Ireland manager Eileen Gleeson visits Buncrana schoolgirl who sent her letter

The head coach of the Ireland women's national football team Eileen Gleeson has paid a visit to Scoil Íosagáin in Buncrana after receiving a hand-written letter from a pupil.

When Katie King, 11, was in fifth class, students decided to write formal letters to people and companies they admired.

A copy of the letter sent by Buncrana schoolgirl Katie King to Eileen Gleeson PHOTO: TOM HEANEY NWPRESSPICS

Katie chose to write to Eileen Gleeson and her letter was received while the team was in a training camp preparing to take on Sweden. 

Katie had asked Eileen to reply to the letter. However, Ms Gleeson thought she would come to the school to meet Katie in person.

“When we received the letter we thought it was really special and so well written that we thought that we had to come and see you,” commented Eileen.

In the letter, Katie talks about how Eileen inspires her. Katie also showed generosity in her letter by asking for a memento for the school.

“Katie asked if I could give her an autograph but I think we have gone one better. She was also really generous in her letter and asked for a memento for the school. 

“She loves her school and all her classmates and her teachers. For Katie we have something really special, we have an Ireland jersey signed by the players. Also because of Katie we also have a signed jersey for the school.

Eileen also encourages everyone to write a letter because she loved receiving Katie’s, and you never know what could happen if you send a letter.

Eileen Gleeson with the King family, school principal Sinead McLaughlin and teacher Mrs McDaid PHOTO: TOM HEANEY NWPRESSPICS

Mrs McDaid, who helped with the formal writing, says the students did all the research themselves. They spent weeks learning about the person or company the letter was being sent to.

“It has been the most exciting day. I didn’t expect Eileen to stay so long, she was so good with the children,” said Mrs McDaid to Donegal live.

“I’m just delighted. It’s been a very special day and very emotional day. I actually shed a tear when she said Katie was an inspiration to her and just seeing the children’s faces. I’m sure they’ll all be inspired. It might inspire girls to play and watch football and the boys as well to watch the women’s games.”

Due to the success of Eileen visiting the school and another pupil receiving a reply from David Attenborough, Mrs McDaid believes this will inspire the children to write more letters.

Eileen Gleeson with Katie King and principal Sinead McLaughlin PHOTO: TOM HEANEY NWPRESSPICS

Mr Delap, the school football coach, said the Buncrana school has a history of making national finals and the team were All-Ireland school champions in 2018.

He believes the success of the school has encouraged more girls in the school to take up football and the same could be said for the success of the national team - their success will encourage more girls to play.

He also encouraged the pupils to get involved in coaching if they don’t think playing their sport is for them.

Eileen took questions from the pupils and they found out that she is an Arsenal supporter and prefers Messi over Ronaldo.

 “I’m really happy to meet Eileen Gleeson and I don’t care who knows it, " Katie said.

To finish the day Ms Gleeson gave tickets to Katie and her family and invited them to the Ireland versus Georgia match on Tuesday, October 29. She told the children that the most important thing when playing sport is to enjoy it and work hard, after that the winning will come.