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20th Jan 2015

Pics: How the UFC and Conor McGregor treated a young Irish cancer sufferer like a king in Boston

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Joe Harrington

Fair play to everyone who made this happen.

UFC Fight Night in Boston was a special occasion for Conor McGregor, Cathal Pendred and Paddy Holohan who all won their respective fights.

It’s was also a night to remember for a young man from Dublin called Jay Mooney.

Jay is an incredible character, he was named Ireland’s Young Carer of the Year in 2014 as recognition for the care he’s provided his mother since his was very young.

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Jay’s mom Sabrina had Meningitis at 19 and suffered a stroke, she was then diagnosed with Epilepsy shortly after Jamie was born.

Jay looked after her through her seizures, as well as helping Sabrina with his younger sister Lexie while his dad was at work.

Things took a turn last July when Jay was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. The 17-year-old had been undergoing intense Chemotherapy up until Christmas to fight the cancer.

Jay’s dad wanted to do something special for his amazing son, and he pulled out all the stops by organising a trip for Jay to UFC Fight Night in Boston.

Here’s how Jay got on.

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UFC President Dana White gave Jay his seat for the night. The best seat in the house.

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Meeting Dana backstage

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Jay hanging out with Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone

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Some free gear from the UFC

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Jay and SBG coach John Kavanagh

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The Notorious and Jay backstage

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Jay and Hollywood legend Mickey Rourke

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Paddy Holohan and Jay

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Jay and Cathal Pendred

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Jay and Conor McGregor after his win over Dennis Siver.

What an amazing night for Jay.

Fair play to his dad for organising it all, and to the UFC and the Irish fighters for treating Jay like a king. Rightly so.

Cheers to Jay’s mate Mark Grundy who got in touch with us about the story.