Flatley on hand as children share in festive magic

CHRISTMAS has really come early for four-year-old Cian O’Brien.

The little lad from Upton, Co Cork, recently astonished medics by walking and talking days after undergoing brain surgery to cure acute epileptic seizures.

Yesterday, the plucky youngster was in the limelight again – this time being chauffeured by Lord of the Dance star Michael Flatley in a Rolls Royce.

Flatley took time out yesterday, along with his wife, Niamh, and son, Michael, to help bring nearly 250 sick children for some red carpet treatment to Fota House.

Cian’s mother, Kate, said her son had a ball and hasn’t had one seizure since his operation eight months ago.

Flatley, who was struck down with a mystery illness in 2006, said he was fighting fit. He is preparing for a gruelling eight-show tour of Taiwan.

“It’s so wonderful being here today looking at all these kids with their smiling faces and watching their dream of meeting Santa come true. This is a fantastic event and I am honoured to lend my support,” he said.

The fun day out was organised by the Cork City Hospitals’ Children’s Club, which used several vintage cars to transport sick and vulnerable children to the stately home.

Fota was transformed into a magical Christmas setting. Santa and his elves were on hand to dole out plenty of presents and tasty treats.

The convoy included a Hummer, four minis and two stretch Limousines, fire brigade vehicles and Garda escorts.

Main sponsors of the event, which will also be held again today, are the Kinsale & District Lions Club.

“You can’t imagine what an event like this can do for a child who has had a difficult year, due to either illness or circumstances,” Cork City Hospitals’ Children’s Club chairman John Looney said.

“Our heartfelt thanks go to our main sponsors, the Kinsale & District Lion’s Club who organise major fundraising events for us during the year. All the Cork City Hospitals’ Children’s Club staff volunteer their time off to make this a really special event and their enthusiasm and commitment to the club never wanes. This is our sixth Christmas event in Cork and we hope it will be a roaring success and one that children will treasure for a lifetime,” Mr Looney said.