Leon is a Little Blue Hero

Lucky Leon Briody had the birthday of a lifetime after An Garda Siochána's 'Little Blue Heroes' appeal organised a Blue Light parade in his honour last weekend.

Leon from Corratubber turned five on Sunday and celebrated it by being presented with his own Garda uniform and his Garda bike.

Fresh from their win over Longford in the league, Cavan football manager Mickey Graham and footballer Chris Conroy added to the occasion by bringing along The Anglo-Celt Cup; while singer-songwriter Aine Cahill was on hand to lead all those in attendance in a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday for Leon.

Leon was diagnosed with Leukaemia last December and the brave boy has already commenced chemotherapy, which requires regular visits to Crumlin hospital for treatment.

A GoFundMe page set-up shortly after the diagnosis was confirmed, to help Leon's family with their medical costs and other expenses, raised almost €100,000.

In a further show of support for young Leon and his family, the Castletara community staged a unique socially distanced St Patrick's Day for the young man.

The Community Engagement Units from Cavan and Bailieborough Garda Stations, as well as Cavan Roads Policing Unit, say they are looking forward to having Leon out with them on “town patrol when he’s fit to do so and when it's safe”.

They also thanked Gleb Maguire and Maguire Media, as well as Oisin McBreen for video and photographs; Chapter One Food/Living for supplying Leon's cake; Conor at Halfords for Leon's bike helmet; Cavan Fire Brigade; Cavan Ambulance Service and the Cavan Civil Defence, who also all made an appearance.