Christmas came early for children at CHI at Temple Street and CHI at Crumlin as stars of Stephen Kenny's Republic of Ireland team paid virtual visits ahead of the festive season.
With COVID-19 restrictions still in place, the players chatted with the children at both hospitals virtually as Séamus Coleman and Matt Doherty visited Temple Street, and John Egan and Chiedozie Ogbene visited Crumlin.
In Temple Street, Coleman and Doherty were cordially greeted by two huge Ireland fans in 15-year old Liam Roche and nine-year old Dexter Murmane.
The youngsters quizzed the stars about the Portugal qualifier coming up at the Aviva Stadium on Thursday.
At Crumlin, Egan and Ogbene were brought around the ward by the staff at the hospital as the Ireland players looked to spread some cheer ahead of the festive period.
Chief Executive of Children's Health Ireland Eilísh Hardiman underlined the positive impact such visits have on the children in both hopsitals.
She said: "We have some very sick children in our hospitals and it’s been an incredibly hard year for them with restrictions meaning few visits and far fewer entertainments than we can normally accommodate.
"From all in CHI, I want to sincerely thank the players for giving their time and bringing genuine joy to our patients while they stay with us."
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