LAST Friday and Saturday week, the annual Christmas at Crann Experience raised the curtain on the festive season for 60 of the charity’s client families. The organisation, which provides support for adults and children with neuro-physical disabilities and their families, hosted its very own toy show – generously funded by Community Foundation Ireland RTÉ Toy Show Appeal – with volunteer elves and the man in red himself passing out gifts and stocking-fillers from Santa’s Grotto.

The Christmas at Crann event, now in its fifth year, saw the centre’s fully accessible building and playground at Ovens transformed by teams of volunteers from companies including RDJ, Tandem, Dell and Laya. 

More than 150 children from around Munster attended and got involved in making Christmas cookies, designing decorations, face painting and, of course, visiting Santa’s Grotto.

The Dunlea family from Cathedral Road, Dad Mark, Mum Triona with Oscar and Fiadh having fun together at the Crann Experience.

Seven year-old Daithí Murphy had a big week starring on RTÉ’s Nationwide on Wednesday before switching on the Christmas lights across Crann’s winter wonderland on Saturday evening, which were generously sponsored by Greenveldt. Daithí and his family have been availing of services at the Crann Centre since he was three years old as he has cerebral palsy. He has attended a range of services from continence clinics and paediatric occupational therapy to fun, social activities such as Crann’s Breaking Barriers theatre group. Crann’s innovative 2Generation model of care uniquely embraces the whole family so Daithí’s three brothers have also participated in services and activities like SibShop sessions that help them better understand and navigate their experience living with a sibling who has a disability.

Over 800 families across Munster have now availed of Crann’s services, with a 24% increase in referrals this year. Crann is determined to meet community demand for its supports and services for families in 2026.

For more details on how to support or donate to the Crann Centre or to avail of their services visit www.cranncentre.ie