By Veronica Corr
Twelve-year-old Aaron Smyth, who has Cystic Fibrosis, got the best birthday present ever on Sunday last, March 30th, when he played a half-time match at the Monaghan—Laois game in St. Tiernach’s Park, Clones.
Aaron, who lives in Anney, Latton, also got to travel home on the bus with his idols and was presented with a commemorative football by Monaghan Senior player Conor McManus signed by the entire team.
Aaron would like to thank Adrian Fox of Foxhound Travel for giving him a baseball cap and letting him and his big brother Garreth ride on the bus with the players. He also wished to thank the players for their hospitality.
However, mum Sheila and dad Michael were left to go home alone when the boys caught the bus!
Aaron was delighted to be the only player from Scoil Mhuire, Rockcorry to feature in the half-time match, which proved to be a great day out for all the family.
The whole thing came about after Aaron took part in a recent gaelic football camp in St. Macartan’s College ran by Martin Corey, (Vincent’s brother).
This inspiring young man described the whole experience of playing at the iconic Clones venue and meeting his heroes as “a dream come true.”
Aaron was really on a roll last weekend, as he also won his mum a hamper in McCrystal’s Chemist in Cootehill on Mother’s Day, whilst he received a €10 Easons voucher for his efforts.