The staff and pupils of Scoil San Phroinsias, Tirellan, Galway City are asking schools across Clare and Galway to come together this December for a very special cause helping one of their own pupils, 12-year-old Cillian O’Brien, on his road to recovery.
Cillian’s dad Owen is a very proud Clare man, works in Dromoland Castle and is from the parish of Clooney. He spent many years in his youth playing with Clooney-Quin. Since August the Clare people have done a huge number of fundraising events to support Owen’s son Cillian. Rory O’ Connor has been instrumental in organising so many events in Clare in the late Summer and Autumn.
On February 5th, 2025, just moments before a school chess tournament, Cillian suffered a catastrophic brain bleed and collapsed. The cause was 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 that day, Cillian has remained in hospital, undergoing multiple surgeries and beginning a long journey of rehabilitation at the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) in Dún Laoghaire. His acquired brain injury has left him non-verbal, wheelchair-bound, and with impaired vision, though he continues to make gradual progress thanks to his strength, determination, and the incredible care he is receiving.
Cillian turns 13 this September an age meant for fun, friends, and adventure – but instead, he faces months of therapy and recovery. His parents, Owen and Karen, have remained by his side throughout, unable to return to work as Cillian now requires 24-hour care. His sisters, Zoe and Aisling, miss him dearly and simply want their brother home again.
The Goal: Bring Cillian Home
To make this possible, the family’s three bedroom semi-detached home in Galway must be completely adapted to suit Cillian’s new needs. This includes building an accessible extension and providing specialist supports and equipment for his ongoing care.
To help fund these vital works, Scoil San Phroinsias has launched the “Bring Cillian Home” campaign, with a fundraising target of €300,000.
A Call to All Schools Across Clare
The school is inviting every primary, post-primary, and special school in Clare to take part in a special Christmas Jumper Day on Friday, December 12th, 2025, to help raise funds for Cillian and his 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 participating in other Christmas Jumper appeals are encouraged to donate a portion of their collections to this campaign. Every euro raised will go directly toward Cillian’s medical care, therapies, and essential home adaptations.
“Cillian’s courage and sense of humour have inspired everyone here at Scoil San Phroinsias,” added Celia Lavelle, a member of the fundraising committee. “We know how strong the Clare and Galway school community is, and together we can make this Christmas truly meaningful by helping to bring Cillian home.”
A Message from the O’Brien Family
“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 to Help
Schools can participate by hosting their own Christmas Jumper Day and donating the proceeds via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) to the following account:
Account Name: Bring Cillian Home
IBAN: IE93 BOFI 9038 4097 2117 86
BIC: BOFIIE2D
*Please include your school name with the payment.
