Dream come true as Tommy inspires a Wexford victory
WHILE just a few weeks ago Tommy Kinsella was hooked up to all kinds of machines at Crumlin Children’s Hospital, his dreams came true on Sunday afternoon as he ran out onto the pitch at Wexford Park with his hurling heroes ahead of their league clash with rivals Kilkenny.
Seven year-old Tommy from the Newtown Road ended up making headlines after his vital heart-surgery was cancelled an unbelievable eight times before finally going ahead last month. Since then, with the help of parents Nóirín and Gary and big sister Katelyn, Tommy has bounced back strong and was able to provide some wonderful inspiration to his beloved Wexford team serving as mascot on a rainy day in Wexford Park.
The week got off to an amazing start for young Tommy as his favourite player, Dee O’Keeffe paid a visit to him at home and spent some time with him.
‘Dee O’Keeffe is his favourite player,’ said proud mam Nóirín. ‘He had text a couple of times after the surgery and that to see how he was doing and then he arrived up to the house to visit Tommy last week. He was absolutely brilliant with him. He’s an All-Star on and off the pitch!’
On Sunday Tommy was raring to go as he arrived at Wexford park and was ushered straight into the dressing room where he chatted to the players and manager Davy Fitzgerald.
‘They were all absolutely brilliant,’ Nóirín said. ‘They all took time to talk to him and sign his hurl and jersey and then he ran out onto the field with them. They really gave him a day he’ll never forget and I can’t thank them and Wexford GAA PRO PJ Howlin enough. The following day he woke up and didn’t know if it was all some kind of lovely dream!’
Having received excellent care from the team at Crumlin, Tommy’s family are keen to give back in some way and are taking donations for the children’s heart centre at www.justgiving.com/teamtommyk. So far, the fundraiser has hit nearly €2,000 of a €5,000 target. A further fundraiser is due to take centre stage at Mary Jo’s in Barntown on March 14 with the band ‘1-4 to No Score’ playing on the night. All donations are gratefully received and will go a long way towards helping to maintain an excellent service.