A VIDEO of a disabled Celtic fan’s goal celebration moved a kind-hearted Hoops supporter to secretly give him his treasured club shirt.
Scottish singer songwriter Andy McCabe won Celtic TV’s goal of the month competition for January and was awarded with the prize of a signed shirt from striker Odsonne Edouard.
But Andy anonymously gave the shirt away to a disabled youngster who he saw in a viral video celebrating Edouard’s winning goal in the Old Firm derby.
In the clip, Oisin McConnell from Belfast, who has a rare deletion of chromosome condition, clearly shows his joy despite not being able to walk or talk.
Oisin’s father, John McConnell, 35, wrote on social media: “Someone has won the goal of the month comp and rather than take the prize they’ve asked that it gets sent to Oisin after seeing the video of him celebrating the goal against Rangers. Some absolutely amazing people in this world.”
Andy then revealed himself as the generous benefactor, replying: “That was me mate.
“Saw how much the goal meant for the wee man and thought that a shirt signed by his hero would mean the world to him. Hope that he loves it and all part of being in the Celtic family.”
Retweeting Andy’s message, John added: “This is the legend who won the goal of the month comp and decided to give the prize to Oisin. Really can’t get over it, such a kind thoughtful thing to do. Amazing mate thank you so much. #CelticFamily.”
The video that persuaded Andy to part with the shirt before even had it was posted by John on March 11, the day of the last meeting between Celtic and rivals Rangers, which the Hoops won 3-2.
As Edouard races in on goal to score the third, the dad-of-two films his eldest’s reaction. Oisin beams and clenches his fists excitedly as his dad shouts for joy.
And the clip obviously caught they eye of Andy, who said: “I think anyone that watched the video could see the genuine, pure joy in the wee man’s celebrations.
“Later that day Celtic TV told me that I’d won the goal of the month competition for January when I chose Odsonne’s goal against Hearts and that I would be receiving a signed shirt from him for winning.
“I was obviously delighted but then thought that Oisin would absolutely love the shirt so asked if the prize could be sent to him instead and the Celtic TV crew were very accommodating and contacted John.
“I’m just happy to continue the Celtic tradition of looking out for one another and helping and giving when we have the opportunity.”
Senior Operations manager John, 35, said: “I honestly couldn’t believe it when I received the message yesterday, such an unbelievable kind gesture the whole family are really humbled by it.”
Oisin’s condition is so rare that it doesn’t have a name but it is the deletion of chromosome 2 31-33.
He was not expected to survive when he was born and spent the first to months of his life in the ICU neo-natal unit. As well as being unable to walk or talk, he is fed solely through a peg in his stomach and has numerous other medical issues as a result of his condition.
John added: “For all of that he is an amazing happy boy, he has his own way of communicating and lets us know what he wants and what he likes. He is such an affectionate and loving kid.
“We watch every game together on TV and he is always glued and going mad when Celtic score. He’s just a wee Celtic fan like he was always meant to be.”
A spokeswoman for Celtic said: “We would like to applaud Andy for this magnificent gesture. He was lucky enough to win the jersey and has
shown great generosity in passing this on to Oisin.
“Odsonne made sure it was a great day for Celtic and we are sure this jersey
will be a fantastic memento for a great young supporter of the Club.”
