The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
FAMILIES were reunited amid emotional scenes at Shannon Airport on Monday afternoon.
Heathrow is one of the world’s great hub airports and passengers on the Aer Lingus flight from there had began their journeys in all different corners of the world.
Bridget and Eddie Kenihan from Corbally in Limerick were waiting at the arrivals gate well before the flight arrived and it was a huge day for them. “We’re waiting for our son and daughter in law and our little grand daughter who we haven’t even met yet, they’re coming from Australia,” said Bridget.
Muireann Simons from Belharbour waited with her daughter Orla for another daughter Maeve, who has been based in London for the last two years.
Orla is home from Leeds and another sibling is due to arrive on St Stephen’s Day from Italy. “It’s the first time all the siblings have been together for about four years,” said Orla.
Margaret Drysdale has lived in Doonbeg for 21 years. Originally from Scotland, she was joined by her daughter Jenny at the airport, as she waited for another daughter, Beatrice.
She explained that both her daughters had been supposed to arrive together yesterday, but things hadn’t worked out. “They were both supposed to arrive together yesterday, but one was coming from Iowa and one from Wisconsin and unfortunately Beatrice’s plane was cancelled at the last minute, but we’ll all be together once the plane arrives.”
Once she arrived, Beatrice said it was great to be reunited. “It’s just so nice to be together, especially at Christmas. It’s hard to live so far away.”
Gerry and Liz Broderick from Ennis greeted their daughter Sarah who was coming in from the US. When she arrived to a huge welcome, she had no doubt about what she wanted. “A big fry is what I need now!” she laughed.
Her mother assured her that sausages and rashers were waiting in the fridge and said the family had been “counting the sleeps” till she returned.
Mark Walsh from Cratloe has worked in London for the last six months and will enjoy the next few days. “I’m looking forward to some good food now, a few drinks and to seeing the family.”
Owen Ryan
Owen Ryan has been a journalist with the Clare Champion since 2007, having previously worked for a number of other regional titles in Limerick, Galway and Cork.
