'The African Voice'

Ireland's No. 1 African newspaper

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Deputy City Mayor acts as Santa Claus at Eglinton Christmas Party

For the second year in succession, the children of the Eglinton enjoyed a fantastic Christmas Party topped off by an extended stay from a gift-bearing and hearty Santa Claus who meet each one individually.Yet again the efforts of the hard-working residents' support committee, supported by the Hotel management, astonished and pleased everyone. There were gift-wrapped presents for each and every young person (from the newly born to the older teenagers); a fantastic selection of food and non-alcoholic drinks served by Carole Raftery & staff; festive wall & ceiling decorations; a disco for all ages with our very own DJ (Chidi); an in-house cinema; a troupe of fun-loving fairies and elves led by a Snow Queen (Karen Winner)and her assistant Suzanne McKane; a huge Christmas Tree at reception; and a children's dance show organised by Natasha Vershinin who also painted many of the resident's faces in the multi-colours of clowns.
But what made the occasion really special was the arrival of the Deputy Mayor of Galway City in the guise of Santa Claus!! Councillor Pádraig Conneely in his fine red attire and white beard looked every inch 'Father Christmas'.
He visited the excited children in their disco room before adjorning to the purpose-built 'Santa's Grotto' where he stayed for 2 hours giving out friendly advice and toys to each and everyone of the young people.
Thanks to the efforts of Eglinton employee Michael & of Brendan, all can enjoy the photographs of this memorable festive event by clicking here

Some members of 'Team Xmas': Back Row (L-R) Maria, Mary McMahon, Isabella, Suzanne McKane,
Front Row (L-R) Adrienne Lynam, Santa Claus (aka Cllr Pádaig Conneely), Helen Ogbu, Maeve Geraghty & Brendan Smith

A Big Thank You (Go raibh míle maith agat = 'Irish') to all the volunteers who gave so much time and effort free of charge that ensured the event was such a wonderful success story...
...the organising committee who did such a brilliant job led by Maeve Geraghty, Carole Raftery, Mary McMahon & Suzanne McKane and including Adrienne Lynam, Brendan Smith, Dmitry, Natasha, Helen Ogbu & Chidi
...Karen Winner & crew, Suzanne & the Friendship Club for all her fantastic inputs (grotto, costumes, games...)
...Carole, Patrick and the staff of the Eglinton for the fine food, drink & so much more...
..Chidi for the music
...Dmitriy for the film show
...Natasha for the face painting
...Dmitriy, Carole & Eglinton staff for the wall/ceiling decorations
...Brendan, Adrienne, Mary, Helen & Maeve for acting as Santa's big helpers on the day
... Maeve, Carole, Natashta for their great work in gift wrapping & acting as Santa's trusty helpers
-Michel & Brendan for the photography
-Murdo for acting as usher
A big hug is due to Maeve Geraghty for securing the financial support from a secret university benefactor without whose funds this party would never have happened.
So we end with a big 'Thank You' to this very nice person!

Gone But Not Forgotten!- Departure of our Lovable Nurse Bríd

Residents & Committee Members Say a 'Big Goodbye!' to Brid (fifth from left hand side holding bouquet)

The residents support committee recently presented a bouquet of flowers and presents to Brid on her last day as the Public Health Nurse in the Eglinton Hotel.
Brid was a wonderful and energetic person who was always prepared to go that extra mile to help those under her care. She has been with us seven months since she took over the position from Helena Heagney last August. Helena was a hard act to follow as she had put so much of her time and energy into making things happen on a social and health level for the residents of the Eglinton. But Brid continued where Helena left off and will be sadly missed by us all.
We wish you a happy and properous future Brid!
She has taken up a nursing post in Ballybane on the eastern side of Galway City and will be replaced by Mary Leahy who recently became a member of Galway City Council on the death of her father Councillor Michael Leahy. Michael was known to many present and former Eglinton residents as he had attended a number of the ceremonies at the Digital Enterprise Research Institute (DERI) when they were presented with certificates for completing their computer courses