Watch: High emotion, family reunions, and true Christmas spirit at Cork Airport

There were carols, hugs, presents — and more than a few tears of joy — as hundreds of the Irish abroad returned home to Cork Airport 

Conor Pettersen, who had just flown in from Vancouver, hugging his siblings James and Emily Pettersen from Macroom. Picture: Andy Gibson

“It’s giving big Love, Actually vibes,” said Meadhbh Ní Callanáin as she entered Cork Airport’s arrivals hall under a giant Christmas tree, as a 26-piece orchestra played uplifting festive tunes.

It’s her first Christmas at home in five years, with husband John Riordan and their children Tadhg, 6, and Oisín, 3, from Melbourne, Australia.