Hundreds of people gathered at the RDS in Dublin on Christmas Day to enjoy a festive meal and celebrate in the company of others. The event, organized by the Knights of St Columbanus, marked the 99th year of providing a heartwarming Christmas dinner for the homeless and those in need. Over 200 volunteers dedicated their time to ensure that more than 550 guests were treated to a three-course meal, complete with live entertainment and toys for the children.
James Byrne, a regular attendee of the event, expressed his love for the inclusive atmosphere, stating, We are all here to meet people and treat people as we want to be treated. He was joined by his friend Michael McCabe, who highlighted the joy and camaraderie present at the dinner. It’s great fun, and we do get to be on RTÉ and in the papers, McCabe shared.
To make the event accessible to all, free shuttle bus transportation was provided by the Knights of St Columbanus for the guests. Additionally, to accommodate those unable to attend, 5,500 takeaway Christmas dinners and Christmas puddings were delivered to homes with the help of various charitable organizations.
Trevor MacNamara, chairman of the Christmas day dinner committee, emphasized the selflessness of the volunteers, stating, They want to give back during Christmas without expecting anything in return but to bring a smile to those who live without a roof over their heads or the certainty of a stable income.
Anne O’Reilly, a first-time volunteer from Leitrim, described her experience as really super. She explained, I wanted to help because people can be very, very lonely at this time of year, but this is lovely for them. O’Reilly poured beer for the guests with enthusiasm and joy, highlighting the connections and interactions she had with a diverse group of people.
The event at the RDS was a testament to the power of compassion and community, as people came together to support one another during the holiday season. With the Knights of St Columbanus and their dedicated volunteers leading the way, Christmas Day became an opportunity for warmth, friendship, and a shared sense of belonging.
The Knights of St Columbanus provided a true celebration of the spirit of Christmas, where everyone was welcome, and the joy of giving and receiving was shared by all. Their commitment to making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate showcases the true meaning of the holiday season.
