Photo Essay: Working at Christmas - 'It was a special day'

Frontline and community workers keep us safe, and keep things ticking over during the Christmas period. Neil Michael talks to just a few of those who have kept going in recent weeks

Community garda Laura O'Connor spent most of her Christmas Day shift working with volunteers at Cork Penny Dinners.

For most people, Christmas is a period of down-time, relaxation and rest.

And, after this year, it was a quiet time that most people were keenly looking forward to.