WATCH: Santa spreads cheer to children in hospitals in Cork city 

SANTA paid a special visit to children at three hospitals in Cork yesterday.

With help from his elves, Santa brought toys and cheer to children at Cork University Hospital (CUH), Mercy University Hospital (CUH) and the South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital (SIVUH).

The visit was made possible as a result of the Kinsale Lions Club’s 2023 Christmas Toy Appeal, which has seen donations of toys dropped into the offices of Fitzgerald and Partners Accountants in Kinsale over the last month.

The toy donations were distributed to children’s hospitals across Cork City following an inter-agency collaboration led by Kinsale Lions Club, supported by An Garda Síochána, the Fire Service, Coast Guard, National Ambulance Service, Civil Defence, and the Defence Forces.

A spectacular parade of blue lights vehicles was held yesterday, with Santa Claus being led in an armoured car from One Brigade Cavalry Squadron.

The parade was accompanied by the One Brigade Band from Collins Barracks, along with classical singer Amanda Neri.

They visited and spread joy in the three hospitals with Santa and all his helpers from various inter-agency groups dropping off gifts and spreading some Christmas cheer.

The appeal also supported Edel House and St Mary’s Campus in Gurranabraher.

“It was the biggest and most spectacular event yet and brought joy to the healthcare teams in all hospitals,” a spokesperson for the event said.

The Kinsale Lions Club’s toy appeal has been running for several years but has witnessed “a phenomenal growth” in donations and inter-agency cooperation this year, surpassing all expectations.

“The F&P team have worked with the volunteers of Kinsale Lions Club to prepare the appeal.

“Thanks to The Late Late Toy Show for their kind donations of toys once again this year,” a spokesperson said.

Kinsale Lions Club has extended its thanks to everyone who has collaborated on the appeal.