The Taoiseach has sent a letter to a six-year-old boy to thank him for inspiring people with his "virtual hug".
In a memorable moment from this year's Late Late Toy Show, Adam King from Co Cork held up a homemade "virtual hug" that he shows to everyone he meets because of Covid-19.
Adam's virtual hug has now been made into a postmark by An Post.
In his letter, Micheál Martin wrote: "In my speech to the country on Friday night, I thanked Ireland's children for their strength and for the way you all have coped with Covid.
"When I was saying it, I could not have believed that, just a few hours later, the country would see such a perfect example of that strength on the Late Late Toy Show.
"Your virtual hug and your obvious kindness made the point better than I ever could."
During Adam's initial appearance on the show, he shared his interest in space, as well as his dream of becoming Capcom - the flight communicator from the ground - for NASA.
That prompted a surprise video message as well as a video call from retired astronaut Chris Hadfield, who told Adam: "The way that you spoke, the way that you treated everybody around you, but the way that you showed us the things that you're dreaming of, I found it really inspiring."
Mr Martin encouraged Adam, who has brittle bones, to follow his dream to work with NAS, and thanked him for his "strength".
"You are an inspiration, Adam. Thank you so much for the strength that you will have given to everyone watching," he wrote.
"Continue to be yourself, and your dream to work with NASA will surely come true."
Thank you SO MUCH to our Taoiseach @MichealMartinTD for the lovely letter he sent to Adam! The kindest words and the highest of honours. The whole family were very proud and humbled to receive it #virtualhug #adamsvirtualhug pic.twitter.com/HwDBMCoHsp
— AdventuresWAD (@AdventuresWAD) December 13, 2020
