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Munster rugby stars deliver festive joy to Children’s Ark

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3 months ago

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Sofia Hennebry from Ballyneety, Co Limerick, was fittingly decked out in red when she met the Munster Rugby team this week on their visit to the Children’s Ark at UHL.

Munster Rugby players visit the Children’s Ark paediatric unit at University Hospital Limerick, bringing some festive cheer

Gloriame Mbongo Essomdo from Ennis, Co Clare, was delighted to meet her Munster Rugby heroes when the team visited the Children’s Ark at UHL this week.

A delegation from the Munster Rugby team visited the Children’s Ark paediatric unit at University Hospital Limerick, to bring some festive cheer among the young paediatric patients and nursing and medical staff.

It was Christmas come early for the children, who received gifts of signed rugby gear and accessories from the players who spent time chatting and posing for pictures with the young patients, their parents and nursing and medical staff.

Commenting on the festive season at the Children’s Ark, Dr Siobhan Neville, consultant paediatrician, said: “December can be a busy time of year at the Children’s Ark as winter-related respiratory infections increase. While we always do our best to get children well enough in time to celebrate at home with their families, there are always young patients who must spend the festive season in hospital with vaccine-preventable illnesses.


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Adrians Kirsis from Limerick City pictured with the Munster rugby players who paid a special visit to the Children’s Ark at UHL this week.
Adrians Kirsis from Limerick City pictured with the Munster Rugby players who paid a special visit to the Children’s Ark at UHL this week.

“We encourage families to speak to their GP or pharmacist about the free nasal flu vaccine available for anyone between the ages of 2 and 17. It is not too late to get vaccinated. We also hope that parents who are welcoming new babies over the winter months will have their newborns vaccinated against RSV before leaving the maternity hospital.”

She added: “Christmas is still a magical time in the Children’s Ark – we organise a range of seasonal activities and events for children and young people admitted to hospital or attending appointments at this time of year. We’d like to thank all the artists, musicians, sports stars, and other special guests who support us at this special time, and throughout the year.”

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