Last week, Dromcollogher native, Tony Noonan played Santa and dispensed €14,340 to four very worthy local charities.
The proceeds of the annual Noonan’s of Temple-glantine Christmas Wonderland of Lights were distributed equally between the Brothers of Charity, Newcastle West, Milford Care Centre, Adare Branch of the Alzheimer’s Society and the Brothers of Charity, Foynes.
“Little did we think when we started this magical winter wonderland many years ago that it would become such a success for fundraising for charity, bringing joy and happiness to both young and old and also keep the real meaning of Christmas alive i.e. the birth of Jesus,” Tony Noonan stated after he presented cheques for €3,585 to representatives of each of the four charities.
Mr. Noonan thanked everyone who travelled from all parts of the country to view and donate money to local charities, people who sent money through the post and people who left money in the letter box. He also thanked all who helped out in any way with the Christmas party for children, at which 423 children visited Santa in his grotto. Thank you to Stephen Riordan and his helpers for providing his sleigh to make sure Santa arrived in true tradition and to Abbeyfeale Gardaí for giving Santa and his reindeer an escort to his grotto. He expressed thanks to all the sponsors for their continued support, to Carrickerry Wrenboys, West Limerick Singing Club, to members of the Drom Broadford team, County Senior Football Champions, for being present at the Christmas party and to all local radio and media and national television for all their coverage.
Roll on Christma 2013, the Noonan lights extravaganza will radiate into the west Limerick sky and all for very good causes.