The parents of five year old Zoe Murphy have thanked Ireland football star for giving their daughter ‘one of the greatest days ever’.
The Wigan Athletic and Ireland star reached out to the family after hearing of the shocking abuse Zoe had suffered at a recent League of Ireland game.
Dundalk fan Zoe was born with quadriplegia and developed cerebral palsy when she turned 21 months-old.
Her family were taken aback by the outpouring of support they received since the unsavoury incident where she was left in tears at the Louth derby clash.
McClean offered Zoe and her family tickets for the game between Ireland and Belgium and also use of his designated corporate box.
Zoe was also presented with a signed jersey from Stephen Kenny’s side.
“Thank you so much to Republic of Ireland legend James McClean for providing Zoe with one of the greatest days ever, inviting her to be his guest in his family box at the Aviva Stadium for yesterday's match against Belgium,” stated her parents.
"Not only did Zoe have an amazing seat and view for such an exhilarating game but everyone was so welcoming and friendly to her and made her day so special. Such a pleasure to meet such lovely people.
“We couldn’t believe when he just reached out to us personally, and not only this but got Zoe her own jersey signed by the team.
“We absolutely loved yesterday and can’t thank James and family and friends enough for giving her such an experience.”
Commenting on his Instagram story, Ireland’s McClean said it was a ‘pleasure’ to have Zoe and her family as his guest. “Amazing wee girl yous have, pleasure having yous’.
And McClean’s wife, Erin added: “We just loved having yous. Zoe is an absolute doll and the strongest little girl I ever did meet!”
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