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Dublin Live
Dublin Live
National
Kim oLeary & Karen Morgan

WATCH: Massive turnout for charity football match in Ballyfermot to support boys battling cancer

Two young football fans battling Leukemia were greeted by a jubilant crowd as they arrived in style in a Hummer as guests of honour for a charity match in Ballyfermot earlier today.

The charity match between Ballyfermot United played against Ex-League of Ireland Allstars was organised to support six-year-old Caiden Molloy and nine-year-old Keilan O'Shea, who have both being diagnosed with leukemia.

Both the boys and their family were greeted by a large crowd of well-wishers, footballers and coaches when they arrived at the match which took place at the the Coldcut on Prison Road in Ballyfermot at 2pm.

Speaking to Dublin Live, organiser John Belmont set up the GoFundme to support the boys as well as the match.

John explained: "We heard the news Caiden Molloy was in our academy six years of age and from the area of Ballyfermot, he was diagnosed with Leukemia and then so was his friend Keilan O'Shea.

"We run events at the club all the time so we wanted to see what we could do, we normally play against a group of parents to build a bit of buzz, and this time somebody suggested that League of Ireland players would be interested in doing it.

"Once we put feelers out we got 15 League of Ireland players all willing to come in and give time for the cause."

John said that they were "absolutely blown away" by the support they received with the whole club and local businesses getting behind them to support Caiden and Keilan.

"We reached out to Absolute Limos and and they donated a black Hummer to go and pick the boys up and bring them to the game in VIP style.

"We had a little gift wrap kit ready for them so they could come and feel that this whole day was all for them," added John.

Meanwhile, footballer Ian Bermingham who plays for St Patrick's Athletic said that they were eager to give their support to both Caiden and Keilan.

He told Dublin Live: "The minute we heard about this we were keen to take part, they're not great circumstances but thankfully the two boys are on the mend now. We're here to give them a good day out and seeing them arrive in their limo and everything is brilliant."

Meanwhile, Keilan's mam Jenny hailed the great support that they have received from the community in Ballyfermot and beyond.

She said: "Keilan's being strong and keeping up, we're happy with the progress he's making. You can't get a better community than Ballyfermot, this is what you do when there's tough times they all just come together."

Anyone wishing to donate to the GoFundme can click here

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