An Ennis couple are putting the proceeds from their popular Christmas lights to Cahercalla Hospice.

Gerry Keane and his wife Carmel turned on their Christmas lights at the end of November at a ceremony attended by the Mayor of Clare, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) and Mary Moloney of Cahercalla Hospice.

The official ceremony was due to take place on December 1st but in the interest of health and safety was pushed forward. Each year, Gerry and Carmel create a light display at their home, in Ashfield Park, on the Gort Road, with proceeds making their way to a different charity of choice. Gerry informs The Clare Echo that the final display took the better part of a month to perfect, with the help of his wife and family.

“Donations this year will be going towards Cahercalla Community Hospice. With Covid, they had no outdoor fundraising this year at all. I believe it’s a great service and one that’s very close to my own heart,” Gerry stated.

Adding that, “On a personal level, I saw my own mother die 10 years ago in Milford Hospice and I saw the care that is provided for people at the end of their life. Unless somebody goes through it and sees it themselves, you just couldn’t explain the service they provide. They made my mother’s last weeks and days so comfortable and bearable as well as making us feel so much at ease. I’m a great believer in what they do. I do a different charity each year and this year is Cahercalla Community Hospice.”

Donations can be posted via a secure post-box on the gate pier, Gerry informs. The display at Gerry and Carmel’s house will be lit up from 5pm to 10pm each night and people are welcome to call and take pictures with their children.

Gerry and Carmel would like to wish everyone a very happy Christmas and are grateful for any donations that go towards Cahercalla Community Hospice this year.