A schoolboy in Armagh, who was robbed while running a sweet stall to raise money for a new pet, has finally got his bearded dragon reptile.
Nine-year-old Eoghan Reilly had set up the summer business venture after mum Kelly promised the animal lover the reptile sidekick if he could pay for it himself.
Just two days later Eoghan’s stall was robbed by two men who took his cash and supplies and fled in a blue pick-up truck.
With the community spirit at a peak ahead of the All-Ireland final, people rallied around Eoghan donating vouchers, sweets and cash to help get his business up and running again and bring him a step closer to his dream of owning a bearded dragon.
Just a few weeks later Kelly said she is happy to report her son had welcomed ‘Snickers Reilly ’ to the family last week.
“He still has a few nightmares, but thankfully the only sleepless night lately was because he was so excited to go get his beloved bearded dragon,” she said.
“He googled names for bearded dragons and chose this one as he loved it and said the reptile looked like a ‘snickers’.”
She added: “We are so humbled by everyone’s kindness.
“We will never forget everyone and everything you did to help our wee man move forward.”
Eoghan even managed to get a trip to the All Ireland final between Armagh and Galway in Croke Park last month as well thanks to help from the Armagh County Board.
“Thank you all so so much from the bottom of our hearts, you have turned a nightmare into a dream for our wee man,” she said.
