Top Irish racing personalities put festive smiles on faces yesterday when they visited Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin.
They all found time ahead of the busy Christmas period to be part of the first visit of its kind to the hospital.
Paul Townend, Donnacha O'Brien, Davy Russell and Rachael Blackmore were among those overwhelmed by the courage and good spirits of the children, their families and the unit’s staff.
Galway-based jockeys’ physio John Butler came up with the idea and he beamed: “Sometimes the most important moments happen off the track and for me this was certainly one of the greatest.”
Champion National Hunt jockey Townend added: “It’s been emotional but very rewarding, what an honour it is to visit these little heroes!”
Others who visited included Mark Walsh, Patrick Mullins, Niall Madden, Aine O’Connor, Donagh Myler, Jody McGarvey, Billy Lee, Gary Halpin, Rory Cleary, Chris Hayes, Kevin Manning, Aidan & Anne Marie O’Brien, Michael Halford, Padraig Roche, Dr Adrian McGoldrick, Paul Quish, David Quinlan, Patrick McCann, Darren Lawlor, Denis Egan, Andrew Coonan and Kevin O’Ryan.
