Victor Clarke off to see idol Lionel Messi and Barcelona FC

Little Victor in the Camp Nou tonight as reward for his kind gesture to Magheracloone GFC

SALLY HARDING
A kind-hearted seven-year-old boy from Ratoath who came up with a fundraising idea to help build Magheracloone GAA club after it was devastated by an old mine collapse has been rewarded with a once in a lifetime trip to watch Barcelona FC. 
Victor Clarke endeared himself to the nation when he penned a heartwarming letter suggesting a charity under-seven GAA match to help raise funds for Magheracloone GAA club following the devastating loss of their grounds when a disused mine collapsed leading to massive sinkholes and fissures across the playing surfaces and dressingroom facilities.
His handwritten letter captured the imaginations of people from both clubs and in October his dream came true when Ratoath and Magheracloone U7s went head-to-head raising much-needed funds for the community.

 

READ: Victor wants to help club out of a hole

Victor and his younger brother Nicholas were told of the surprise trip organised by Beko, one of the main partners of Barcelona FC during an appearance on the Ray Darcy Show on RTE.
“I don't think the lads took it in at the time. Ray presented them with Barcelona jerseys and then said by the way you are also going to see Barcelona FC play at their stadium in Spain,” commented Victor's dad Roy Clarke.


“On Saturday we are flying to Barcelona and Beko has also kindly arranged tickets for us to attend a match between Barcelona and Real Valladolid. The boys are on cloud nine and are counting down the hours. There is great excitement here in Ratoath and everyone has been wishing them luck. We are very proud of the two boys,” he adds. 
Shane Kelly Sales and Marketing Manager with Beko says the company immediately wanted to sponsor the fundraising match when they read Victor's letter.
“We felt that it was powerful and inspiring that children so young wanted to do something to help a community in need. The people of Magheracloone's world had caved in because they had lost both their GAA and community centre. 


“To do something as simple as writing a letter brought happiness to the community in Magheracloone. I was just proud that Beko was able to be a part of it and help a lift a community's spirit. We hope Victor and his family have an amazing time in Barcelona.”