By Dionne Meehan

THIRTEEN years ago, Animals In Need Donegal received a call about a tiny kitten found inside a car engine.

Upon their arrival at the vets, the volunteers were met with a stark choice, either they pay for the treatment or the little stray would be put to sleep.

Without hesitation, they stepped in and covered the cost, saving his life and ensuring he received the care he needed, which included the amputation of his tail.

Since it was the week of the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship, the kitten was fittingly named Sam.

“He was named Sam as a good luck charm for our team heading to Croke Park that weekend,” an Animals In Need volunteer said.

“The rest is history.”

A photo of Sam from thirteen years ago as he recovers from his tail amputation.

Everyone at the shelter fell in love with Sam.

However, he never found his forever home and has remained there ever since.

“Sam has welcomed many foster kittens over the years,” a volunteer continued.

“Many people are in fact greeted by the tail-less Sam when they come to adopt new furbabies.

“In 2012, tail-less Sam was only recovering when the players brought Sam around, so he didn’t get his turn in the cup.

“But this time, he is ready to finally meet his namesake.”