Well-known Limerick figures reveal what they are looking forward to this Christmas

AHEAD of Christmas Day, multimedia journalist Jasmin Griffin has been chatting to some well-known Limerick personalities to find out what they are looking forward to over the festive period. 

Celia Holman Lee - Fashion stylist

For Celia, the main part of her Christmas is spending time with her five grandchildren. Whether it’s “shopping for their presents, ice-skating, talking about Santa, going to pantomimes,” Celia admits that it’s all about them.

As her youngest grandchild is five, she adds that “they bring Christmas right back for me.”

Christmas is about traditions at home at this time of year and Celia’s is no different.

However, she does admit to having a very interesting custom at Christmas: “I have a thing about Christmas roses,'' she laughs. “I put them inside, outside and on the patio, but they have to be red and white. They just look so pretty”.

Speaking about the effects the pandemic had on her holiday period, Celia continues: “I like being around people and I missed that throughout Covid. From a family point of view we were all together and that was really all that mattered but this year Christmas has come back with a big bang.”

Bishop Brendan Leahy

Along with Easter, Christmas is probably the busiest time of the calendar for Bishop Leahy who serves the Limerick diocese, but one he looks forward to immensely. In particular, the bishop recalls both Masses on the 25th for the men and women in Limerick Prison: “We remember their families that day”, he states, and of course Christmas Eve Mass in St John’s Cathedral, marvelling at the decor.

After the working day is down for the bishop, he heads down to West Kerry to spend the holiday with his sisters. He delights at the thought of spending Stephen’s Day in the west to partake in the Wren Day celebrations.

“The Wren Day is very much a feature of life the following day”, says the bishop.

“Small groups of children and adults, all dressed up, visit the house throughout the day singing, playing the melodeon and tin whistles”.

He ends his chat with Limerick Live in admiration of these old Irish customs which hold a great place in his heart: “It’s such a great tradition, very much alive today in West Kerry, as it is in many parts of the country.”

John Kiely - Limerick Senior Hurling manager

“I like to have a nice, quiet Christmas, it's a chance to chill, relax and take a breather”, shares the sportsman as he plans to put the feet up this festive season.

“I’m a big darts fan so I love to watch the darts over the Christmas period,” John admits. And the father-of-two shares that his daughter watches the sport with him: “There’s a bit of drama in it and it’s a nice outlet for the Christmas period.”

The Galbally man continues to share his sporting interests, mentioning his enjoyment of coursing which usually takes place in his home village around the new year.

“It's always a big tradition where I come from. It's usually a day where I would enjoy getting to work behind the bar with my brother-in-law and his daughter and meet the locals and those who come from all over Ireland to attend.”

With regards to training for the Munster Hurling League and the National Hurling League, he shares that “there’s lots to look forward to.”

Ending his chat, he remarks: “Who knows what the journey will bring, we’ll just get at it and work hard and see where it takes us.”

Deputy Willie O'Dea

One of Limerick’s most notable politicians shares his Christmas credence with the Limerick Leader by stating: “It isn’t just a day, it’s a state of mind.”

Excited about the chance of a relatively Covid-free holiday period, Deputy O’Dea delights at the thought of revelling with friends and loved ones. “The pandemic was too quiet”, he begins before adding that he will “definitely socialise more this Christmas”.

All in all, the deputy agreed that what he is most looking forward to is some “peace and quiet” after what was no doubt a busy year for the local politician.

A bibliophile at heart, the deputy enjoys doing a number of things at Christmas, and the holiday season is a great time to appreciate new literature and relax with a real page-turner.

Dr Pat Daly - Chief Executive of Limerick City and County Council

“I think this year, more than most, it will be celebrating being together at Christmas,” says Mr Daly, as he shares what is going to be his most exciting moment of the Christmas period.

“The last two years have been tough on everyone, but thankfully this year Christmas in Limerick looks like it will be back to normal once more”. After all, “the festive season is all about being around friends and loved ones”, he added.

As for unusual traditions he might have, he shares “nothing unusual” but instead enjoys getting out in the crisp winter air. He discusses his favourite spots to explore with family: “The three bridges walk and just checking out all that Limerick City and County has to offer”.

He agrees that the pandemic was a massive set-back for festivities over the past couple of years: “Like everyone else it was the loss of tradition that was the hardest”, he states.

“People not being able to visit friends and relatives on Christmas Day or on the days in between the big day and New Year’s Eve was a huge loss.”

On the brightside, he agreed that “this year is all about being together for Christmas and I for one am looking forward to seeing everyone enjoying their festive traditions in Limerick once more.”

Sarah Lavin Irish Olympic hurdler

Over the past two years, Olympian Sarah agrees that the holiday periods were difficult as she was terrified to meet people in case she “caused any sickness with all the travel” or, on the other hand, “got sick and interrupted training.”

Now, much like anyone else, the things that she is most looking forward to is just some good old-fashioned quality time. “Getting to spend time with my family, friends and dog. I have been away for a few weeks at a training camp so I can’t wait to be surrounded by my favourite people.”

As for unique traditions, Sarah adds, “We haven’t had turkey and ham on Christmas Day for maybe five or six years! It’s very unusual but everything else is pretty normal.”

Like many other households across the county, the Lavins enjoy the odd board game on the 25th: “The competition with games like Risk and 30 Seconds is intense”, she laughs, recalling previous years.