Festive Limerick lights display collects €29k for charity

TONY Noonan has handed deserving causes €29,536 from his Christmas lights display in Templeglantine.

The money is divided between Milford Care Centre, Limerick Suicide Watch, Sli Eile in Churchtown, Recovery Haven in Tralee and the Carol Liston O'Connor family fund.

“It’s nothing to do with me - it's down to the generosity of the public and sponsors. It's not Tony Noonan's money, it's their money,” said Tony, who has been bringing smiles to faces for 24 years with his magnificent festive lights display.

In that time, a sum of close to €400,000 has been handed over to charities. Tony has often opened up the bucket to find an envelope filled with hundreds of euros.

“Some people don't have money and there is never any pressure to donate. Everybody is welcome to Templeglantine,” said Tony, who looks forward to his 25th anniversary this December.

Once again their ambassador, Nickie Quaid, will be the man to switch on the lights.

“He has the safest hands in the business. Nickie is a gentleman and please God they will do the drive-for-five but that's for another day,” said Mr Noonan, who gives great credit to the late Leader reporter Martin Byrnes for helping to inspire the idea day one.