A YOUNG GAA fan from Killarney, who is passionate about the game, stole the hearts of the nation last night when he starred in a special television documentary charting his journey to deliver a motivational talk to the Wexford senior hurlers.
Michael O’Brien, from Ballyspillane, was invited to do so by team manager Davy Fitzgerald when they met on the Late Late Toy Show and the cameras followed the 11-year-old schoolboy as he prepared for his big day out.
Michael, who is visually impaired, is Davy Fitz’s biggest fan and he could scarcely believe his luck when Ryan Tubridy introduced him to the Wexford manager on live TV.
“I need a small bit of help,” Fitzgerald told the young Killarney boy, “I need another passionate man with me.”
Davy Fitz said he had important league games coming up and asked his biggest fan to come along and give them a team talk.
“That’s a deal,” replied Michael.
The hour-long documentary showed the young GAA supporter with his family, his teachers and classmates at St Oliver’s National School in Ballycasheen as well as principal, Rory D’Arcy, who helped Michael prepare the script for the big occasion and to rehearse his ‘Dream Big’ pep talk.
It also showed Michael arriving at Wexford Park, delivering his word-perfect speech and watching from the stands as Wexford pipped old rivals Tipperary in a National Hurling League thriller.
The social media reaction to the documentary was sensational with the country falling in love with the smiling young schoolboy from Killarney who has a wonderful personality that can light up a room.
An extra bonus for Michael is that Croke Park officials have now invited him to headquarters for the All-Ireland final and he will be treated to a VIP tour of the GAA museum and stadium.
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