Opting to give his reindeer a pre-Christmas rest, Santa arrived in grand style aboard a Coast Guard helicopter. He brought with him hundreds of presents for children in the paediatric ward, many of whom will be spending Christmas under the care of hospital staff.

The generous toy delivery was organized by the Kinsale & District Lions Club in partnership with CUH Charity, an initiative that began in 2020.

Santa’s arrival was supported by a convoy of emergency services, which made their way to the hospital from Bishopstown Garda Station. The effort was further bolstered by donations from MMD Construction, JP Morgan, and toys from this year’s RTÉ Late Late Toy Show set.


“The appeal started small but grows each year,” said Cormac Fitzgerald, president of the Lions Club. “People love to give at Christmas, and toys have been pouring in from the public daily. There’s a great spirit of volunteerism in the club.

“We package the toys, and then the HSE, gardaí, Cork City Fire Service, Civil Defence, Coast Guard, and army escort them—along with Santa—to CUH. It’s a special moment for the kids and aims to make an impact on those in hospital over Christmas.”

Once the toys arrive at CUH, healthcare workers sort through them and ensure they are matched with the right children.

Kinsale & District Lions Club also extends their efforts to schools, charities, and other organisations in the region.

Claire Concannon, executive director of CUH Charity, praised the initiative, saying: “As well as being a breathtaking spectacle, this event with the Kinsale Lions Club brings immense joy to children in the hospital.

“Staff are fully behind it, and it’s a shining example of community solidarity. We are deeply grateful to the Lions Club and their supporters for making this an unforgettable experience for our young patients.”