A Burtonport man who was spotted wearing a Donegal jersey at the World Cup Final, has revealed that his ticket to the final was a last-minute surprise from his partner.
Brian Sweeney, sparked an online frenzy when he was spotted wearing the famous ‘Green and Gold’ of Donegal during the World Cup Final on Sunday.
Unbeknownst to Sweeney, he had a become an online sensation during Spain’s 1-0 win over Argentina.
It was only when he left the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, and met his partner outside that he realised he had been spotted on TV.
The game was broadcast to a global audience of over 1.5 billion people.
However, he has revealed via Facebook that he only got the ticket at the very last minute as a surprise from his partner Lisa.
“I didn’t know anything at all until I left the stadium. My partner Lisa had my phone, and to say I was flabbergasted is an understatement.
“It was all last minute, and we went to the stadium as a last resort to see if we could source tickets. However, I have to thank Lisa (my world) who sourced the tickets and presented them to myself and my son Jonathan. She gave us a day we will remember forever,” said Sweeney.
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Sweeney also revealed that there may have been some divine intervention at play in helping Lisa get the coveted tickets.
“It was a truly special day for myself and Jonathan. The final was also played on the day of my late mother’s birthday, which was very special to me, and I’m sure she worked some magic from above,” said Sweeney.
Thanking everyone for their kind messages, he added: “I love my county and I love my country. Dún na nGall go deo.”
Sweeney, originally from Burtonport, has been living in Spain since 1995, and owns the hugely popular Shamrock Bar.
He was delighted when his adopted homeland managed to secure a famous 1-0 win over Argentina.
He will be back in Donegal next week for Benny’s Shindig, which is an annual fundraising event in memory of Brian’s late cousin Benny Gillespie.