A six-year-old boy has won hearts on social media after he playfully ribbed British Chancellor Rishi Sunak over Ireland’s rugby win in a virtual award ceremony. Dáithí MacGabhann, who has Down Syndrome, was receiving a special award from the Ireland Funds for his fundraising efforts when he quipped that he hoped Sunak enjoyed watching Ireland beat England in the Six Nations rugby championship. The video quickly went viral, with many praising Dáithí’s charm and humor, as well as his dedication to supporting causes he cares about.
Six-year-old Dáithí Mac Gabhann from Belfast, who is awaiting a heart transplant, was recently presented with a special award from UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for his outstanding contribution to his community. During the presentation, which took place at the Culloden Hotel on the outskirts of Belfast, Dáithí ribbed Sunak about Ireland’s recent rugby win over England, and the two also chatted about football.
Dáithí was awarded the Points of Light award in recognition of his family’s tireless campaigning efforts for Dáithí’s Law, which implemented an opt-out organ donation system, bringing Northern Ireland in line with the rules in Britain. The new organ donation law for Northern Ireland has been named in honour of Dáithí and his family.
According to Number 10, the Mac Gabhanns’ campaigning efforts were a factor in prompting Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris to bypass the collapsed Stormont institutions and pass legislation at Westminster that allowed Dáithí’s Law to come into effect. From June, all adults in Northern Ireland will be considered potential organ donors unless they choose to opt-out or are in an excluded group.
During the award presentation, Sunak told Dáithí that only one person in the UK is given the Points of Light award each day, which shows how special he is. Sunak wrote a letter to Dáithí, who is awaiting a new heart, in which he praised Dáithí’s bravery and determination in campaigning for the organ donation law change, which he described as truly inspiring. Sunak named Dáithí as the UK’s 2,029th Point of Light, saying that he is truly exceptional, and the whole country is with him as he continues his treatment.
Dáithí’s father, Mairtin Mac Gabhann, mother, Seph Ni Mheallain, and younger brother, Cairbre, were also present during the award presentation. The family’s campaigning efforts were recognized and appreciated by Sunak, who wanted to thank them for their tireless efforts. Northern Ireland is now in line with the rules in Britain, and Dáithí will continue to inspire others with his brave efforts to help his fellow citizens in need.
