Schools across Galway city and county are being called on to join forces tomorrow for a heart-warming initiative in support of one of their own. Scoil San Phroinsias in Tirellan is appealing to every school in the region to take part in a special “Christmas Jumper Day for Cillian” to help 13-year-old Cillian O’Brien as he continues his long road to recovery.
On February 5, 2025, just moments before a school chess tournament, Cillian suffered a catastrophic brain bleed caused by a rare condition known as an Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM )—a dangerous tangle of blood vessels in the brain. He was rushed to Temple Street Children’s Hospital for emergency surgery and spent several weeks in intensive care.
Since then, Cillian has remained in hospital, undergoing multiple surgeries and beginning intensive rehabilitation at the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH ) in Dún Laoghaire. His acquired brain injury has left him wheelchair-bound with significantly impaired vision, but he continues to make steady progress thanks to his own determination and the dedicated care he is receiving.
Cillian marked his 13th birthday last September—a milestone typically filled with fun and new adventures. Instead, he now faces months, if not years, of therapy and rehabilitation. His parents, Owen and Karen, have stayed constantly by his side and have been unable to return to work, as their son now requires round-the-clock care. His sisters, Zoe and Aisling, are longing for the day their brother can return home.
The Goal: Bring Cillian Home
For Cillian to leave hospital safely, the family’s three-bedroom semi-detached home must undergo extensive modifications. This includes building an accessible extension, installing specialist equipment, and ensuring the house can accommodate his ongoing medical and mobility needs.
To support this major undertaking, the “Bring Cillian Home” fundraising campaign has been launched with a target of €300,000.
Scoil San Phroinsias is inviting every primary, post-primary, and special school in Galway to take part in a Christmas Jumper Day on Friday, December 12, 2025, to help support the O’Brien family.
“We’re asking all schools to join us to stand with Cillian and his family,” said Pat Keane, Deputy Principal of Scoil San Phroinsias. “If every school took part, even in a small way, we could make a huge difference together. It’s a simple, joyful way for pupils to show kindness and solidarity.”
Even schools already engaged in other festive fundraisers are encouraged to contribute a portion of their collections. Every euro raised will go directly toward Cillian’s ongoing care, therapies, and essential home adaptations.
“Cillian’s courage and determination have inspired everyone here at Scoil San Phroinsias,” added Nicola Mooney of the fundraising committee. “We know how strong the Galway school community is, and together we can make this Christmas truly meaningful by helping to bring Cillian home.”
“We are deeply grateful for the love, prayers, and support we’ve received,” said Owen and Karen O’Brien. “Knowing that Cillian is surrounded by so much kindness gives us strength and hope each day. Thank you to everyone who is helping us on this journey.”
How schools can help
Schools can participate by hosting their own Christmas Jumper Day and donating proceeds via EFT to:
Account Name: Bring Cillian Home
IBAN: IE93 BOFI 9038 4097 2117 86
BIC: BOFIIE2D
Please include your school name with the payment.
