Proof, as if it was needed, of what a legend Seamus Coleman is.
Earlier this year, you may have read about Francis Conmey, an Everton fan from Athlone who lives with Asperger Syndrome.
Together with his friend Eoin Mulligan, Frances was meant to travel to Goodison Park for Everton’s Europa League clash with Hajduk Split earlier this season, a trip that would also involve a meeting with some of Francis’ heroes, including Wayne Rooney and Seamus Coleman.
Unfortunately, Francis couldn’t make the trip due to illness, but his spirits were lifted soon afterwards when, after Eoin had set up a GoFundMe page to bring Francis to Liverpool for another Everton game, he received a €2,000 donation and a kind message from Seamus Coleman himself.
Francis and Eoin finally made the trip to Goodison Park for Everton’s recent victory over West Ham – a 4-0 win for the Toffees featuring a goal-of-the-season contender from Wayne Rooney – and Francis finally got to meet the Irish captain, who made the visit possible in the first place.
💙 | Two Irish Toffees and the generosity of Seamus Coleman.
Another heartwarming tale from the #EvertonFamily. #BlueCrimbo #AutismAwareness pic.twitter.com/UrBADwgpNg
— Everton (@Everton) December 12, 2017
Commenting on the visit, Eoin Mulligan said: “Myself and Francis first bonded over our love for Everton and his knowledge of the club, its history and football in general is incredible. I thought I knew my stuff about Everton but Francis really does know his history.
“Following the disappointment of our previous visit when Francis fell ill we both wanted to come back and to have received such a generous donation from one of our Seamus Coleman shows the measure of the man.
“This has been an amazing journey and we can’t thank Seamus and the club enough for helping us come over to watch the match.
“Prior to the game Francis was telling everyone including Seamus and all the players how Everton were going to win 5-0. It finished 4-0 but at one point I did think Francis’ prediction was going to come true.”
If this doesn’t warm your heart of a cold winter’s evening, we don’t know what will.
