Rugby fans and players are planning to pay tribute to a tragic young fan who sadly passed away after being selected to lead the team out against Connacht at the RDS Arena on Saturday.
Liam Hagan, a lifelong Leinster fan, was born with EB (epidermolysis bullosa) a genetic disease that causes skin, both inside and out, to blister at the slightest touch.Liam, eight, from Threemilehouse in Monaghan, had a severe form of EB which left 80% of his body covered open wounds.
The young Leinster fanatic was overjoyed at being selected as a mascot but lost his eight year fight before he could fulfil his ambition.
His cousin and best friend Adam McCormic, also from Monaghan, will lead the team out in his memory and Leinster Rugby have asked all supporters to acknowledge Liam and his courageous fight at the game.
Charity Debra Ireland will be in attendance at the game and will be handing out butterfly tattoos and are asking supporters to wear the butterfly in a show of support for Liam and other families fighting
"Liam is the toughest little guy we have ever come across and it is very sad that he won’t be with us on Saturday but we will make sure that Adam has a great day and we will remember Liam and our thoughts are with his family,"
said Leinster favourite Sean O'Brien,
"It would be great if our supporters acknowledged Liam and supported Debra Ireland at the game."
In addition, Leinster announced that Sky Sports, the broadcasters of the game, will scan the crowd at half time to pick out supporters wearing their butterfly tattoos and one lucky supporter will win two Leinster Rugby season tickets for next season as well as other spot prizes on the night.
When Debra Ireland was chosen as Leinster Rugby’s charity of the year no-one was more excited than Liam.
"This is EB Awareness Week and Liam, being a rugby nut despite the pain he felt every time he touched a ball, was the obvious choice as mascot for Saturday’s match," said Debra Ireland’s Judith Gilsenan.
"EB is often described as Butterfly Skin because the skin is as fragile as a butterfly’s wing, and just as easily damaged.
"Saturday is still Liam’s day and we are asking people all over the country to wear a butterfly temporary tattoo for him and all families fighting the battle with EB.
"And before the match, we are asking all fans of both sides to strike up a round of applause to mark Liam’s courageous battle.
"Joining in this celebration of Liam’s life and his unbelievable bravery would mean the world to his family."
Liam, whose big wish was to one day make a trip to Disneyland, lived with his mum Gráinne and his grandparents Paul and Kathleen and they will be guests of Leinster Rugby at the game on Saturday.
Anyone wishing to support Debra Ireland during #EBAwarenessWeek is asked to text BUTTERFLY to 50300 to donate €4 and Debra Ireland will receive a minimum of €3.25 from every donation.
"With EB every little bit can hurt, but in this case every little butterfly helps, so please show your support and text to make a donation," said Judith.
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