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Details
Name: Jay Beatty
Born: 23 Dec 2003
Residence: County Armagh, N Ireland
The Inspirational Jay Beatty
Despite his Downs Syndrome condition, he has kept a smile on his face and been beacon for all the Celtic Support.
He first came to prominence in a YouTube video with Celtic manager Neil Lennon at Jay’s home, where Lennon & Jay’s family sang along with wee Jay to the Celtic song as wee Jay played a toy banjo. The video is also notable for Lennon quickly changing tact on one of the lines in the songs. It was heart-warming.
From there on in, wee Jay grew a developing relationship with the first team, in particular with Georgios Samaras who really took the little guy to heart. At the end of the 2013-14 season, at the title celebration party wee Jay was handed Lennon’s league title medal by the manager himself, before being taken from the stands by Samaras on a lap of honour. It was the stuff that dreams are. Videos & pictures of these moments became YouTube sensation, and Samaras was repeatedly asked questions about it all.
So loved was wee Jay from these moments that he was invited to the Brazil World Cup (2014) to see Samaras play with Greece, but sadly due to other plans he & his family had to pass. Nevertheless, in Dec 2014 wee Jay was invited as a special guest to Greece as a mark of honour to him and his family. At a time of difficulty in their economy, wee Jay brought a smile to every Greek person’s face.
A wonderful person, and we all love the wee man…. A long story to unfold in time with many more wonderful tales along the way and we are proud to be able to count him as one of our own.
Quotes
“This boy gives me so much strength, it’s incredible. There are no words. I feel his love so much. This love I feel, is also felt by many people in Greece.”
Georgios Samaras (2014)
Links
KDS
Celtic fan Jay Beatty invited to Greece for award
http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/spfl/celtic-fan-jay-beatty-invited-to-greece-for-award-1-3631551
Published on the 11 December 2014
Jay Beatty, the little Celtic fan who became an internet hit when he was seen on social media sites cheering on his hero Georgios Samaras in the World Cup, has been invited to Greece to pick up a top sports award.
Jay – who has Down’s syndrome – travelled from his home in County Armagh, Northern Ireland to watch the striker as he played his final game for the club at the end of last season and Samaras was delighted to have him there cheering him on.
The two have a close connection and the former Celtic star even plucked Jay from the crowd to join his hero in celebrating after Celtic lifted the Scottish Premiership trophy at the end of the game.
The Greek striker has often spoke about how much Jay has inspired him. He said: “This boy gives me so much strength, it’s incredible. There are no words. I feel his love so much. This love I feel, is also felt by many people in Greece.”
Jay has become a hero with Georgios Samaras and the Parkhead crowd and now it seems, he has new fans in Greece. The Greek Sports Journalists’ Association have invited Jay and his dad Martin to their 60th anniversary bash next Monday.
A spokesman told the Daily Record: “This year our association has decided to honour the friendship between Jay and George Samaras, for the message of humanity and sensitivity which they sent worldwide.”
Martin, Jay’s father is delighted that so many people have taken Jay to their heart and wanted to thank everyone who has been involved in his journey. He said: “A few weeks back we received an invite for Jay to Athens for the Greek sports personality of the year awards which this year celebrates 60 years. This event is being televised live to the Greek nation and Jay will be receiving an award on the night along with his hero Samaras.
“It’s hard to believe that a wee 10-year-old bhoy with Down’s syndrome will be flying to Athens to receive this.”
He added: “To each and every one of you who has treated Jay with so much love and respect and to the Celtic support, this award is as much yours as it is Jays.
“Congratulations everyone and thank you.”
Wee Jay and his pal, Georgios, are honoured in Greece
http://www.celticfc.net/news/7360
By: Martin Dalziel on 23 Dec, 2014 16:41
WEE Jay Beatty has won the heart of every Celtic fan for his love of the Hoops. Now he has received international recognition for that incredible support of the team and his friendship with one former Celt.
The Lurgan Bhoy, who celebrates his 11th birthday today (Tuesday, December 23), was thrust into the limelight at the end of last season when he was plucked from the crowd by Georgios Samaras on the title day parade at Paradise.
The youngster, who has Down’s Syndrome, had formed a close bond with the Greek internationalist over the course of the season, and the striker brought the young Hoops fanatic on to the pitch to join in the celebrations as the Bhoys toasted their third title in a row.
The pair have stayed in touch since Georgios left the club and their friendship has now been acknowledged with a special award from the Greek Sports Journalists’ Association.
Jay was invited to the GSJA’s annual awards ceremony in Athens last week and both he and Georgios were presented with a unique award which recognised the message of humanity and sensitivity which their friendship has sent across the globe.
Jay attended the ceremony with his mum and dad and wore his beloved Celtic scarf during the event.
And in true inspirational form dedicated the award to the memory of Oscar Knox, the young Celtic fan from Belfast who lost his brave battle with cancer earlier this year aged just five.
Jay’s father, Martin Beatty, told the official Celtic website of his pride in his son’s achievement.
He said: “After Sunday’s match against St Mirren where Jay was a mascot, we flew to London and stayed the night and then flew to Athens the next day.
“The media frenzy around Jay was crazy, with camera crews and photographers at the airport following his every move.
“The awards were great and Jay wore his Celtic scarf throughout and video clips of Sammy playing for Celtic were shown.
“It was hard to keep my emotions in check, and when Jay was handed the award on stage he said, ‘This is for Oscar Knox.’ “This didn’t mean anything to the Greek people but for me, I was in shock but so proud that Jay said that.
“I would like to thank Celtic and all its supporters worldwide for being so kind to Jay and wish them all a very Merry Christmas and from Jay – he loves you all.”