Ratoath boys have ball at Barcelona's Camp Nou Stadium

There was great excitement in Ratoath last week as a seven-year-old sports fan embarked on a once in a lifetime trip to watch Barcelona FC at the famous Camp Nou Stadium. The trip was a reward for Victor Clarke who captured the heart of the nation when came up with a fundraising idea to help build Magheracloone a new GAA club.

 

 

The schoolboy penned a heartwarming letter suggesting a charity under-seven GAA match to help raise funds for Magheracloone GAA club following the devastating loss of their grounds when a disused mine collapsed. In October his dream came true when Ratoath and Magheracloone U7s went head-to-head raising much-needed funds for the community.

Victor and his younger brother Nicholas were told of the surprise trip organised by Beko, one of the main partners of Barcelona FC during an appearance on the Ray Darcy Show.

The boy's dad, Roy Clarke says that it was an experience they will never forget.

"We had an absolutely amazing time in Barcelona. It was an early start on the morning of the flight and had to set the alarm for 4 am to go to the airport but I don't think the boys slept a week all night. The excitement was something else, they couldn't sit still," he says, adding,

 

Boys all set to board plane

"They were speechless when we arrived at the stadium. Their little mouths were wide open in awe of all around them. I think it was all a bit overwhelming. The buzz in the stadium was electric and was fuelled even more when Messi scored a goal. The crowd erupted in joy and Victor and Nicholas were jumping out their seats celebrating."    

" The next day we got a tour of the Camp Nou stadium and museum with the lads even getting to hold the European Cup.  We want to say a big thank you to Beko for organising it for us, we had a ball," says Roy Clarke.

 

High flyers Victor and Nicholas Clarke on flight ready to take off to Barcelona

"We were delighted to be able to do this for Victor and his family and very happy to hear that they all enjoyed the trip commented Shane Walsh, Sales and Marketing Manager for Beko Ireland.

When asked if the boys now have dreams to play for a La Liga team, their dad said their aspirations lie a little closer to home.

"Victor's ambition is to play county football for Meath and Nicholas wants to be on the Leinster Rugby team so watch this space."