The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Noonans light up the work of Kerry & Limerick charities
ALTHOUGH it may be April, Templeglantine man Tony Noonan and his family are determined to spread one big remaining dollop of last year’s Christmas spirit.
The family donated an incredible €19,626 to six different charities on Friday in the proceeds of their latest Christmas lighting extravaganza.
It’s a home well-known throughout Munster for its blazing display of Yuletide lights in aid of charity.
The light show at the house, in Tullig, Templeglantine, has become one of the great Christmas events of the year in the region, drawing people from near and far. Last year, Kerry’s All-star Kieran Donaghy officiated at the big switch, drawing even more people than usual.
The star’s presence was fitting, Tony said. “Kerry people are always great supporters of the cause, so it was great having a Kerry footballer here to kick off the event.”
Meanwhile, one of the county’s big charities, Recovery Haven, was among the beneficiaries this year.
“We had to involve a Kerry charity because the people of Kerry just get so involved.”
“Recovery Haven do such amazing work and everyone in there is amazing, so it felt right for them to be this year’s Kerry charity.
“In previous years we have had charities such as the Donal Walsh Foundation as the Kerry charity.”
Tony, who has been doing the fundraiser for over 15 years, was rewarded a few years ago when the house won the All-Ireland for Best Christmas Light’s year.
“We have had people come from all over Ireland. Last year we had a family come all the way from Offaly to see the house. It was brilliant. Everyone loves it, when we started this the donations just took off and each year it gets bigger and better.
“It’s not my money that’s being donated. It’s the people who give the money. It’s their money that helps charity.”