Shauna the sheep brings joy to Cork's elderly with Christmas visit 

The residents of Kinsale Community Hospital received a visit from a very special guest yesterday afternoon, as a festive sheep made her annual trip to spread some Christmas cheer among the elderly.

Shauna the sheep is nine-years-old and has been visiting the elderly in Kinsale Community Hospital, which provides medical and social supports for older people, since she was a lamb, where her pleasant temperament is praised by all.

Her owner, hospital care worker Lillian Gash, explained that Shauna always puts a smile on patients’ faces done up in her Christmas gear.

Dressed in a red blanket, a tinsel scarf, a collar adorned with Christmas blankets and a pair of antlers, it’s easy to see why Shauna’s annual Christmas visit is so hotly anticipated by all.

Ms Gash told The Echo: “Shauna is now a retired ewe, having left me many daughters to build up my flock.

“She visits the day centre in Carrigaline also where she’s very popular,” she added.

Lillian works part-time as a carer in Kinsale Community Hospital, where she does night duty, which gave her the idea to introduce the sheep to those who live in and visit the setting.

She also runs a well-known cattery, Kitty Cove Boarding Cattery in Robertscove, as well as looking after her mother who has dementia, as well as tending to a flock of 40 sheep which she says “keeps me busy”. 

She explained: “Animals trust and love you unconditionally, and being able to put a smile on people’s faces is the greatest gift of all.

“I’ve worked with animals all my life, qualifying as a farm manager many years ago, and my love for animals only grew more, being involved in horse rescues and helping to bring horses back from starvation, and supporting the Munster Lost and Found Pet Helpline.”

She shares this love of animals with the residents and day patients, many of whom come from farming backgrounds themselves, and added that connecting with animals is particularly beneficial for the dementia patients.

“As the year goes on I bring in lambs to visit, giving the residents all a chance to feed them with the bottle.

“Residents really look forward to holding the sheep and recalling their lives on their farms many years ago.”

Ms Gash added: “Shauna will never be sold, she will spend the rest of her life with me. She is my first sheep, a very special lady, who has captured the hearts of all those who know her.”