Victorious Dubs bring Sam Maguire to children’s hospital

It was the day after the night before, when the celebrating was intense, but Jim Gavin and his Dublin charges put on a display to equal their winning performance in Sunday's All-Ireland football final when they visited Our Lady's Children's Hospital in Crumlin on Monday.

Sam Maguire in tow, the team mingled with staff and patients, posing for selfies and signing autographs with endless patience and courtesy.

For Joseph Harrington (14), from Galway, who came to see the Dubs with his father John, it was truly a day to remember.

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Dublin’s Philly McMahon with Jayden McKiernan (4), from Clondalkin, at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin. Photograph: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy

“I was a patient here some years ago and the staff were lovely,’’ he said. “I celebrated Galway’s hurling victory and now my dad and myself are cheering the Dubs.’’

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Joseph recalled how important the traditional visit of the winning All-Ireland team on the Monday after the final was to the patients at the hospital.

“The players were always so nice, and they spent a lot of time signing autographs,’’ he said.

“I cheered for Galway in the hurling, but I cheered for the Dubs in the football.’’

Perspective

“Coming here today puts everything in perspective,’’ said Gavin. “We are always delighted to visit the hospital on the Monday and we hope we will be back next year.

“We will enjoy today and we will see what happens next year.”

Dressed in the Dublin colours, Jim Daly and his daughter Deirdre, from Rathmines, were among those to secure the Gavin signature on their jerseys.

"We come every year to meet the players,'' said Jim. "I'm sorry for Mayo, but Deirdre and myself are big Dublin supporters and we are delighted with the results.''

Deirdre had a day off school for the event. “I hope they win the four-in-a-row and we will be back next year,’’ she said. “It will be another day off school.”