Kingsriver Christmas Party 2022
Neither freezing temperatures nor dense fog could dampen spirits when the Kingsriver Community switched into the Christmas spirit at the weekend.
The Community had the official ‘switching on’ of the lights on their gaily decorated near 25-foot tall Christmas tree on Friday, and the individuals who attend the center, their family and friends enjoyed a party with a difference afterwards.
Former Kilkenny hurling manager, Brian Cody, did the honours and switched on the colourful seasonal lights on a tree that could be seen from miles around. The tree was donated by Kingsriver Maintenance Manager, Seamus Hurley, who grew the elegant pine on his own land. With Social Care Worker, Luke Byrne, as the special guest’s assistant for the event, Mr Cody turned darkness into light, much to the delight of the clapping and cheering party goers.
And right on cue, Santa made a grand entrance, not on a regular sleigh, but on a gaily decorated and illuminated miniature tractor that was in keeping with the rural surroundings of the Community at Ennisnag, Stoneyford.
Chief Operations Officer at Kingsriver, Donna Murphy, thanked Mr. Cody for doing the honours and for being so generous with his time. His arrival for duty was a well-kept secret, but no introductions were needed when people finally realised who was performing the big ‘switch on’.
Afterwards nearly 100 people enjoyed a festive feast in the spacious, seasonally decorated River Room at the Day Care center. The meal was prepared and cooked by the Kingsriver staff.
Seasonal tunes filled the air as a prize laden draw was held afterwards, and while there wasn’t a prize for everyone in the audience, it was close.
The Kingsriver Community was founded in 1986 and has been providing residential and day programmes for people over the age of 18 with a variety of support needs in a community setting.
The Community belief is that a quality life is one where people participate in their community, gain the respect of others, enjoy meaningful relationships, use skills, exercise choices, develop self-esteem and have opportunities to express themselves.
Kingsriver is funded by the HSE and is registered with HIQA as a Registered Provider of residential services.
Enjoying the festive fun at the Christmas party in the Day Care center at the Kingsriver Community Holdings premises in Ennisnag, Stoneyford were (from left) Kevin Collins (director), Tommy Harding and guest of honour, Brian Cody.
Meeting the boss…Callan lads Nathan Dawson (left) and Brian Hartley (right) got to meet former Kilkenny hurling manager, Brian Cody at the Kingsriver Community Holdings Christmas party at the charity’s premises in Ennisnag, Stoneyford.
Glad to meet you…..Paul Dack from Thomastown shares a joke with former Kilkenny hurling manger, Brian Cody, during the Kingsriver Community Holdings Christmas party in the charity’s premises in Ennisnag, Stoneyford.