixture between St Patrick's Athletic v Waterford. 

John O'Shea was back in Dublin to bring the trophy to CHI at Crumlin this Saturday morning as he visited various children, families and staff with the trophy as we draw nearer to the UEFA Europa League final on Wednesday, May 22. 

The trophy will conclude the tour later this Saturday at the ILAC Shopping Centre in Dublin with the general public able to get their photo with the famous trophy between 12.30pm & 4pm.

O'Shea, who is the ambassador for the UEFA Europa League final in Dublin, was delighted to visit the hospital this morning and meet the families and children present. 

"It was great to bring the trophy to CHI at Crumlin this morning and bring the trophy to the children," said John O'Shea. 

"It is really what it is all about being able to raise spirits and help in potential times of need so it was brilliant to meet everyone, including the staff at the hospital who work tirelessly every day. 

"Football has the power to do so much good and the excitement on the children's faces when bringing the trophy here was a great example of that. It has been great to raise the excitement in Dublin this week ahead of the UEFA Europa League final on Wednesday, May 22 and we can't wait for next month's showcase to begin."

Paul Harding, Director of Operations, CHI at Crumlin, said: “We are so delighted to welcome John O’Shea, his FAI colleagues and UEFA Europa League trophy to CHI at Crumlin. We have made sure that our biggest football fans staying with us will have a chance to say hello to John and lift the UEFA Europa League trophy today! 

"Visits like this really brighten up an otherwise tough time for patients in hospital and bring such joy to patients 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 of Ireland the very best chance in Children's Health Ireland at Crumlin, Temple Street, Tallaght & Connolly. Donations can be made at childrenshealth.ie.