Mayo’s Little Blue Heroes Christmas trip to Leinster House
Mayo’s Little Blue Heroes enjoyed a memorable day in Dublin last Wednesday, as they travelled to the capital for a special tour of Leinster House.
Seven Little Blue Heroes and their families, accompanied by six members of An Garda Síochána from Mayo, enjoyed a special day celebrating the children’s courage and the vital work of the Little Blue Heroes Foundation.
The visit began in style, with a Garda motorcade escort along Kildare Street and into Leinster House, where the group received a warm welcome from the Ceann Comhairle.
The Little Blue Heroes Foundation was established in 2017 to support families of children with serious illnesses.
As part of its work, the foundation grants wishes by welcoming children as Honorary Gardaí, giving them their own uniforms and making them a part of their local Garda team.
In Mayo, Little Blue Heroes are actively involved in community life, regularly taking part in events such as Heritage Day in Ballina and the Salmon Festival, helping to strengthen their connection to the communities around them.
Amiee O’Loughlin was the first Little Blue Hero in Mayo. She travelled to Leinster House yesterday alongside her parents, Ann O’Loughlin and Stephen Ginty.
Amiee turns 23 in January, and Ms O’Loughlin explained that she and her daughter have spent a lot of time over the years travelling to and from Dublin for hospital appointments.
She said that making the journey for something joyful and uplifting was particularly meaningful.
“It was an absolute pleasure to go up [to Dublin] for a happy occasion - it made such a difference because it wasn’t hospital related.
“The excitement, the buzz, it was building up for quite a while. She was up at 3am this morning, we don’t need an alarm clock when something good is happening.”
She said days like this provide a much-needed boost and a renewed sense of positivity for the entire family.
“It’s days like today that really give her the boost and the will to keep going, and that’s all we need. It’s just a distraction for everybody because she’s been through a lot in her short life.”
Ms O’Loughlin said the Little Blue Heroes Foundation has brought immense joy and positivity to Amiee’s life, while also offering a strong support network within the local community.
“It gives them a role in the community, that's the most important thing. As you get older, a lot of doors close, but Little Blue Heroes continue to support us. It is important to be involved and included, and Blue Heroes covers all of that,” she said.
Audrey Garvey, Mayo representative for the Little Blue Heroes and Garda Juvenile Liaison Officer for Mayo, said the day was truly special and unforgettable for all involved.
“Seven Honorary Gardaí and their families from Mayo attended Leinster House, making it a truly special day. Six Gardaí from Mayo joined the families on the day, reflecting the strong sense of community within Little Blue Heroes. I would like to thank Senator Mark Duffy for organising this event.”
Senator Duffy said it was an honour to welcome the Little Blue Heroes to Leinster House.
“It is something that I wanted to do to celebrate the great work of our Honorary Gardai and to recognise the dedication of them and their families and carers.”
During their visit, the group met many familiar faces around Leinster House, including Tánaiste Simon Harris, Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald, as well as Mayo TD’s Rose Conway-Walsh and Keira Keogh.
Senator Duffy explained that the trip helped to create lasting and positive memories for families who have endured so many difficult journeys to the capital.
“Especially at Christmas time when families come together, especially with families who have had so many difficult journeys up and down the road to Dublin for medical appointments, hospital appointments, surgeries and procedures, [it means a lot] to have a positive memory of a trip to Dublin for the families.”
He also paid tribute to the community policing team, juvenile liaison officers, and Mayo Garda units, along with their colleagues in Pearse Street Garda Station and Leinster House.
“It couldn’t have been done without them and all the ushers and staff of Leinster House who made the day so memorable and seamless for all the families.”
This article has been funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.