It was a moment of magic which went viral around the world in recent days.
When St Eunan’s GAA club stalwart John Haran’s son Ollie picked out his father’s ticket in the club’s draw it seemed like a mere coincidence.
And it was.
But Ollie’s reaction and innocent protestations woke the inner child in tens of thousands of people around the globe who witnessed the moment online.
‘We won it fair and square,’ were the understandable protests of the nine year old.
It wasn’t even that John or Ollie for that matter were big Garth Brooks fans whom the winning prize was tickets to see.
Ollie’s music taste is more Dermot Kennedy than the great cowboy-hatted one but that didn’t matter – but that’s not the point – a draw is a draw!
Dad John relived one of the most terrifying moments of his life when he saw his own name on the ticket picked out by Ollie.
He told Donegal Daily “I just thought ‘Oh Jesus, people are going to think this is a fix. I was always going to put the ticket back in. How could I not?”
John laughs and admits that Ollie, 9, as well as his brothers Sean Og, 7, and Iarlaith, 4 certainly keep himself and wife Nicola busy.
“He’s (Ollie) a character. He goes to Illistrin school and is part of the Under 9s at St Eunans. I can understand his reaction but he doesn’t even like Garth Brooks,” laughed John.
John, who is principal of St Bernadettes Special School in Letterkenny, said the online video has helped him get in touch with many people he has fallen out of touch with over the years.
He said he hoped the unexpected moment of magic helps people to enjoy Christmas a little more as it has him.
“I can’t believe the reaction. It has been amazing and I’m delighted people got a laugh out of it. It was so innocent and you really couldn’t have made it up.
“So many people I haven’t spoken to in years from around the country and America and elsewhere have been in touch after they saw the video.
“I’m delighted that it went down so well,” he added.
