Spare a thought for these hard working nurses on duty Christmas Day in Cork

Christmas is a special time of year for many people — a time for joy and laughter, tearful reunions, and joyous homecomings.

But while the rest of the country is busy doing nothing, a select few are busy keeping the country warm for when you eventually want to drift back to it.

Doctors, nurses, surgeons, and paramedics are working 12-hours shifts on Christmas Day, while members of An Garda Síochána and the fire service are also kept busy.