In Pictures: GAA kingpins help light up Limerick community for Christmas

THE GAA’S two biggest trophies – and three of its biggest stars – were in Limerick at the weekend as a charity hero turned on his legendary Christmas lights.

Limerick hurling goalkeeper Nickie Quaid joined Kerry footballers David Clifford and Tadhg Morley at the home of Tony Noonan high in the hills above Templeglantine.

The Liam MacCarthy and Sam Maguire Cups were in tow, with Limerick’s Quaid flicking the switch to turn on a spectacular festive display which will see thousands of euro raised for deserving local charities.

And on top of this, the county football titles from the Kingdom and the Treaty also made an appearance, with Newcastle West and Limerick football captain Iain Corbett among the attendees.

Milford Care Centre, Limerick Suicide Watch, Children at Risk in Ireland and the Recovery Haven in Tralee are all set to benefit from donations made by people visiting Tony’s home and seeing the colourful showcase.

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Tony is something of a pioneer - the West Limerick man was the first person to light up his home and garden in a festive fashion for charity a quarter-of-a-century ago, initially as a means to give his daughter Siobhan, who has special needs, some joy.

Despite heavy rain, there was a massive crowd outside his home, and Tony said: "I'm not a man for taking any praise about effort or anything like that. It's the people's lights, it's not Noonan's Lights. I'm just somebody in the background, the people have made us where we are today. I like doing it, I like giving enjoyment to people," he added.

Goalkeeper Quaid said he was delighted to return to Tony’s home to perform the switch on.

"It's a nice honour for me to be here. I know Tony a good while and the work hge has done for the charities has been phenomenal. To be involved in that and get the chance to turn on the switch is a privilege, and something I'm proud of,” he said.

The All-Star winner added he is looking forward to enjoying the first Christmas free of Covid-19 restrictions since 2019.

“I'm a home bird really. I like to spend time at home with family. Christmas is a family time, and I’m looking forward to spending time and mixing with friends – and not worry about Covid-19,” he smiled.