Saoirse’s dreams of being a zookeeper come true when she goes to Dublin Zoo
By Mary Dennehy
The all-time wish of a brave Tallaght kid, who is one of the young faces of Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, came true last week when she became a zookeeper for the day.
Saoirse Brophy (8) was transformed into a zookeeper by children’s charity Make-A-Wish for how bravely and positively she deals with her cystic fibrosis [CF] – a condition which sees the Second-Class pupil undergo a serious of treatments before she even leaves her house for school each morning.
Turning into quite the local celebrity, Saoirse has appeared in The Echo on numerous occasions for her bravery and work with Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, which chose Saoirse, who attend Solas Chríost national school in Belgard, for a positive campaign that promotes those living with CF in Ireland.
Speaking with The Echo after her day as a zookeeper in Dublin Zoo, Saoirse said: “The day was brilliant.
“I got to go around the whole zoo with the head zookeeper Gerry [whom many may know from the TV series, Dublin Zoo].
“I think my favourite animals on the day were the sea-lions – I got to feed them. The funniest animal was a tiger who jumped up onto the glass to give Gerry a fright when his back was turned – it was really funny.”
When asked if she would like to be a zookeeper when she gets older, Saoirse said: “Yes! A zookeeper gets to be around animals all day and I love animals.
“I want to say a ‘thank you’ as big as the moon to Dublin Zoo and Make-A-Wish. They made me feel very special, excited and happy.”
Saoirse’s mam Siobhan, who accompanied Saoirse to the zoo with her granny Mary Brophy, said: “Saoirse wasn’t well the week before her trip to Dublin Zoo and had a lot of tests.
“However, knowing she was going to the zoo gave her a big boost. It lifted her morale and gave her something to look forward to.
“I always knew that Make-A-Wish made a huge difference in the lives of sick kids, but I’ve seen first-hand the amazing work that they do and can’t thank them enough.”
She added: “I’d also like to thank Dublin Zoo for making the day so special and Absolute Limos, which looked after all of our transport on the day.
“Thanks to Thunder Road Café as well, who put on a special dinner for Saoirse after her busy day as a zookeeper.”
Visit www.makeawish.ie for more.
READ MORE: Attempted child abduction outside St Mark’s GAA club – Click HERE
READ MORE: Women’s refuge in Tallaght to close due to lack of funds – Click HERE
READ MORE: Residents shocked and sickened at animal cruelty incidents – Click HERE
READ MORE: Paper work delays planned extension for Lucan school – Click HERE
