Lilly Dwyer (6) from Navan, winner of the Airtricity Mascot Competition, walks out onto the pitch hand in hand with Manchester United's Michael Owen at the Airtricity League XI v Manchester United match at the Aviva Stadium last Wednesday.

Hand in hand with her new hero...

Ann Casey

Published: Wed 11 Aug 2010, 4:50 PM

A six year-old Navan girl was the envy of the country last week when she walked out onto the pitch at the new Aviva Stadium, hand in hand with Manchester United star striker Michael Owen. Lilly Dwyer from Balreask Manor was an official mascot at the Airtricity League XI v Manchester United tie at the new stadium in Dublin on Wednesday night. She walked out with her Manchester United heroes before the first ever soccer game at the new facility. Lily, a daughter of Michelle and Anthony Dwyer, is a huge Manchester United fan. Her Mum, Michelle, said that, prior to last Wednesday night's game, Wayne Rooney was Lily's favourite player, but Michael Owen is now her firm favourite. Lily has just finished her first year at Cannistown National School and is very sporting, listing swimming and Korean martial arts among her top pastimes. Lily travelled to Dublin for the match with her mum and two cousins, Jody (15) and Stephen (16). She also has a little brother, Anthony, who is three. Her dad, Anthony, is also a huge Manchester United fan, but is working in the US at the moment and was very disappointed that he couldn't be there. "We've sent him loads of photographs and he is looking forward to coming home and hearing all about it," said Michelle.