Christmas dinner at St Kieran’s 'a huge success' for third year running

By Rebekah O'Reilly

A group of Athlone volunteers has hosted a hugely successful Christmas dinner in St Kieran's Community Centre for the third consecutive year.

The dinner was hosted in order to ensure those who may be homeless or lonely could enjoy company and a dinner on Christmas day.

Local volunteers Michael Grehan, John Feery, Michelle Mullin, Deirdre Joyce, Anna O'Kane, Joan Earley, and Emily Clarke were all on hand on the day to ensure that the event ran smoothly.

Hot meals, kindly provided by the Creggan Court hotel, were enjoyed by between 45 to 50 people, who attended the event in hopes of connecting with others during the festive season.

Organiser Lisa Malone said: "[It was] another successful year. In total we put out 50 dinners and desserts. A small gift [was provided] for each visitor, and loads of chats.

"Yet again I was surrounded with a brilliant bunch including Michael Grehan, John Feery, Michelle Mullin, Deirdre Joyce, Anna O'Kane, Joan Earley, and Emily Clarke, and sadly this year we missed Geraldine Hudson due to illness.

"Huge thanks to the Creggan Court hotel - without them we wouldn't be able to do what we do. Thanks to Georgina O'Neill and Mona in St Kieran's Comunity Centre for allowing us to host the Christmas dinner, and to all those who help us in any way - thank you."