In what can only be described as a phenomenal boost for its chosen charities, Noonan’s Christmas Lights for Charity broke its fundraising record by a country mile during the 2022 event. Last Thursday, in the Longcourt Hotel in Newcastle West, representatives from those charities were presented with hefty cheques by Tony Noonan. In total, €30,180 was raised. Funds were given to four main charities, Recovery Haven Tralee, Milford Hospice Care Centre, Limerick Suicide watch and Cari, Limerick. People from the charities were vocal in their gratitude for their donations.
Noonan’s Charity event has been ongoing for the past twenty-five years, and in the process has raised many thousands of euros for local charities. At a time when charities are struggling with increasing costs, these funds are a welcome relief for them. It’s seems incredible that so much money was raised by a simple bucket collection at Noonan’s home, and in the other ways that the family undertook to promote the charity. “We’ve been around a long, long time” Tony Noonan said, “But this year, we were just blown away by the kindness and generosity shown to us and as I always say, it’s all down to the people who support us that makes this possible. Many thanks to the thousands of people who so kindly and generously supported our annual fundraiser event, by visiting our display, or donating to the Gofundme page, or by post and personal donations.”
There’s no denying that this event is a tremendous effort on the Noonan Family’s behalf. Year after year, preparations for and planning of the event begins at the end of the Summer. And each year the displays get bigger and brighter. People travel from far and wide to wonder at the magnificence of the wonderland that is created in the family’s front garden, and the display is truly a credit to them. But the real reward for the Noonan’s is the funds raised for their chosen charities.
Tony spoke about the official opening of the event in November. Even though the weather wasn’t great, a massive crowd gathered to watch the magnificent display of Christmas lights. Nickie Quaid, Limerick’s All-Ireland Champion goalkeeper switched on the lights to much excitement. Accompanying Nickie was the Liam MacCarthy cup. “It was also a great honour for us to welcome Kerry All Ireland Champions and All Stars, Tadgh Morley and David Clifford with the Sam Maguire” Tony said. “A huge thanks to these stars who gave freely of their time to meet and greet the people who attended. Thanks too to Ian Corbett and members of the Newcastle West Senior Football Champion Team, along with St. Kieran’s County champions and Fr. Casey’s County champions. Also, the Bishop Moynihan cup, accompanied by East Kerry County Senior Football Champion team with manager Jerry O’Sullivan was in attendance”. No prizes for guessing that the Noonan Family members are huge Sporting fans. Tony thanked those involved. “Thanks to Mayor Francis Foley and other local representatives for attending the official opening, John and Jim Liston for their videos and photographs, the print media and Radio Stations, the Busy Bean, Abbeyfeale for catering, and a big thank you to all our sponsors and businesses for their continued support and making the event possible every year”. He also thanked members of the local Gardaí for attending the opening event and making sure everyone was safe.
He went on to mention the people who had helped make the event a great success, including Julie Moloney who kept everyone up to date on the charity’s social media platforms, and for setting up the GoFundMe page, describing her as “a fantastic person who gives freely of her time making sure everything was in place during the event”. He thanked all the schools and creches that Santa had visited for the warm welcome he received and for contributions they had made. He also thanked Santa for paying his many visits.
As everyone knows, electricity costs have soared in the last year. Tony explained how he managed the 2022 event. “Due to the high cost of energy, we put a generator in place to run the display. Many, many thanks to Richard Egan Electrical, Kilmallock, who kindly sponsored the generator for the event”. He thanked businesses for donations, including Kostal Abbeyfeale, Larry Collins, Southwest Crushers, S.S.E Airtricity, Alan O’Connell Developments Ltd. Abbeyfeale, Mark Shanahan Exports Barnagh, Diarmuid Shanahan of Shanahan Power, Newcastle West, Tim, Tony and Martin Shanahan of Shanahan Brothers Agri, Barnagh, Councillor John Sheehan, Limerick County Council, Aidan O’Callaghan of Callaghan Brothers, Castleisland. He went on to thank others, including all who supported the Tesco fundraiser in Abbeyfeale and Newcastle West, Sarah Balfe, Sandra Murphy Flynn and all the team in Tesco.
“Thanks to all who supported our fundraising events, the charity dance at the Woodlands, Adare organised by Vincent Murray, charity Dart Game in Nellie’s Bar, Dromcollogher organised by Deirdre and Owen Walsh, charity Dart Game in Raheenagh organised by John and Claire Barry, and many thanks to all the businesses who displayed our charity hampers and all who supported the raffles. Thanks too to Dermot O’Donnell and Mike O’Donoghue, as always, for everything, to Mike Sheehy Ironworks, Feohanagh for putting a beautiful Christmas tree in our display, to Michael Collins and his band for playing a Christmas Charity bash at our home, and to Mike Solo for playing at our closing event, and also many thanks to Dominick Walsh Photography, Tralee for photos and drone footage”.
His final thanks were to all at The Weekly Observer/Vale Star “for once again for giving fantastic coverage to our event as always”. Our pleasure, Tony.
“As I always say, this is not about Tony Noonan…. it’s about the fantastic people who make this event possible year after year. Thank you, my good friends for your kindness. Enjoy the Summer, and don’t worry, we’ll be back again to light up the night sky for Christmas 2023, le cúnamh Dé.”
We the public thank Tony, Hannah and Siobhán for their tremendous work and for spreading so much goodwill every year. Looking forward to 2023’s magical display already!