From Miami to Mallow and all points global

Fri, 22 Dec, 2017 - 09:01

Darragh Bermingham

THE Christmas spirit is alive in Cork Airport as people arrive home from all corners of the globe to spend the festive season with their families and friends.

Surrounded by festive decorations and the carol singers from St Patrick’s Girls National school choir, families and friends awaited the arrival of loved ones.

“We’re delighted to be home,” said Sarah Moussier, a Mallow native who now lives in Miami. “I haven’t been home for Christmas in seven years.”

Travelling with Sarah was her French husband Max Moussier, who is set to spend his first Christmas in Cork.

Coming home for Christmas at Cork Airport was Laura O’Shea who arrived home from Australia to be met by Adam and Emily Kissane and Mary and Patrick O’Shea. Picture Dan Linehan

“He’s delighted to be here too,” laughed Sarah, who works in the nightclub industry in Miami along with Max.

“It’s great to get a break from work, because it gets very busy around Christmas,” she added.

There was no shortage of emotional reunions across the airport as people returned home to families waiting with banners and balloons. “We’re delighted to have her home for Christmas,” said Paddy O’Shea as his daughter, Laura arrived from Melbourne where she works as a nurse. “We’re all looking forward to a big family Christmas,” he added.

Coming home for Christmas at Cork Airport were Gary Burke and his daughter Thea from Sneem waiting for his winfe Nicki who flew in from London. Picture Dan Linehan

The reunion was no less emotional for those returning from Heathrow.

Mary and Maurice Murray welcomed their daughter Kate home from London where she works as a teacher.

“It’s great to have her home for the holidays even if it’s only for a week, because of the shorter school holidays over there,” said Mary.

“She’s been working there for three years now and we haven’t seen her since the summer so we’re looking forward to Christmas together.”

Coming home for Christmas at Cork Airport were, David and Trriona Brosnan who flew in from the Cayman Islands to be met by Denis and Eileen Brosnan, Limerick, Deirdre, Bob and Catherine Clarke, Bandon, Cork. Picture Dan Linehan

With families preparing for Christmas day, some of the arrivals had already been assigned jobs for the dinner.

“We’re delighted to have her home,” said Brian O’Kane, as his daughter Deirdre arrived from Auckland, New Zealand where she works as a food scientist. “She can help with the dishes,” he laughed.

“It was a really long flight and I’m tired but it’s worth it because it’s brilliant to be home now,” said Deirdre.

The Mulhaire family from Rushbrooke in Cobh welcomed home two loved ones in the run-up to Christmas as siblings arrived at the airport.

“It’s great to have everyone under the one roof for Christmas,” she said.

“We’re all really looking forward to celebrating it together.”