Video captures special Irish Christmas reunion

Sue Reilly felt she had lost her best friend when her sister, Joanne, emigrated to Australia more than three years ago.

This month, though, both girls are winners as they will together share a pre-festive get-together in Ireland in what promises to be an unforgettable celebration.

Yoghurt maker Glenisk, Ireland Hotels and The Gathering have been running a series of 'Bring them home' style competitions. In June, Sue won the competition and immediately began setting things in motion for what is a dream come true for the whole family.

Sue brought Joanne, her husband Paul Casey and their two children Séan and Laura, home from Perth in Australia. It had been three and a half years since they had met as in June 2010 the Casey family left Ireland for a new life Down Under.

“I didn’t really expect to win it. We got money to cover the cost of their flights and we also won a stay for them in the local hotel, the Plaza here in Tallagh.

“We have Skype, so we do keep in touch all the time but it’s at the birthdays and the Christmases and New Year that you tend to miss them more. It is really hard.”

As soon as Joanne arrived at Dublin airport on November 26 with Paul and their children, she realised how much she missed Ireland.

“It’s been too long. When you come home, it shows just long it has been. It’s amazing to be back.”

A stretch limo brought Joanne and Paul and their children to the family home in Tallaght for a get-together.

Next Saturday, both Joanne’s and Paul’s wider family will join for a ‘Christmas Day’ celebration, complete with turkey and all the trimmings.

“We are having it at my Mam’s house,” explains Sue. “There will be a huge crowd there. Both families live in Tallaght and we are also getting together on Monday, as they fly back on Tuesday. That will be even a bigger gathering.”

In the meantime, Sue and Joanne are spending as much time together as they can. “Growing up, Joanne and I shared a room so we are really close,” says Sue.

“There are times when you want to chat and, of course, you can pick up a phone - but sometimes what you really need is a hug. ”

The competition is still open until the end of the year and more details are available at www.glenisk.com

Don't forget to pick up tomorrow's Irish Examiner print edition for much more on this story.