Clare’s diaspora has begun flying in from across the globe this week, to reunite with loved ones in time for Christmas.
Flights London and Manchester have just touched down at Shannon Airport, which is expecting its busiest festive period in 14 years.
The children of St. John’s National School in Shannon there ,who have been serenading the arrivals lounge of their local international airport with carols since 11:30 this morning.
Over 121,000 passengers are expected to touch down at the Airport this week , which is 17% above the activity of this time last year and is on track to be Shannon’s busiest Christmas since 2009.
Airport Director Niall Kearns says while the Christmas schedule is also of major economic importance , facilitating the reunion of families, friends and couples is the greatest gift that Shannon can give.
Mike and Olive O’Loughlin from Clonlara are among the many waiting for their beloved daughter Aoife who is doing a doctorate in Psychology to return home from Manchester.
They say reuniting at Christmas is the highlight of the year.
Just moment’s later flights from London Heathrow and Manchester touched down and the spark to light joyous scenes was ignited.
Among the hundreds of passengers steaming through the arrival gates of Shannon this lunchtime was Caitríona Cunningham who is home for her first Christmas in four years along with her daughter Daisy.
Ciara is looking forward to an emotional return.
That leaves just one more matter for Shannon Airport to contend with, as a once-off return route to the North Pole has been confirmed for Monday.
Air Traffic Controllers have confirmed that a Mr Clause accompanied by nine reindeer and a sleigh with precious cargo on-board have been permitted to enter Clare airspace on December 25th.
You can listen to the full report below.
