The Armagh community have rallied around a young boy who was robbed while selling items on his street corner stall.
Nine year old Eoghan Reilly had set up the summer business venture to help him save for a bearded dragon reptile.
His mum Kelly told the Irish News they are overwhelmed by the support that followed Thursday’s robbery when two men pulled up in a pick-up truck and took his money.
“A lot of people have heard what happened to Eoghan and said that they wanted to help.
“He had set up the stall on Wednesday and was excited to go each morning until this happened then he came home as white as a sheet. He tossed and turned through the night and was scared to return on Friday morning, but when he heard about people wanting to come down and support him he had a new lease of life,” said Kelly.
“I contacted the Armagh county board when it happened because I only had two tickets and couldn’t take him on my own. I told him the night before the incident happened he wouldn’t be able to go but the County board gave me the chance to buy two tickets and he found out from me today he’s going so he’s thrilled. He’s Armagh mad this one.
“Ryan Kelly from Parkland at Armagh Golf Club came on Friday with sweets and drinks for Eoghan to sell and over £100 and Glaze and Roll came down with a £100 voucher going towards his bearded dragon.
“He is a big animal lover and I’ve tried rabbits, tortoise but I can’t change his mind about getting a bearded dragon,” she laughed.
Posted by Arleen Mallon on Friday 26 July 2024
Wayne McCaul from Glaze and Roll said when he was told of the theft it pulled on his heartstrings.
“I had no idea what a bearded dragon was, thought was a computer game,” he said.
“His initiative to set up a stall over the summer to try and raise the money on his own was phenomenal and its great to see the community come and support him.”
The robbery took place in the area of the Rock Road / Primates Manor between 12.45pm and 1pm on Thursday.
Police are appealing for witnesses who observed a dark coloured pick up truck in the area with two males to come forward.
