On Wednesday it was our big day here at the Sanctuary. Over 100 children from Liscarroll National School came along and gave us a beautiful rendering of Christmas carols followed by a blessing by Father O’Mahony to the donkeys and all present.

Afterwards there was a surprise guest appearance by Santa Claus accompanied this year by Mrs Claus with their helpers and reindeer Moses with shiny nose. All was a huge delight to the children, both young and old!

Father O’Mahony kindly assisted in drawing the four winning tickets from this year's Christmas raffle. The winners came from:

1st prize - Douglas, Cork City
2nd prize - Clonmel, Co Tipperary
3rd prize - Golden, Co Tipperary
4th prize - Ballybodin, Dublin 16

Paddy Barrett said that the carol singers had been absolutely brilliant and this year was very special because his own grandchild had been playing in the school band.

If you joined us on the day, please add a comment below to let us know!