Cian has faced immense health challenges from a very young age, including a heart transplant, organ failure, and post-transplant lymphoma. Despite Cian’s significant health complications, he has remained resilient and passionate about life, and in particular sports.
When our volunteers Mike and Jerry met with Cian, he told them all about his wish to meet Shane Lowry, and how he had sent Shane a video of him golfing recently.
Cian has been frantically practising of late to make sure his golf is up to scratch to be able to play with Shane.
Cian’s wish came true at this year’s Amgen Irish Open at the Royal County Down Golf Club. Cian was told he would be going for an inside the ropes experience during the Pro-Am, but he was in for some incredible surprises on the day…
Cian and his dad, Gavin, arrived at the Slieve Donard hotel early on Tuesday morning in advance of the Amgen Pro-Am. They met with Make-A-Wish Ireland and Amgen staff, including our CEO Susan, and were then whisked away to the Pavilion for a luxury lunch overlooking the 18th green.
Following this, Cian and Gavin got to go inside the ropes, and wouldn’t you know it, they arrived just in time to see Shane Lowry finish his Pro-Am round on the 18th green. Cian had an infectious smile when Shane greeted him, his star power in full effect. It only got better from there as Cian walked down to the practice putting greens for a private putting clinic with Shane. Shane gave Cian some advice as they practised their putting and chipping, and Cian got to tell his idol all about his passion for golf and the putter he was hoping to get as a birthday gift.
To his surprise, Shane gave Cian a brand-new version of his own putter, along with a goodie bag filled with golf equipment including the golf balls he uses on course. Cian’s face lit up when he saw the putter, and he sunk the very first putt he took with it! Clearly Shane’s advice and coaching was working!
Shane told us afterwards “We’re obviously very fortunate to do what we do for a living, and if I can give a kid a bit of enjoyment for a day, I’m happy to do so, you know, that’s what’s great about being in the public eye, when you can make someone happy, it’s always an amazing feeling.”
Cian’s dad Gavin told us “The wish went above and beyond, the little surprises throughout the day just made it better and better. Most importantly making my son feel special for all the right reasons.”
Special thanks to Amgen, the DP World Tour and Shane for their incredible support in granting this special wish for Cian.
