Cork family tripping the light fantastic for good cause this Christmas
Pat is reluctant to say exactly how many lights he put up this year on the family home on the hill, where the sight of Christmas cheer can be seen for miles around. There’s even a runway for Santa’s sleigh.
“God only knows how many lights,” says Pat, “but I have been up and down that ladder for weeks. It’s my step aerobics — and good exercise.”
This Christmas is a special celebration for Pat, wife Margaret, their four children, and six grandchildren so he has put up more lights than ever. “Two years ago on Christmas Eve I was diagnosed with cancer but I am on the mend thanks to the Mercy Hospital in Cork and I am raising money for them so I have put up more than my usual quota.”
Being a good neighbour, Pat is careful to make sure the lights go on for only three hours every evening, from 6pm to 9pm.
“The neighbours love the lights but some of them are cursing me as their children refuse to go to bed until they take them to see them.”
The switch-on was bright in more ways than one, with local support as brilliant as the lights. “It was fantastic. People came with cakes and stuff and made donations of €10 or €20. Children gave us their savings boxes and the local boy scouts made hot chocolate for everyone. Lidl in Youghal were brilliant, too, and gave us lots of goodies for free.
“Margaret was amazed. When people asked her how she puts up with it she said he doesn’t smoke or drink, so he has to do something. It also keeps me down in the shed so she can watch the television in peace.”
Tripping the light fantastic has also kept Tony Noonan busy at his home in west Limerick. He has been creating a winter wonderland for 20 years, raising more than €100,000 for various charities.
The rural location of the Noonan home — at Tullig North, Templeglantine, 4km from Abbeyfeale — makes the display all the more dazzling.
“I have more lights this year then ever,” says Tony. “There are thousands of bulbs, lots of reindeer and Santas and snowmen and miles of rope lights, as well as a crib. We even have four Christmas trees in the house.”
Equally wondrous is the generosity of local business owners who foot the electricity bill, which last year came to €1,250.
Proceeds from donations will be shared between the Brothers of Charity, the Alzheimer’s society branch in Adare, the Milford Care Centre, and the Acquired Brain Injury Ireland branch in Castleisland, Co Kerry.
“Last year we made €14,340 and we have already made a great start this year. Last week we had a children’s night and we raised €2,000.”
It isn’t all about raising money, though. “If you can put something in the collection bucket, well and good, but if you can’t, it doesn’t matter. What matters is the display will Christmas cheer to everyone, especially the children,” said Tony.
