Laois hospital nurse's son gets special gift from Limerick hurling hero

Limerick hurling star Kyle Hayes and the HSE CEO have given an amazing gift to the son of a senior nurse at Portlaoise hospital.

During his recent visit to Laois, HSE boss Bernard Gloster presented with Rita Flaherty Dennedy, Assistant Director of Nursing for Patient Flow, with a jersey that has a special message from the multiple All-Ireland winner.

Rita is the mother of 14-year-old Michael Dennedy from Kinnitty who lost a leg in a tractor accident. Michael and Rita met Mr Gloster previously in the Ronald McDonald House in Crumlin Hospital where Mr Gloster heard of Michael's passion for sport particularly hurling.

The HSE say Mr Gloster took the opportunity to meet with Rita again in Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise where he shared a personal gift of a training jersey for Michael signed by Kyle Hayes.

The HSE said Mr Gloster said how impressed he was with Michael and Rita and their resilience in the face of a difficult recovery journey. He said he was in no doubt that his family and his mum Rita and dad Ray are the champions of hope and encouragement around him. He wished him the very best in his recovery.

Michael thanked Mr Gloster in a video message.

“Thank you for the amazing gift. Kyle Hayes is an amazing player. Thank you so much for keeping your promise, I didn’t think you would do it but you are a man of your word, Limerick for the 5 in a row,” he said.

Watch the message HERE.