TONY Noonan doesn’t take any credit for putting on an annual Christmas lights display in Templeglantine that is as much a part of the festive period as the Nativity. He is very similar to the charity initiative’s ambassador - Limerick hurlers' goalkeeper Nickie Quaid who gave a man of the match display against Clare on Sunday. “Our official opening was done by our ambassador and great friend - the one and only Nickie Quaid, a man with safe hands,” said Tony, at the presentation in the Desmond Complex, Newcastle West last week of cheques from his 2025 display. The four charities to benefit from the total of €29,610 are Milford Care Centre, Recovery Haven, Tralee, Limerick Suicide Watch and Sli Eile in Churchtown. Tony also gave a donation to Dromcollogher26, a voluntary group who are organising a 100 year anniversary of the cinema disaster, in September. “Forty eight people lost their lives - my uncle Tommy was one of them and I am originally from Dromcollogher,” said Tony, who has been putting on his Christmas lights display at his home in Templeglantine for 25 years. He gives great credit to former Limerick Leader journalist Martin Byrnes who encouraged Tony and gave him coverage from day one. “As I always say, this annual Christmas lights for charity is not about Tony Noonan, it is about the people and my sponsors that donate who make it happen. "I never take any credit for what I do for charity - it's not in my nature,” said Tony. There are less than 240 sleeps until Christmas so it won't be too long before Tony starts thinking about his next illuminating display in December. For more pictures, click 'Next'
PICTURES: Christmas spirit in summer as festive lights display in Limerick raises €29k for charities
