If you’re an Irish fan in need of cheering up after Saturday, this should do the trick.
The Boys in Green didn’t lose, of course, but the manner of the performance in the 1-1 draw against Georgia in Tbilisi was a little disheartening to say the least.
That said, a win against Serbia on Tuesday night will put Ireland back to the top of Group D in the World Cup qualifiers and regardless of the result, one young Irish fan will have cause to remember the occasion more than most.
Eight-year-old Chloe Brennan from Clarehall in Dublin, a massive Irish fan and a huge fan of Shane Long in particular, turned up at the FAI team hotel with her parents in the run-up to the Serbia game with no idea of the surprise that was in store.
Chloe had been entered into a competition to be the mascot for the big game at the Aviva Stadium and on hand to tell her the news and to present her with an Ireland jersey for the occasion was none other than her hero, Shane Long.
After asking him to sign her jersey, Chloe and Shane talked about dogs and Shane’s early love for Leeds United, with Chloe describing the experience as “the best day in my life”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmYkMREbPxc
Clip via Three Ireland
Tuesday might even top it for Chloe, especially if we’re on the right side of the result.
As part of #TheCallUp campaign, Chloe will walk out alongside Shane Long as the official mascot for the Republic of Ireland. Fans can join the conversation on #TheCallUp.
