Hurlers play Santa’s helpers on Christmas visit to University Hospital Limerick

ALL STAR Limerick hurlers Kyle Hayes and Aaron Gillane were excellent substitutes for Santa Claus when they put on their own Late Late Toy Show for the very good boys and girls in the Children’s Ark in University Hospital Limerick.

The children deservedly received some early Christmas presents and the All-Star duo were happy to do the honours. The men with 10 All-Ireland hurling medals between them gave a break to Santa, who was busy in Lapland deciding who has been naughty or nice.

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The Kildimo-Pallaskenry and Patrickswell players teamed up with Eir to bring some festive cheer to the very nice children under the weather this Christmas. 

Kyle and Aaron spent time with the boys and girls, handed over presents and posed for photos. The hurlers had their hands full as they handed out close to 400 toys. There was everything from dolls to dinosaurs and  Scalextric to board games. There was something for all ages - from infants up to 13-year-olds - but the best present for many was meeting their hurling heroes.

Proud Glin lady Betty Kilkenny, Eir divisional sales manager, who donned a Limerick jersey for the special occasion, organised the event. However, colleague, Caitriona Donegan, wore a Cork jersey!

Each year Eir Residential and Business field sales teams, along with their colleagues in retail stores and customer care sites, put together a donation appeal.

“It was originally for the Children's Ark in UHL but due to expanded donations it has now come to include Cork and Sligo children's units. We are delighted with the response from everyone in Eir who has donated to this worthy cause at this time of the year,” said Betty, who personally thanked Aaron and Kyle for joining them on their charity drive. 

“They sacrificed their own time to help us here and we are very grateful,” she said.

Children who prefer the oval ball to sliotars were also catered for as Munster rugby stars also paid a  visit to UHL.

Commenting on the festive season in UHL, Dr Siobhan Neville, consultant paediatrician said: “Christmas is still a magical time in the Children’s Ark – we organise a range of seasonal activities and events for children and young people admitted to hospital or attending appointments at this time of year. 

“We’d like to thank all the artists, musicians, sports stars, and other special guests who support us at this special time, and throughout the year.”

Dr Neville said December can be a busy time of year at the Children’s Ark as winter-related respiratory infections increase. 

“While we always do our best to get children well enough in time to celebrate at home with their families, there are always young patients who must spend the festive season in hospital with vaccine-preventable illnesses. 

“We encourage families to speak to their GP or pharmacist about the free nasal flu vaccine available for anyone between the ages of two and 17. It is not too late to get vaccinated. We also hope that parents who are welcoming new babies over the winter months will have their newborns vaccinated against RSV before leaving the maternity hospital,” said Dr Neville.