James meets his All-Ireland winning heroes

DAY TO REMEMBER?James Boyle (9) wearing his Mayo jersey and waving his Donegal flag was thrilled to meet Donegal manager Jim McGuinness and team members and current All-Stars Colm McFadden and Michael Murphy in the Park Hotel in Kiltimagh on Sunday evening.

Donegal players make dream come true for young Kiltimagh lad


James meets his All-Ireland winning heroes

Michael Commins

A dream came through for 9-year old James Boyle from Shanaghy, Bohola when he was guest of the Donegal team at the Park Hotel in Kiltimagh on Sunday evening. James, who is in third class in Kiltimagh NS, is a huge supporter of both Donegal and Mayo.
Tragedy struck the Boyle family five years ago when his dad, Séamus Boyle, a native of Arranmore Island off the Donegal coast, died in a road accident a few miles out the Kilkelly road from Kiltimagh. James and his wife Caroline (nee Langan from Kiltimagh town) and their son James had returned from America after Séamus secured a job with An Post in Kiltimagh.
On that fateful evening, Séamus decided to bring young James for a spin in the post van which James used to call ‘Pat the Postman van’. While Seamus dies in the accident, James escaped with only minor injuries. Caroline was expecting their second child at the time.
Seamus played football with Arranmore and Dungloe. The Kiltimagh and Arranmore Island clubs now play an annual game for a cup dedicated to his memory.
“Last year was a hard year for me,” says James. “I followed and supported Donegal and Mayo but it was great to see the two of them in the final. My family took me to Donegal for the Sam Maguire homecoming. I hope I will be asking my Donegal family to Mayo this year for Sam’s homecoming. I love and follow both teams.”
Through the good offices and wonderful compassion and understanding of Donegal County Board chairman, SeΡn Dunnion, plans were put in place on Saturday for James to meet up with his heroes when the team stopped for a meal in the Park Hotel after the game on Sunday.
It was a lovely occasion for James and his mother Caroline and the family circle who were also joined by Kathleen Walsh and Kathleen Tarpey and other neighbours and friends including the Lavin and Malee families for the get-together. Kathleen Tarpey and Maura Malee are both Donegal natives.
Donegal manager Jim McGuinness together with captain Michael Murphy and Colm McFadden and other members made all the time in the world to give James an occasion and evening to cherish for years to come.
“I am so thankful to Jim and Michael and all the Donegal team and their County Chairman for their kindness and hospitality. They are lovely people and we are so grateful to all who helped make this such a memorable day for James,” said Caroline.