Members of the Garda Dog Unit made a surprise visit to Sean Cox as he celebrated his birthday in lockdown.
Cox was given a special display from 'Grisley' the German Shepherd before neighbours and gardai sang Happy Birthday on Friday afternoon.
The dad-of-three is back on home turf in Dunboyne, Co Meath after spending a number of years recovering from injuries in hospitals in Liverpool and Dublin.
Cox celebrated turning 55 on Thursday evening alongside family members for the first time since suffering life-changing injuries from an unprovoked attack at a Liverpool match two years ago.
A social media post by An Garda Siochana said: "The Garda Dog Unit made a surprise Birthday visit to Sean Cox in Co Meath today and gave him a short display with our colleague 'Grisley'.
"Sean's neighbours practicing social distancing from their gardens sang Happy Birthday.
"We wish Sean a speedy recovery and a very Happy Birthday."
Sean's wife Martina said their family have been "looking forward for a long time" to having him back home.
She said: "This is a day we as a family have been looking forward to for a long time.
"While Sean still has a long road to travel, having him home with us is an incredibly important step as we come together as a family unit again.
"I can't thank enough those who have helped Seam along the way over the past two years. Without a doubt this support has made today possible.
"In particular, I would like to thank the incredible staff in Marymount Care Centre in Lucan for the care and support they have provided to Sean over the past number of months.
"At a time when staying home takes on new meaning for all of us, its clear that there is no other place that Sean would rather be."
