Children get celebrity presence for Christmas

REPUBLIC of Ireland football manager Steve Staunton picked up tips on how to improve the team’s performance in the European Championships during a surprise Christmas visit to Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital in Dublin yesterday.

Children at the hospital were not shy in detailing the kind of tactics that should be used by the team, now struggling at the bottom of the group.

“Of course they tell me how to manage the team. That’s the beauty of it and I am only too glad to listen to what they have to say,” Mr Staunton said.

Mr Staunton was one of more than 20 Irish celebrities who gave the children a Christmas present that cannot be gift wrapped — their time.

The football manager also revealed he has made numerous private visits to the hospital.

“I am always happy to do what I can to brighten up the children’s lives and give them a bit of hope,” he said.

Comedian Brendan O’Carroll said he always ended up being entertained by the children, instead of the other way round.

“They have me in stitches. They are so clued in and so sharp and there is always one comedian in every ward. All I have to do is listen to them,” he said.

“The place is just so full of joy that you come away with a different kind of Christmas cheer.

“I am just glad to be where I am and knowing that those children who cannot be home for Christmas are really going to have a great time in the hospital.”

Also taking part in the Celebrity Ward Walk was RTÉ’s Off the Rail presenter, Caroline Morahan, model Glenda Gilson, former Miss Ireland, Rosanna Davidson, You’re a Star presenter, Brian Ormonde and musician and presenter, Liam McCormack.

It is the second Celebrity Ward Walk organised by friends and supporters of the hospital, Valerie and Gary Keating, and even more celebrities turned out for this year’s event.

Director of nursing Geraldine Regan said around 120 very ill children would spend Christmas in the hospital.

“We do try to get as many children as we can home for Christmas. Having a child with a serious illness puts a lot of strain on families, particularly at this time of year. That is why coming up to Christmas we try to have some fun in the hospital.”