THE STORY OF Eoin Mulligan and his favourite customer Francis has been going on for a week now.
So much has happened that it feels like it has been so much longer. It all started when Eoin, a Supermac’s employee, bought a new Everton jersey for his favourite customer, Francis.
Francis, who happens to have autism, is a great pal of Eoin’s. He comes to Supermac’s for a chat about Everton FC regularly and brightens Eoin’s day each and every time.
After Eoin presented Francis with the jersey, everyone who saw the video fell in love with them. It wasn’t long before Everton FC shared the video to their Facebook page.
Days later, Supermac’s and Everton FC told Eoin and Francis to pack their bags – they were going to Goodison Park to watch Everton play against Hajduk Split and meet the team.
In yet another lovely video, Eoin broke the news to Francis. He was over the moon.
Eoin, Francis and carer Alan were brought to Dublin Airport by Athlone Chauffeur Services. True VIP treatment.
Unfortunately, things started to go wrong. When they got to Liverpool to watch Everton FC play, Francis became ill with a vomiting bug. In another Facebook post, Eoin shared what happened:
He tried to soldier on and was adamant he wanted to go to the match, however he became very weak towards the evening.
Francis was determined to go but unfortunately we had to make the decision that he could not.
Francis’ health and well-being is first priority, so all three of us stayed at the hotel together during the game to make sure he was okay.
Disappointed, but stating that this whole thing was always about Francis and making him happy, he thanked Everton FC, Supermac’s and everyone who sent them messages and support.
However, he wasn’t ready to give up.
This is not the end of the road for making Francis’ dream Everton experience come true. We are going to get back to Ireland and get cracking on getting him back over in the future and giving him an adventure he truly deserves.
So yesterday he set up a GoFundMe called Get Francis to Goodison, with the goal of sorting out Francis’ dream trip.
Eoin promised to pledge all surplus donations to Aspire, The Asperger Syndrome Association of Ireland.
Within hours their goal was met… With the help of none other than Irish footballer Séamus Coleman.
Eoin’s goal was to raise €1,100. Séamus Coleman, who also plays for Everton FC, pledged €2,000 to help the pair out.
With the donation Séamus wrote:
Sorry you couldn’t make it to the game Francis. I hope you’re feeling better now. Hopefully this helps get you and Eoin your flights and accommodation for another game and I’m sure the club will look after you as always. Seamie Coleman.
Absolutely delighted and in total shock, Eoin, once again took to Facebook.
I am literally speechless. Not only is Séamus an inspiration to thousands of people across Ireland, but he is also one of Francis’ favourite players of all time. The fact that someone of Séamus’ stature could reach out like this and help someone says a lot about his character.
These last few days have proved to me the world is a lot bright of a place than we think.
Because of people like all of you that donated, you have helped give Francis another chance at the trip of his dreams and in turn helped raise awareness and much needed funds for autism in Ireland.
Addressing Séamus Coleman, Eoin said:
I only hope we can meet in person so I can show you how much this has meant to me. You are a modern day hero. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
As promised, the surplus will go to Aspire in Francis’ name.
We can’t wait to see what happens when the pair finally get to meet their heroes. Excellent work by all.
