THE FRIENDS and family of a 13-year-old Co Derry boy in isolation during the Coronavirus outbreak have rallied round to ensure he enjoyed a birthday to remember.
With the entire island of Ireland in lockdown to help slow the spread of the deadly virus, Ger McFlynn’s plans for his first birthday as a teenager had to be significantly curtailed.
But that didn’t stop his pals and relatives from finding a memorable way to mark his special day with a party that adhered to the current social distancing rules – a drive-by birthday party.
Ger, who is from Maghera, was told to stand in his garden while a flurry of cars containing well-wishers began driving past, beeping their horns.
In the clip, Ger can be seen waving at the assorted vehicles while his mother, Aideen looks on, encouraging him: "Say hello to everybody."
Footage of Ger’s big birthday bash was posted onto social media by his local GAA club Watty Graham’s where it proved a hit with people all over the country.
All told, more than 68 cars drove past to wish Ger a happy birthday.
Speaking to Belfast Live, Ger's dad Paul explained how the turnout exceeded all expectations.
He said: "My wife told a few people and we thought that her family and members of mine would drive past, so seven or eight cars at most.
"But we shared it on a few WhatsApp groups and it spread like wild fire."
It may not have been the party he had imagined a few months back, but it’s one that is likely to live long in the memory for the young teen.
