Star to light up West Limerick Christmas charity extravaganza

KIERAN ‘Star’ Donaghy is to flick the first switch on an annual Christmas light show that has become one of the big festive fixtures in the region since its inception over 15 years ago.

The Kerry legend is nipping across the county bounds to the Templeglantine home of Tony Noonan and his family to officiate at the opening of the Noonans’ Christmas Wonderland of Lights spectacular at 7pm on Friday, November 17 next. Judged Energia Ireland’s Best Christmas Lights award in 2016, the show is held each year in aid of vital local charities with Kerry’s Recovery Haven, the Brothers of Charity in west Limerick, the Alzheimer’s unit in Adare and the Milford Hospice set to benefit.

And it’s a big fundraiser with over €150,000 raised in its long life to date. “We’re just so grateful to everyone who comes, whether they donate or not. And we’re delighted that four-time All Ireland winner Kieran Donaghy has so generously agreed to switch the lights on for us this year.

“I’ve been at many an All-Ireland to see him light up Croke Park but this year he’s going to light up the night sky for charity,” Tony said.

Take the left turn opposite Kostal in Abbeyfeale and follow the signs for the 5kms to Tony’s remarkable home.

Photo by Domnick Walsh Templeglantine’s Tony Noonan at his spectacular Christmas light show last year, an annual event that has raised over €150,000 for vital local charities.