West Cork man honoured with volunteer award for his Christmas spirit

A West Cork man, who every Christmas helps to transform his local village into a winter wonderland, has been honoured at the national Volunteer Ireland Awards.

Every year, Union Hall glows with the lights of more than 100 Christmas trees, thanks to the leadership of Willie O’Donovan and the local Christmas lights committee.

In the 1970s, Mr O’Donovan brought a lit nativity crib home from a trip to the US and realised the power of the holiday spirit when people came from all over to see the crib.

He began to light up his entire garden and soon the entire village had followed suit, with trees around the village sponsored by locals.

Santa Claus visit

Each year Mr O’Donovan arranges a special visit from Santa Claus himself to his garden to raise funds for local and national charities.

Now Mr O’Donovan has been honoured with the Arts, Culture and Festivals award at the national Volunteer Ireland Awards.

The awards, which took place in Dublin last Sunday, celebrate Ireland’s outstanding volunteers.

Mr O’Donovan’s nomination for the award, written by a local person, stated: “It is a heartwarming tradition that has become synonymous with joy and festivity here in Union Hall — Willie and his magical Christmas celebration.

“If you were to walk through our village at any time of year and ask either any child or any adult where Willie lives, you would be met with bright smiles and animated gestures, as everyone recounts their Christmas memories.”

The 2024 Volunteer Ireland Awards were supported the Department of Rural and Community Development and by award partner Healthy Ireland.

Dedication

Colm Burke, Fine Gael TD for Cork North Central and Minister of State for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, said the annual awards were a way to acknowledge the commitment and dedication of volunteers whose efforts have a transformative impact on communities all over Ireland.

“The work they do brings people together, strengthening our social fabric and enhancing social connections for people across all walks of life,” he said.