BOOST TO SPIRITS:CHRISTMAS CAME early yesterday for dozens of young flood evacuees in Co Clare when they received a surprise visit from Santa Claus at the hotel where they have been staying.
Ennis Chamber of Commerce president Guy Flouch said: “We are delighted to be able to do this.These families are going through a very difficult time and if this visit by Santa reassures the children in any way, it has been worth it.
“If you saw the look on their faces when they arrived in and found Santa sleeping on the couch. It was really special. We have all to pull together during this tough time and, despite what has happened here, Ennis remains open for business.”
Earlier in the week, in an interview on Newstalkwith presenter Eamon Keane, one Ennis evacuee broke down as she recounted how her eldest child thought Santa would not be able to find them on Christmas night.
Susan Walsh and her family had to leave their home last Friday after rising waters engulfed their house. Susan and her children, seven-week-old Sumaya and Shannon (5), and her husband Patrick were relocated by the Health Service Executive to the West County Hotel in Ennis. A total of 108 people had to be evacuated from their water-logged homes in Ennis last weekend