Picture Brendan Gleeson
SANTA revved up his act and abandoned his sleigh for a sidecar and a motorbike escort as he roared up to distribute presents and good cheer in Our Lady of Lourdes community centre in Southill at the weekend.
The jolly jingle bells were, for once, drowned out by the roar of Harleys, Hondas and every kind of bike as members of the Midwest Bikers cub and friends took on the duty of getting Santa to two destinations fast and safely.
More than 100 bikes hit the road, first to Ennis to St Anne’s Special School and then to the Limerick community centre where hordes of eager children gave them a huge welcome.
Helen Barry, secretary of the MC told the Limerick Post that the club has been doing the Santa run for more than 15 years now.
“My Dad, Willie Barry is very involved in organising it. Christmas doesn’t start in our house until after the run,” she said.
The school and the community centre were also commended for doing some of the heavy lifting.
“They organised getting the children there and setting up for the day. They were fantastic in facilitating us to do this,” said Helen.
Santa had his ‘naughty and nice’ book and declared that all the children were in the right book. After hearing their wish lists, he had presents for all and even some sweets to sweeten the day.
“It’s great fun and the members always turn out on good numbers to support it,” said Helen.
