Bargain hunters hit shops in Christmas sales frenzy

CHRISTMAS shoppers were quick to bag a bargain in the Stephen’s Day sales.

Thousands packed into high street stores across the country to get their hands on stellar deals as doors opened.

Brown Thomas offered 50% off some items while Arnotts also slashed prices.

The mild weather helped attract consumers out of their armchairs and into the shops.

Meanwhile, a church has called on people to donate their unwanted presents to the homeless. Staff at St Mary’s Pro Cathedral in Dublin urged the public to hand over the presents to a collection for Crosscare.

The charity will redistribute the items throughout the year to the needy using their homeless services and family hub.

Crosscare’s Michael Mcdonagh thanked Fr Kieran Mcdermott and the Pro Cathedral workers for the extra effort that goes into the Unwanted Gifts appeal.

He said: “This simple idea has grown over the years and it is such a pleasure for our staff to be able to bring that small bit of extra cheer to people in our services who struggle at this time of the year.”

Thanks to food donations at the start of this month, Crosscare was able to distribute hampers consisting of 24,000 meals to people hit by poverty. A total of 120 volunteers sorted the items collected from parishes at Crosscare’s main foodbank in Glasnevin. Unwanted gifts can be brought to the Pro Cathedral crib until January 6.

Reduction offered by Brown Thomas for some products in festive sale