As part of the charity partnership with Leinster Rugby, Special Olympics Leinster nominated Daniel Dunne (11), from Tullamore, Co. Offaly as the match day mascot for the Harlequins game in the Champions Cup this Saturday in the Aviva (kick Off: 7.45pm).
Under the guise of catching up on the great work being done across the province, Leinster Rugby TV rocked up to Ballinamere National School to capture some footage of one of their training sessions being run by Niall Kane….but also to catch up with one of the stars of the Special Olympics Leinster swimming team, Daniel Dunne, who recently won two gold medals in the breast stroke.
Daniel, who thankfully lists Leinster as his favourite team and the recently returned Jamie Hagan as his favourite player, was caught off guard by the moment as Leinster stars Dominic Ryan and Marty Moore surprised him with his match kit and match day VIP tickets.
By the end though it was hugs and high fives all round as Daniel got to know his Leinster heroes.
Daniel will walk out in front of over 40,000 supporters on Saturday evening and Leinster Rugby TV will capture the moment. Daniel’s special day will feature as part of the December edition of ‘Across the Laighin’ which will air next Wednesday, the 17th December.
Best of luck to Daniel from all in Leinster Rugby on Saturday and here’s hoping he has a day he’ll never forget!
Check out www.leinsterrugby.ie/charitypartners for more information about the partnership with Special Olympics Leinster and LauraLynn and to see how your club, school or charity can benefit from Leinster Rugby support.
